After years of studies, plans and efforts, CAE can finally celebrate the purchase of the former Bergen Park Church to serve Evergreen and the mountain community.

Center for the Arts Evergreen is proud to announce that the future home for the center, which was purchased in October, 2015, has received a Historical Designation from Jefferson County. Part of the building was the original Soda Creek school house which dates back to the late 1880s. The former Bergen Park Church (located on Hwy. 65 in Bergen Park, Evergreen) is a historic structure in Evergreen that was in danger of demolition. The preservation of this building was a compelling reason to choose this the site for the new Center. The historic integrity of the building will remain, but cutting-edge design, technology and function will be the focus of its transformation.

We are proud to have preserved this part of Evergreen’s history. The old school house is only part of the building. The $2 million project will provide CAE a state-of-the-art facility. The Phase I renovation of the existing structure will include a large gallery that can be used for large gatherings; a smaller second gallery, allowing CAE to run two shows simultaneously, two permanent classrooms with storage areas, bathrooms, break room, and offices for staff.

A Phase II addition is planned providing a lower level that opens out to a courtyard for clay, glass and other ‘hot’ arts to be created. The upper level will provide additional ‘clean’ multi-use classrooms. With your financial support, concurrent construction of both Phases would allow us to lower overall project costs.

The Capital Campaign will now shift into high gear to complete the goal of raising $2 million dollars to make the new Center a spectacular facility to continue to serve our community in our exciting future.

Building History

The east section includes a one-room school house which formerly served the Soda Creek area.  The multi-faceted glasswork came from the Lowry Air Force Base Chapel.  Most recently the building served the Bergen Park Free Evangelical Church congregation.

Built of wood frame with sections dating back to the 1920s, the East Section rests on cinder block with floor joists over dirt floor.  The West Section rests on a concrete slab. CAE intends to maintain the exterior façade preserving the historical nature of the structure

New Floor Plan

Phase II consists of a utilitarian 2-story structure to the rear of the main building. It will house ceramics, kilns, and an upper level studio space.  A separate forced air heating system is planned. Construction will be predicated on funding levels and is estimated to commence in early 2016 with completion in early 2017.

The flooring will be replaced with a grade level floor allowing for ADA accessibility.   All electrical and mechanical will be replaced and housed in an adjacent out-building to the rear of the main building. Additionally ADA compliant rest rooms, administrative offices, and a kitchen/food prep area are planned.

(click the image for a close-up)

Preliminary Exhibit Area Concept
Ponzio Family Gallery

The West area is to become the gallery/events area and requires some modification of windows, lighting, and wall treatments.

(old church and new concept shown)

Typical Classroom / Studio Concept
Kee’s Classroom

The Central Section and East Section interiors will be gutted, replacing the existing rooms with an open area which can be converted to three classrooms or gallery space.

(old classrooms and new concept shown)

• Acquisition Cost:  $500,000
• Build Out Cost (Includes Phase II): approximately $1,000,000
• Endowment: $500,000

Note: Excess construction funds will be placed into the endowment for CAE.

In the next several months as we develop construction plans, CAE will share with you the progress of your investment.  We have a long way to go and are roughly half-way to the $1.5 Million we estimate will be required to complete the project.  Your continued financial support and enlisting others to join this worthy cause is deeply appreciated.