Durango-based developer Jeremy Nelson focuses on three “Rs” — repair, restoration and reactivation. With these goals in mind, the historic Lowell School has become a community hub for retail shops, classes, nonprofit office spaces, a taproom and more.

Nelson’s vision is coming to fruition now that all 12 of the former classrooms, as well as the principal’s office, have been leased. Additionally, the property has hosted a number of special events, including film showings, a theater performance and pet adoptions. A Happy Little Rescue dog adoption event is scheduled for April and May. Artists and nonprofits can reserve the lawn for free, says Nelson.

Built in 1925, the century-old Lowell building was first used as an elementary school, before becoming R-5 High School from 1971 to 2015. Located at 310 7th St., on the edge of downtown Grand Junction, the Lowell building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Lowell School project is a publicprivate partnership between Nelson’s company REgeneration Development and Grand Junction’s Downtown Development Association. “It’s no longer a school but open to the public,” says Nelson. He explains that there’s public seating on the first floor, and in the hallway you’ll find tables and chairs, a sofa, two pianos and a little free library.

Nelson’s inspiration comes from similar school-to-public marketplace conversions, like the Smiley Building in Durango, the Ivywild School in Colorado Springs and the McMenamins Kennedy School in Portland, Oregon.

Gemini Beer Company moved its taproom into the largest classroom in late February 2023. Owner Chris Dutton renovated the space, adding his own artwork and craftsmanship — wood cutouts of mountains and ravens are on one wall, while chandeliers made from old barrel loops hang from the ceiling. A chalkboard lists current beers on tap. Dutton designs all the beers, which are crafted by host brewers and rotated on a regular basis.

On Turntable Tuesdays, you can bring a record — any music will do — to play on Gemini’s record player from 3-9 p.m. and receive a free beer. On Wednesdays every beer is $5. Test your knowledge on Trivia Thursdays by forming teams of two to six players for a chance to win gift cards or a free flight of beers.

Near Gemini’s taproom is the Mesa County Democrats office, one of two nonprofits currently leasing space in the Lowell building. Stop by their office to donate time or money, pick up a yard sign or talk with someone about current events.

At Blue Heron Gourmet Spices, you’ll find all kinds of organic and fair trade spices, coffee beans, loose-leaf teas and tea and spice blends created in-house by owner Noreen JuarezAlexander.

Blue Heron additionally carries various salts, such as black truffle, smoked cherry or black lava sea salt from Hawaii. Plus, you’ll find essential oils, extracts and whole vanilla beans to make your own vanilla extract. Come browse the shop and stay for tea. Tables and chairs inside the shop are set with lovely teapots and cups where you can sit and enjoy any type of tea or the coffee of the week.

Down the hall is Hartmann Farmhouse Apothecary, a new tenant set to open in March. Owner Dara Hartmann sells honey from her bees, and uses both honey and wax to make soaps, lotion bars, lip balms and other bath and body products.

“I wanted a space where I could make [the products] and do classes; people have been asking for soap-making classes,” explains Hartmann. “The old school building caught my attention. I came in and looked and thought it was perfect.”.

While there are currently no indoor cafes, Dango Burrito Food Truck is parked on the property four to five days a week with often a second food option from a rotating roster of food trucks. You can bring food and drink into the hallway, Gemini or enjoy them at one of the picnic tables on the front lawn.

Raw Canvas Tattoos, who moved in November 2021, has a studio on the second floor — a more private space than their former location on Main Street, where passersby often stopped to watch through the window while tattoo artists worked on their human canvases.

Of Dirt and Wildflowers — a creative space to grow and bloom — is also located upstairs. Owner Kylee Marshall offers art classes, development workshops, journaling courses and a variety of unique items for sale such as jewelry, art, candles, paintings, dried flowers, hats and body care items. Marshall includes items in her shop from seven female artists and creators.

Two different art studios reside on the second floor — ArtLight Therapy & Studios and Blancard/Lashua Studio. “I was really drawn by Jeremy’s vision for the space,” says Joni Beckner, owner of ArtLight Therapy & Studios. “It’s been great. I’ve had really great traffic. It’s been a thrill to provide a place for first shows.”

Beckner is also a board-certified art therapist and offers art therapy at the studio — for both individuals and groups. “Art-making is an important complement to talk therapy,” she notes. Clients can also choose standard talk therapy if they prefer.

Grand Mesa Wellness owner Jim Ettinger opened his fitness center inside the Lowell building in October 2020. Ettinger is a personal trainer who meets with individuals either oneon-one or in small groups of two to six people. Ettinger says he helps people build bone density, prepare for triathlon events and improve overall fitness. He offers a free consultation! He’s there Monday through Friday, from 5 a.m. to noon.

The Community Food Bank of Grand Junction signed a lease in December to add a space for their operation for administration and development purposes. Executive director Alisha Wenger says the nonprofit may also use the space to teach nutrition classes and hold other special events.

“I love food; food brings people together,” Wenger says. “When we came here, it felt like a good fit for this community, to get people more engaged with the work.”

Check out the web sites of individual tenants to see days and times of when they’re open, or take a stroll down the hallway anytime.

For special events, visit lowellmetro.specialdistrict.org/community-calendar

Lowell School Renewal — Grand Junction's Historic Building Is Given New Life