The Depot Project Update

A dedicated home and year-round facility has been an interest of TSRC for many years. In 2016, the TSRC Strategic Planning Working Group (SPWG) evaluated our former plans to develop a 30,000 square foot facility on a lot “donated” by the Town of Telluride. This project had been estimated to cost between $20M-$30M. The SPWG recommended the release of the lot back to the Town for the following reasons: (1) the building is too big for our needs; (2) hesitance when considering whether TSRC could expand programming enough to keep the facility year-round and still stay true TSRC's brand; (3) uncertainty about the ability of TSRC to raise $30M; and (4) questions concerning the possibility that the new space may not possess the same feel that our scientists have valued.

Per this guidance from the SPWG, TSRC has now waived its right to pursue the Agreement-to-Lease with the Town of Telluride.

Why does TSRC need a facility? What will a dedicated facility accomplish?

Each year, TSRC workshop programming grows. Meanwhile, our leasing period at the schools has shortened to seven weeks, and so we have been forced to host more scientists per week than is optimal. Currently, we host up to nine workshops and 225 scientists per week. In order to preserve the scientist experience that TSRC is known for and reduce the amount of lodging required by TSRC each week, the SPWG recommended that we limit the number of workshops each week to six with up to 150 scientists in total. Reducing the number of scientists each week will help to us to offer more affordable lodging options.

In 2017, the Ah Haa School for the Arts was preparing to negotiate the purchase of a 10,000 square-foot space in a new building when they approached TSRC about purchasing their current home in the 6,500 square-foot Historic Telluride Depot. The TSRC Staff and Board believe that the Depot is a perfect fit for our needs. It possesses the sense of place that inspires creativity and facilitates collaboration while being small enough to be affordable and utilized on a year-round basis.

The Depot renovation and restoration design creates three new programming rooms while retaining the large “Gallery” as a place for eating and socializing (restoration plans). With the new facility, TSRC would lengthen its current 7-week, 50-workshop season which runs from mid-June to the end of July to a longer summer season stretching from mid-May to late August. For five weeks during the summer, TSRC would also rent three rooms at the Elementary School (two blocks away) to accommodate six workshops per weeks for just five weeks. The weekly picnic would be held every week at the Depot.

During September and October and then over January, February, and March, TSRC hopes to host one workshop per week. In 2018, we will have hosted four workshops during these times of year. The fall and winter are quieter times of year in Telluride and provide a perfect atmosphere for workshops along with less lodging pressure.

Throughout the year, unused programming rooms will be made available to other nonprofits in the community, with a priority given to organizations that promote science & technology, STEM education, and innovation.

Fundraising to purchase and renovate the Depot is going very well. Over a five-month period from last fall to early winter 2018, TSRC raised $2.3M in donations and pledges designated for the purchase and renovation of the Telluride Depot. The complete project will cost approximately $8M. Financial contributions from our scientists are very meaningful to both small and large donors as they represent our scientists' support for the project. TSRC’s board members have contributed almost $450K to the capital campaign. The vast majority of pledges have come from local “Founders Circle” members of the community who have committed to $100K over a four-year period. These donors are thrilled to have TSRC in the community, and they hope that a permanent home will promote more interaction between our scientists and the community. It is our hope that we can give back to Telluride in honor of their great generosity.

Thank you to all the scientists who have already donated to the effort. If you would like to give, please send a check to TSRC, PO Box 2429, Telluride CO 81435 or donate online on TSRC's GoFundMe site.