Aspen Colorado’s Former Library to Become a Protected Modern Historic Landmark | Avant Garde Aspen Luxury Real Estate

In a significant step towards preserving Aspen’s architectural heritage, the Aspen City Council has finalized a deal to grant historic designation to the iconic former Pitkin County Library at 120 E. Main St. Designed by renowned architects Fritz Benedict, Herbert Bayer, and Ellen Harland, the building is celebrated as a classic example of Wrightian architecture, a style inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright.

A Building Rooted in Aspen’s History

Built in 1966, the structure originally served as the Pitkin County Library. Its opening ceremony drew notable attendees, including famed journalist Walter Cronkite and former Colorado Governor John Love. While the building ceased operating as a library in 1992, it has remained a key piece of Aspen’s story, housing Design Workshop and other commercial tenants over the years.

Located across from Paepcke Park, the building holds a special place in the hearts of Aspen locals. Many residents fondly recall where the children’s and music sections of the library were located, sparking nostalgia for a bygone era.

Preserving Aspen’s Architectural Legacy

The AspenModern historic designation ensures the building will be protected from demolition or major alterations in perpetuity, safeguarding its unique architectural character for future generations. “If this parcel were to go to the free market and go away, it would be something you can never get back,” said Aspen resident Charlie Tarver during the council meeting.

The structure’s historic significance extends beyond its design. It is one of the few buildings in Aspen attributed to Ellen Harland, one of Aspen’s first female architects, adding another layer of cultural importance.

A Deal That Balances Preservation and Development

In exchange for agreeing to the historic designation—which limits the property’s future development potential—the building’s owners secured several benefits:

1. Transferable Development Rights (TDRs)

   • Owners will receive 10 TDRs, which can be sold on the local market for around $600,000 each. TDRs allow buyers to add 250 square feet of floor space beyond what is entitled on their properties, helping limit the scale of development in Aspen.

2. Workforce Housing Units

   • The owners will be allowed to build two deed-restricted housing units behind the former library.
   • These units, totaling 2,481 square feet, will provide much-needed housing for local workers under the resident-occupied (RO) category, ensuring tenants work full-time in Pitkin County.

3. Additional Rights and Waivers

   • The property owners will enjoy fee waivers, 10 years of vested rights, and allowances for rooftop mechanical installations, paving the way for potential future use of the building as a restaurant.

Community and Council Support

The Aspen City Council worked to balance the property owners’ interests with community needs, particularly housing. Councilman Sam Rose emphasized the importance of affordable housing, stating, “I mostly care about making it affordable housing even if it is RO. Housing is the main issue.”

Mayor Torre praised the agreement, saying, “This is a treasured building for our community. Thank you for participating in the AspenModern program.”

Looking Ahead

The historic designation of the former Pitkin County Library marks a win for both preservation and progress. Aspen continues to prioritize the protection of its architectural legacy while addressing pressing community needs, such as workforce housing.

This move ensures that Aspen’s architectural and cultural history will be celebrated, even as the town evolves to meet modern challenges. As one of Aspen’s most beloved structures, the former library will stand as a testament to the town’s commitment to preserving its past while planning for its future.