Grant matching now available for preservation of Hartman Castle

The two-year long effort to save one of Gunnison’s original homestead buildings, known as the Hartman Castle, moves closer to reality and lovers of history and preservation have an opportunity to join the momentum, according to a press release issued this week.

The release states that Loretta McDonald has donated a $20,000 matching grant and anyone who donates between now and the end of 2025 will have their donation matched.

“I donate to a number of causes my family cares about, but helping save Hartman Castle is near and dear to my heart because of our history in the Gunnison Country. My husband went to college at Western and my kids did too. We’ve always thought of this area as our home away from home. It’s an incredibly special place,” said McDonald.

If the entire $40,000 is donated, the Hartman Castle Preservation nonprofit will be more than three-quarters (83%) of the way to purchasing the building, listed at $675,000. The nonprofit estimates it will need $50,000 additional for closing costs, start-up expenses, insurance, emergency repairs and utilities. Since its founding in 2023 the volunteer Hartman Castle preservation team has only incurred $13,000 in expenses.

McDonald added: “The castle is truly a unique historic building and represents such an interesting rags-to-riches early Gunnison story. I feel like my contribution will have a lasting impact, because the community will be using this venue long into the future. 

There is no better way to give to a community that’s been such an important part of our lives.” 

In addition to McDonald matching grant, the current owners of the property, Dave and Susie Taylor, have agreed to list the 1894 castle on the local historical register, followed by listings on the Colorado and national registries.

“This is exciting progress toward preservation and will allow us to apply for a History Colorado Acquisition Grant of up to $250,000,” explained Pam Williams, the board president of the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation. If awarded the full amount, the nonprofit will be able to complete the purchase without borrowing any funds. The grant timeline has extended the closing of the sale until summer 2026.

“After our team met with Jody Reeser, chairperson of the Gunnison County Historic Commission and learned more about the application process, our volunteer Patty Dowd Schmitz has started on the acquisition grant,” Williams said.

Williams said Hartman Castle has long captured the imagination of residents and visitors alike. “The Hartman Castle Preservation project will turn that fascination into reality. A restored Castle will be a real asset for our local economy, our community, and will add to our quality of life. We’re encouraging folks to support the preservation efforts and receive possible tax benefits for 2025.”