Local master stonemasons Frederick & Frank Zugelder built our historic building. Built with the distinctive characteristics of the Italianate style, the building incorporates both local materials, particularly locally quarried stone, with architectural embellishments brought in by the recently arrived railroad. Originally known as the Mechling Block, the building served for nearly a decade as the freight office of the Denver and Rio Grande Railroad and as a European Hotel. Over the years, it has been the home to Gunnison Hardware Company, a clothing store, and a bar & restaurant.

(Source: History Colorado)

The Gunnison Council for the Arts, an all-volunteer organization, was started by a handful of individuals in the back room of a local restaurant. Most of these individuals had been active in Webster Players, a local theater group, which could not find suitable performing venues. A local dance instructor was facing the same dilemma of not having enough space for her classes, resulting in a new partnership.

The volunteer group was officially incorporated as the Gunnison Council for the Arts and hosted a membership drive, recruiting 75 community members.

The Gunnison Council for the Arts leased one of the community’s oldest buildings from First National Bank of Gunnison to house most of their activities, including an art gallery, a 72-seat theater for drama and music, special exhibitions, and a variety of classes. 

The Gunnison Council For the Arts became the Gunnison Arts Center, a nonprofit 501(c)3 community arts organization.

The Gunnison Arts Center, through the support of community members, foundations, and philanthropists, purchased the historic building on 102 South Main Street, the current home of the Gunnison Arts Center.