The historic and loved Pulliam Community Building will celebrate with a ribbon-cutting and chance to tour the building with a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 1-3 p.m.
The Pulliam Community Building was constructed during the Great Depression with Works Progress Administration support and the generosity of D.T. and Lillian Pulliam. Since opening its doors in 1939, it has served as Loveland’s central gathering space for celebrations, culture and civic life. After decades of service, the Pulliam underwent a full renovation to restore accessibility, safety and modern amenities. The spaces now include the Gullikson Banquet Room, FNBO Conference Suite and Rehme Ballroom. From the intricate ceiling details in the auditorium to the period-style lighting and wood finishes, the team prioritized maintaining the building’s original charm while incorporating modern functionality. One of the largest restoration and replication efforts focused on the ballroom.
This work included repairing and refinishing the original historical wood floors, restoring, and modernizing the stage with an ADA-compliant lift and installing new lighting and production equipment. Crews also restored the original wood doors and replicated the historical trim surrounding them. Additional improvements included installing a new roof and repairing or replacing the interior inset panels of the Lamella roof over the auditorium, one of the few remaining wood Lamella roofs in the country. The ballroom now features custom replica lighting fixtures designed in the 1930s Art Deco style, modernized with energy-efficient LED technology, and built to meet current energy and code standards. Currently, the City of Loveland is unable to open the Pulliam Community Building balcony to the public, as it does not yet meet current building code or ADA accessibility standards.
Restoring and upgrading a nearly century-old structure presented challenges in blending historical preservation with modern building standards. Balancing structural integrity, accessibility upgrade, and preservation of architectural details required careful coordination among engineers, architects and preservation specialists.
Construction on the Pulliam Community Building began in 2019 and was delayed with repairs and renovations due to funding. Groundbreaking construction was conducted on Feb. 22, 2024. The Pulliam Community Building has been under construction for 20 months, transforming the iconic venue into a revitalized space ready to serve Loveland residents for decades to come. Guided by the City of Loveland and the Pulliam Community Building Foundation, this landmark will once again welcome meetings, performances, community celebrations and weddings.
Guests attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony will experience Pulliam’s new energy-efficient mechanical systems, upgraded heating and cooling, new kitchen appliances and a full suite of modern AV technology, including integrated internet, monitors, stage lighting and a professional sound system. Outside, visitors will notice new landscaping, a marquee sign, steel canopies and a flagpole marking the building’s renewed presence in downtown Loveland. Additionally, visitors will have an opportunity to view all conference and meeting rooms, as well as rental information.
The Pulliam Community Building restoration and upgrade project was made possible through key funding sources. In 2023, the project received a $1,000,000 federal grant through Congressman Neguse’s office. Additional support came from the City’s General Fund, with allocations in 2022 and 2023 totaling $7,216,984, and a $1 million donation from the Pulliam Community Building Foundation and an additional grant of $326,010 for HVAC work. With a total of $9,542,994 to date, the project was able to bring a 1939 building to modern ADA standards and uses for a community space.
The historic Pulliam Community Building offers three distinctive rental spaces, from an intimate conference suite to a banquet room and a grand ballroom, each with modern amenities in a beautifully restored setting. Visit www.lovgov.org/pulliam for more information about rental rates, space descriptions and to request a reservation online.
