Adaptive Sports Center looks to break ground for new building

$2 million from DDA, PUD application looking good

By Aimee Eaton

The Adaptive Sports Center is two steps closer to building its new Kelsey Wright Building in the base area of Mt. Crested Butte. The building will be a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically to enhance and improve the ASC’s programming and mission.

The project, and the subsequent fundraising and planning, have been in the works for nearly two years, and last week the Mt. Crested Butte Downtown Development Authority granted $2 million to the building’s construction. The money will come as $500,000 over the course of four years, and $1 million of the total must be matched by the ASC before the summer of 2018.

“The DDA thought that we’re a great marquee project to put their stamp on and felt like we’re very much in line with their mission in bringing more vibrancy to the downtown area,” said ASC executive director Chris Hensley. “Their commitment definitely puts us in a position where we can break ground in the spring.”

The DDA money brings the total amount raised by the ASC for the new building to $11.4 million and puts the organization within $1 million of its final fundraising goal. It also brings the ASC closer to being able to build the structure without accruing debt on the project.

“The DDA board believes this is a very worthwhile project that will provide a significant boost to the base area,” said DDA chairman Gary Keiser. “With our support the project is very close to becoming a reality.”

Less flashy than a $2 million commitment, but no less important, the ASC’s plans for the new building have entered into the Mt. Crested Butte Planned Unit Development (PUD) application process.

The ASC submitted its application to the town on October 16, and the community development department found the “application to be substantially complete,” said Todd Carroll, community development coordinator for Mt. Crested Butte. A public hearing related to the PUD application will be held in front of the Mt. Crested Butte Planning Commission November 22.