On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Gunnison County Board of County Commissioners officially designated Hartman Castle as a County Historic Landmark, recognizing the property’s significant role in the history and development of the Gunnison Valley.

This followed the Gunnison County Historic Preservation Commission’s approval of adding Hartman Castle to the county’s historic registry on February 25th during their regular meeting. Preservation commission member Tristen Coleman made the motion. “I motion to approve the designation of Hartman Castle, with its historical significance being that it represents the work of an important local builder, possesses high artistic value, and exemplifies a significant type of period construction,” Coleman said. “It is associated with a significant person and with significant events and patterns.”

“Hartman Castle represents an important piece of Gunnison County’s history and architectural heritage,” said Jody Reeser, chair of the Gunnison County Historic Preservation Commission. “The commission was proud to recommend this designation because the Castle tells the story of the early people who shaped this valley and the creativity and ambition that defined that era. Historic designation helps ensure that these important places are recognized and protected so that future generations can understand and appreciate the community that came before them.”

What the New Designation Means for the Future of Hartman Castle

The designation comes at a pivotal moment for the property. The Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation, a nonprofit planning to purchase it for renovation, has spent two years building community support for the effort.

“This designation is an incredibly meaningful milestone for our community,” said Pamela Williams, the organization’s president. “People in Gunnison have been talking about saving Hartman Castle for decades, but no foundation had been built—until now. The support has been remarkable, both locally and online. We are deeply grateful to the current owners, Dave and Susie Taylor, for their willingness to work with us. Their partnership has enabled the community to envision a future in which this remarkable building is preserved and shared with the public. This allows us to now proceed with applying for a History Colorado acquisition grant, which is worth up to $250,000, so that’s obviously very important for us.”

Two recent matching grants have brought supporters within reach of completing the purchase. Late last year, Loretta McDonald donated $20,000 as a matching grant, and Williams’ Island Acres Resort Motel contributed an additional $5,000. The organization has also been awarded a $100,000 acquisition grant from Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Tourism (OEDIT) and the Office of Just Transition (OJT). Once the purchase closes, the plan is to transform Hartman Castle into a community gathering place and venue for weddings, reunions, celebrations, and other events.

Preserving Hartman Castle for the Future

County Commissioner Laura Puckett Daniels welcomed the news. “It was very gratifying to see this application come before the Board of County Commissioners. So many people have worked for so many years to protect Hartman Castle, and as a lover of history, I am thrilled to see this dream become a reality and this landmark preserved for the future.”

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