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November 28, 2014 VOLU M E 1 3 | I SS UE 4
ParkerChronicle.net A publication of
D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
DCSD rejoins state group Daniel Dilley, left, who owns Vehicle Vault with his wife, Erin, rearranges some of the classic cars with an employee. Photos by Chris Michlewicz
Vehicle Vault a lock for car lovers New Parker museum is open to the public By Chris Michlewicz
cmichlewicz @coloradocommunitymedia.com A walk through Vehicle Vault is like a walk through history. The inaugural piece of what could become a community cornerstone in Parker opened to the public late last month, offering the first glimpse at a collection of cars that would make Jay Leno weep. More than two years in the making, Vehicle Vault combines enthusiasm for automobiles with safety and security. The first building is the museum, which was designed to provide a lesson in the “history of cars,” said Greg Masinton, who handles media relations for Vehicle Vault. The walls depict scenes from different eras. One has a Main Street look, another is an open road. There is even an old filling station hut, complete with old oil cans. The music shuffles between classics radio songs. From the 1906 horseless carriage that greets visitors to a fanciful 1937 Cord to a rare 1954 Mercedes Gullwing to a Ferrari f430 Scuderia 16M, the museum contains roughly two-thirds of a collection owned by Vehicle Vault founders Erin and Daniel Dilley. The recent Parker transplants had a need for adequate storage, and conducted research that indicated demand in the area for a garage to keep high-end vehicles. In future phases beginning in the spring, Vehicle Vault will construct 12 buildings containing 120 garage spaces for local collectors. They will have a sophisticated security system, concierge service and washing stations. Aside from storage, Vehicle Vault will become a gathering place, where car enthusiasts can swap tips and secrets “All we care about is building a community,” Daniel Dilley said. Each car in the museum has a story. The museum follows a chronological progres-
Daniel Dilley, who owns Vehicle Vault with his wife, Erin, talks about collecting cars from different eras to round out the museum.
Alongside other classic beauties, a rare Mercedes Gullwing stretches its wings in the museum.
School district’s membership in CASB can be mutually beneficial, director says By Jane Reuter
jreuter @coloradocommunitymedia.com The Colorado Association of School Boards’ director successfully appealed to the Douglas County School Board to rejoin his organization. The board voted 5-2 during its Nov. 18 meeting to renew membership with CASB, a relationship it severed in 2010. Board members then said DCSD’s inhouse staff already provided the services offered by CASB, without the $23,000 membership fee. But several said they now believe CASB can help Douglas County with school financing and other issues that likely will be debated during the next Colorado legislative session. “I think the benefits of membership could be summarized (in the words) of Benjamin Franklin: ‘If we don’t hang together, we’ll hang separately’,” said board member Craig Richardson, citing concerns about state education funding. Board members Judi Reynolds and Meghann Silverthorn voted against the idea, saying they’re not certain CASB membership will benefit the district. Reynolds’ and Silverthorn’s hesitation, initially expressed during the board’s Oct. 21 meeting, prompted the board to invite CASB director Ken DeLay to the November meeting. DeLay said he sees mutual benefit to DCSD rejoining the association, noting that the two entities are working toward common goals that including waivers from some state requirements. DeLay also said that other member districts could benefit from learning about Douglas County’s education initiatives. DCSD continues on Page 7
Vehicle Vault, a sprawling museum and events center near Lincoln Avenue and Twenty Mile Road, opened to the public in late October. The museum contains rare, classic cars and exotic customs. sion of cars from different eras. Some are rare, some are all-original, some have undergone perfect restorations. A handful were even acquired so certain decades and countries would be represented. Just like the customized Mustang “Eleanor” in
the movie “Gone in 60 Seconds,” each car has been named. Looking around, Daniel Dilley estimates that the museum is roughly 80 percent complete. Still, it’s good to at least be shifted into “drive.” “It still feels like a dream,” he said. “It still doesn’t feel like it’s real.” Vehicle Vault, 18301 Lincoln Meadows Parkway, hosts “Cars and Coffee” from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of each month, and will host all different types of events, from corporate meetings to weddings. For more information, call 720-883-6518 or email info@vehiclevaultco.com.
HOURS OF OPERATION 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday. The Gallery is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission Rate: Adults - $12
Seniors (65 and over) - $10 Military and first responders - $10 Children (3-12) - $8 Children under 3 are free
School board member Meghann Silverthorn talks with CASB director Ken DeLay during a break in the Douglas County School Board’s Nov. 18 meeting. Photo by Jane Reuter