The City of Greeley is preparing to bid farewell to its iconic City Hall, located at 1000 10th St, as it will soon be demolished to make way for the Downtown Civic Campus Project. To commemorate this significant moment in the city’s history, farewell events will take place on February 20 and 21, 2026, inviting the community to participate in a final tribute to the building.
On Friday, from 10 a.m. to noon, the city will host a gathering featuring light food and beverages. Attendees will receive a commemorative coin, available while supplies last. This event is free and does not require a reservation. The following day, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., a smaller, informal open house will be held for former employees to revisit the building before its closure to the public.
Originally constructed as the United Bank of Greeley in 1967, the building was designed by architect Marvin Knedler after bank president Norman Dean purchased the land. The bank opened its doors in 1968 and was noted for its unique round design, featuring six drive-up windows—an innovative feature at the time.
According to Aimee Freeland, a communications specialist who has worked at City Hall for over 21 years, the circular layout fostered a close-knit environment among employees. She stated, “There’s something to be said about being in a round building. You get to know people because there are no hallways or corners.” This sense of community has made City Hall feel like a second home for many current and former staff members.
In 1987, the City of Greeley purchased the building for $1.57 million, equivalent to approximately $2.83 million today when adjusted for inflation. Since its acquisition, City Hall has served as the heart of local governance, with the Greeley City Council meeting in its basement, which features murals in the window wells.
As the building nears its end, the city anticipates around 150 attendees for the farewell events, which will include a ceremonial flag removal, interactive memory boards, and speeches from Mayor Dale Hall and Annette Jaehn, Director of Historic Greeley Inc. Jaehn had previously advocated for the building’s designation as a historical landmark, which was ultimately denied by the City Council in December 2025.
The closure of City Hall marks a transition for Greeley, as city services will relocate to 1200 11th Ave on February 25, 2026. From that date, services such as utility billing assistance and water utility payments will continue at the new location.
Betsy Kellums, City Historic Preservation Planner, remarked, “City Hall is more than just the round building on 10th Street; it’s a beacon of history. This celebration honors its rich past and the enduring dedication to public service it symbolizes, while eagerly looking forward to embracing future growth and community engagement.”
The decision to demolish City Hall was made in conjunction with plans for the Downtown Civic Campus, which aims to enhance public spaces in Greeley. The building’s repair costs, including asbestos removal and HVAC replacement, were estimated at $33 million, leading officials to prioritize redevelopment. Under the new project, the site will serve as a temporary parking lot for up to 200 vehicles.
As Greeley prepares for this significant change, the farewell events provide an opportunity for the community to reflect on the memories and history associated with City Hall, while looking forward to the future developments in their city.
