Historic Carnegie Renovation

Honoring a historic landmark while creating an inclusive home for arts, culture, and community engagement.

Originally constructed in 1903 as Fort Collins’ Carnegie Library, this historic building has been thoughtfully transformed into the Center for Creativity — a vibrant community destination dedicated to arts, education, and cultural enrichment. The project balanced the preservation of the building’s historic character with the modernization necessary to support its new role as a dynamic public gathering space.

Saunders worked closely with the project team to protect and celebrate the structure’s architectural heritage while implementing significant upgrades to ensure its long-term viability. Improvements included structural and mechanical enhancements, accessibility upgrades, and the integration of modern technologies focused on sustainability, functionality, and user experience.

Today, the Center for Creativity serves as a flexible venue for artists, performances, workshops, classes, meetings, and special events. As part of the City of Fort Collins’ commitment to fostering a thriving local arts community, the facility provides an affordable and accessible space where creativity can flourish. The renovation also brought the building into full ADA compliance, ensuring community members of all abilities can participate in and enjoy the programs and events hosted within this historic landmark.

This project received the 2024 ACE Award for Best Building Project Under $10 Million from Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Colorado.