Release Date: July 20, 2022

Historic Renovations Underway in Downtown Longmont

For Immediate Release, July 20, 2022

Longmont, Colorado - A new project in downtown Longmont will embrace historic charm mixed with modern amenities, thanks to a local Longmont resident and real estate investor who has purchased and begun renovating buildings at 350, 356, & 356 ½ Main Street.

Long-time Longmont resident Greeley Sachs, who has a background in construction management, purchased the buildings with the goal of updating the building façades, restoring original details, improving the overall condition of the buildings, and installing ADA compliant restrooms, all in an effort to attract new local businesses to Main Street.

Sachs chose Form+Works Design Group based in Denver to serve as the architect for the project. Natalie Lord, principal of Form+Works, has a long history of renovating historic buildings throughout the United States. Lord is affiliated with renovations at the Colorado State Capitol, including the roof and skylights and the Old Supreme Court, and similar Main Street projects including the Lamar Main Cafe and the Herald Democrat building in Leadville. Form + Works specializes in Historic Preservation architecture.

“We are so excited to help restore the former beauty of these buildings. Longmont has a wonderful Main Street, and some unfortunate renovations really did a disservice to the appearance of these buildings.” writes Lord. “The first-floor spaces will celebrate their historic decorative pressed metal ceilings and the storefronts will be recreated with their original full height glass with transom windows above. The second-floor office space will remove the dropped ceiling and the windows will be brought back to their original full height. Ms. Sachs has a vision to reactivate these spaces with a great mixed-use project. The spaces will have modern amenities all while celebrating the surviving historic fabric.”

In phase one of the project, it has been determined that the mural along the south face of 350 Main Street must be removed in the next week or two to address water damage that has been deteriorating the buildings. “We wish we were able to preserve the mural on the south wall of 350 Main Street, but after years of water being trapped under the surface of the stucco, we have no choice but to remove the mural to preserve the building.” says Sachs. “Our goal is to honor artist Gamma Acosta and the people featured in the mural through informational signs along the breezeway.” The beloved grizzly bear sculpture at the entrance to the breezeway, part of the Art in Public Places collection with the City of Longmont, will be able to stay in place.

“We are thrilled to see this type of investment in the historic core of Downtown”, said Kimberlee McKee, Executive Director of the Longmont Downtown Development Authority (LDDA). “This project restores the charm of these downtown Longmont historic buildings and provides a revitalized space for local businesses and entrepreneurs to get established in our community.”

Coda Construction has been selected as the general contractor for the buildings. Coda Construction specializes in commercial construction with a prominent background in renovations of large office, medical, restaurant, and retail spaces.

“We are excited to be renovating these buildings and making them safe, attractive, and functional for today’s businesses. We are thrilled to be part of this transformation of downtown Longmont’s historic Main St.” write Coda Construction owners Mark Stratton and Jennifer Byrden.

350 Main Street is the former location of Jensen’s Guitars, which moved two doors north last year to 360 Main Street, which is also owned by Sachs. “I am happy that Jensen’s was able to stay on Main Street. One of my goals was to provide a place for them to move so they can remain a part of the Longmont Creative District and our community.” says Sachs.

350 Main Street will be converted to a restaurant space and 356 Main Street will be a renovated retail storefront. 356 1/2 Main Street (upstairs) will also be fully renovated with the addition of an elevator, updated restrooms, original window and ceiling heights, and high-quality office space on the second floor. Sachs doesn’t yet have tenants signed up for the spaces but is discussing the best use for each space with the LDDA. “I’m hopeful that improving these buildings will enhance the positive changes we’ve seen in Longmont in the past few years.”

Contact: Greeley Sachs 303-883-9156