Urban Neighborhoods Inc. and RedLine Art Center of Denver announce their open house event for the East Street School in Trinidad, CO on Saturday, May 7th, 1:00-3:00 PM.
Trinidad, Colorado – The rehabilitation of East Street School will offer a live/work community of simple living spaces where shared resources and experiences create a supportive environment for artists of all disciplines. The re-imagined East Street School is designed to foster a network of creative excellence where artists can continue to grow personally and professionally.
Perched on the hillside less than a mile from town center, the school was originally built in 1919 for Trinidad’s growing school-age population. The renowned and prolific local architecture firm of Isaac H. Rapp and William M. Rapp designed the building employing innovative trends in school design that became popular after World War II. Unlike the multi-storied, or “stacked” configuration of previously constructed schools in Trinidad, the architects applied a new approach inspired by educational buildings in California. The “sprawling layout” configured ten classrooms across one level. The school’s flat-roofed design with decorative brickwork, parapets, and multi-light windows are characteristic of the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century.
The distinctive brick building with twelve-foot-high ceilings and large windows was listed on the National Register in 2007. Its “U-shaped” plan allows for abundant natural light and an open courtyard for shared gardens and outdoor gatherings. Taking advantage of the existing classrooms and activity rooms, Architect Paul Glenn of Durango-based PSTM Architecture, has adapted the historic spaces to support a mix of creative, commercial and community uses. Facilitated by Arc Valley Construction of Pueblo, the rehabilitation covers 23,000 square feet across two levels. The main level includes 11 living units, a café space, and a multipurpose rental space for classes and events in the former assembly hall. The lower level will house 4
living units, 7 artist studio rentals, and a culinary arts space in the former cafeteria.
East Street School is designed to be a place where residents can collaborate, engage with the community and access beautiful southern Colorado with historic Trinidad providing an inspiring backdrop. On-site management of the facility will be led by RedLine whose mission is to foster education and engagement between artists and communities to create positive social change. RedLine operates two similar artist collectives in Denver. Under the leadership of Louise Martorano, Director of RedLine, official move-in and opening is planned for Fall 2022. Prospective tenants are invited to attend as well as former East Street School students to come and share their memories of the school. For more information and inquiries see,
Join us at the Open House:
Saturday May 7th, 2022
1:00 – 3:00
919 Park Street Trinidad, CO 81082
Contact: Sara Hubbard
Urban Neighborhoods Inc.
sara@danacrawford.net
303.892.1888
Cover photo credit: PSTM Architecture