Investing in Creativity: The Space to Create at Grand Lake
A transformative vision is taking shape in downtown Grand Lake—one that blends housing, heritage, and hands-on creativity. The newly redesigned Grand Lake Space to Create will include nine live/work residential rental units with optional commercial storefronts, along with a vibrant 3,000-square-foot Maker Space dedicated to fueling artistic expression and economic opportunity. More than just a building, this visionary facility will become the home of the Grand Lake Creative District and a cornerstone partnership with the Town of Grand Lake. It will feature dynamic class programming from the Rocky Mountain Folk School, the Rocky Mountain Wooden Boat School, and the Cowboy Trades Association.
At its core, makerspace honors and preserves Western heritage through classes in woodworking, leatherworking, fiber arts, and traditional crafts. The space provides critical infrastructure for year-round programming, enriching the lives of locals and visitors alike through skill-sharing and creative exploration. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned artisan, the Maker Space will be a welcoming place to create, connect, and grow.
Designed with inclusivity and accessibility in mind, Space to Create will support intergenerational learning, creative workforce development, and rural revitalization. With plans for scholarships, community events, and expanded arts programming, it will serve as a vital anchor in Grand Lake’s evolving creative economy. Most importantly, it directly addresses the shortage of dedicated creative live/work spaces in the region—transforming a long-standing need into a bold opportunity.
A Development by the Grand Lake Creative District and the Town of Grand Lake
9 live/work workforce rental units with optional commercial storefronts
3,000-square-foot community Maker Space
Total Project Cost: $7.5 million
Project Funders as of June 2025:
Colorado Creative Industries, Colorado Department of Local Affairs, The Boettcher Foundation, Gates Family Foundation, Freeport-McMoRan Foundation, Rocky Mountain Wooden Boat School, Town of Grand Lake, Grand Lake Creative District—and generous private donors who believe in the power of creativity to shape the future.
For leasing information and project updates, please sign up here: forms.gle/Ty6bkYJdETbvauqH9
Support the Final Phase of Space to Create Grand Lake
We’re in the home stretch of our $7.5 million campaign to bring affordable housing and a vibrant makerspace to downtown Grand Lake—and every donation makes a difference.
Whether you’re able to give $25 or $25,000, your support brings us closer to creating a thriving year-round creative community.
Want to leave a lasting legacy? We also have special naming opportunities available for major gifts, including:
Residences ($100,000)
Makerspace ($200,000)
Community Conference Room in the Makerspace ($75,000)
Patio/Plaza/Common Areas ($75,000)
Boardwalk sections (2 available at $50,000 each)
Workshop areas in the Makerspace:
Cowboy Trades ($25,000)
Personalized Branded Horseshoe in the plaza ($5,000)
(includes an optional metal workshop to design your own!)
Reserved:
Fire Pit
Boat Building Workshop
RM Folk School Workshop
Every dollar helps bring this space to life.
To secure a naming opportunity, please contact DiAnnButler at dbutler@co.grand.co.us after submitting your pledge.
