Red Cliff Town Hall

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the small community of Red Cliff is nestled within the White River National Forest. Known for its abundant outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, fishing, biking, and cross-country skiing, Red Cliff offers both natural beauty and adventure. On Main Street, the historic Town Hall and Firehouse stand as enduring symbols of the town’s rich heritage and remain central to its community life. 

Constructed around 1887, the Red Cliff Old Town Hall and Firehouse serve as a testament to the early mining days in the Battle Mountain Mining District. After fires in 1882 and 1883 that destroyed most of the town, residents realized the need for a better system to help fight fires. In 1887, the town constructed an underground pipe water system, and water from nearby Willow Creek flowed to four hydrants along the main streets. The Town Hall and Firehouse was constructed later to house the town’s fire and political activities, and the upstairs was used as a dance hall in the 1930s. A concrete jail was constructed in the rear around 1937. 

The Red Cliff Old Town Hall and Firehouse served the community for almost 90 years. After a brief stint as a daycare in 1974, the building closed in 1980 and has been vacant since. Unfortunately, the building is in failing condition and not structurally sound. Rotting wood and a sloping foundation contribute to the building’s decline. However, a recent Historic Structure Assessment completed in 2023 identifies the necessary steps needed to stabilize the building to begin the process of turning the building into a museum that spotlights the history of Red Cliff and the Battle Mountain Mining District, Summit and Eagle Counties, and ultimately the early development of the mountain region of Colorado.

CPI is eager to partner with the Town of Red Cliff, the Eagle County Historical Society, the Friends of Red Cliff, and the Department of Local Affairs to preserve the building and highlight and reinforce the town’s sense of community pride and heritage. 

Watch the Video About Red Cliff Town Hall

Status: Alert
Project Type: Colorado's Most Endangered
Counties: Eagle
Region: Central Mountain
Date Listed: 2025
Construction Date: 1887
Primary Threat: Economic Challenges, Lack of Maintenance, Vacancy
Threat When Listed: Economic Challenges, Lack of Maintenance, Vacancy
Primary Theme: Mining, Public Building

“The Red Cliff Town Hall and Firehouse is not just significant to our town but is a valuable piece of Colorado’s broader historical narrative … Preserving this building is not just about maintaining a structure; it is about safeguarding the stories, memories, and identity of a community that has played a vital role in the state’s history.”

Lorenzo Sandoval, Red Cliff Resident