2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the gazebo on the grounds of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (CSPM). To mark this centennial, the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department launched an effort to rehabilitate the structure. The building was originally constructed to serve as a bandstand and comfort station (i.e. restroom) facility. It was designed to complement the 1903 courthouse by architect Thomas P. Barber, who is renowned for having several buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, including St. Mary’s Cathedral and Colorado Springs City Hall, among others. When the El Paso County Courthouse was listed on the National Register in 1972, the gazebo was identified as a contributing feature in that nomination.
This rehabilitation project was undertaken in conjunction with the recently approved master plan for Alamo Square Park and Antlers Park in downtown Colorado Springs. The effort was also part of the community’s sesquicentennial plans. Funding for the project was possible thanks to El Pomar Foundation and voter-approved ballot issue 2B from the 2019 election, which allowed the City to retain $7 million in excess 2018 TABOR revenue for specific park projects. The project also received contributions from CSNA Architects, Bridgers & Paxton and HCDA Engineering.
This project was built on an historic structure assessment completed in 2005. This study identified the following areas as needing the most attention: exterior site drainage, exterior paint and stucco finishes, interior finishes and ventilation, and deteriorating electrical components. The City recently solicited proposals from preservation specialists to evaluate and update these findings as well as to create construction drawings. We are delighted to say that CSNA Architects was selected based on a very generous proposal in which they offered to underwrite nearly 100% of the cost of their services. The firm’s owner, Gregory Friesen, offered to charge a mere $150 in honor of the city’s sesquicentennial. The CSPM and the City of Colorado Springs wishes to thank Gregory and CSNA Architects for their generous support of this important project.
There were no major changes to the historic character of the gazebo, and the work conformed to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Historic Preservation. CSNA Architects created this animated view of the museum building, Alamo Square Park Master Plan elements and the gazebo as part of their project proposal.
Matt Mayberry, CSPM Director and Cultural Services Manager
Matt Mayberry has served as the Cultural Services Manager of the City of Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department and Director of the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum since 2002.