THE NEW CARBONDALE CLAY CENTER
The New Carbondale Clay Center
The Carbondale Clay Center will remain at its existing historic location on the east end of Main Street in Carbondale, Colorado. The new facility, designed by local firm CCY Architects, will greatly increase the ability to meet the community’s interest in the ceramic arts by providing:
• A large, flexible classroom to accommodate more students
• Distinct maker space for members with 24/7 access
• Three times as many rental studios
• Five times as many rental shelves for members
• Larger community gathering spaces
• Additional outreach programs
• ADA access
• Separate offices and permanent retail and gallery spaces
The new building will double or even triple CCC’s footprint. It has been meticulously designed for the specific process of ceramic making and occupant comfort. The proposed building systems are simple with a flexible configuration to maximize space and accommodate future expansion and growth.
From Main Street, large windows will welcome passers-by to connect with the gallery, gift shop, and creative workspaces. The building’s signature feature is a sawtoothed clerestory roof. The south-facing façade will offer opportunities for solar with north-facing glazing to provide uniform, natural daylight to both the second story artist studios as well as the classrooms on the ground floor. Large, glazed garage doors and the double-height volume of the classrooms promotes an expansive, open feeling and connection to the outdoors.
Public access from both Main Street and the Rio Grande Trail will encourage pedestrian and bicycle traffic, fostering community engagement. A rooftop deck, overlooking Main Street and the valley, will offer surrounding town views, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty. It will also provide the public with an engaging social venue.
The Carbondale Clay Center motto, “Keep Carbondale Dirty,” is celebrated by our members and our town. In the same vein, CCY’s design for its expansion will blend authenticity with innovation to create an approachable and dynamic center that resonates with the local creative community.
Architectural and Development Team
Our dedicated project team lives, works, and volunteers throughout the Roaring Fork Valley. They share a fundamental belief that enduring and responsible design enhances community and elevates life experiences.
CCY Architects, a locally and nationally celebrated architecture firm, has been selected to design the Carbondale Clay Center’s new facility. The design team includes CCY architect Will Young, who is also a practicing ceramicist and longtime member of the Carbondale Clay Center, along with CCY Partner Todd Kennedy and designer Katie Bauer. At each stage of the initial design, CCY has been actively engaging the entire CCC board, staff, and select stakeholders. They are fully committed to capturing the essence of the Carbondale Clay Center’s character in their design.
KL&A Engineers and Builders is a leading provider of structural engineering, civil engineering, construction management, and built sustainability services. With an office in Carbondale, KL&A has extensive experience in the Roaring Fork Valley, having successfully completed numerous projects in collaboration with partners CCY Architects.
For a comprehensive view of floorplans and renderings, visit CCY Architects online at ccyarchitects.com/work/carbondale-clay-center
CAMPAIGN CABINET
Paul Mersky, Co-Chair
Lori Dresner, Co-Chair
Chase Carter
Doug Casebeer
Sam Harvey
Nancy Lovendahl Alleghany Meadows
Rebecca Mirsky
Sara Ransford
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Paul Mersky, President
Jeff DeBolt, Treasurer
Cate Tallmadge, Secretary
Lori Dresner, Board Advisor
Ted A. Behar
Bert Furmansky, M.D.
Claire Green
Ann Harris, Ph.D.
Sam Harvey
Susan Muenchen
FOUNDER
Diane Kenney
Michael Stranahan, Founding Benefactor
970.963.2529