About the Project
The Roosevelt Center provides space for the arts, culture, performances, receptions, conferences, education, and community gathering spaces. There are both indoor and outdoor venues for people to interact, converse, celebrate and express themselves. By revitalizing the Old Roosevelt school building, our mission is to:
"Revitalize Old Roosevelt"
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The Arts have been an essential part of our history—from the cultural groups that celebrated through song and dance to the current Red Lodge School of Dance to the Carbon County Arts Guild. The artistic heritage of Red Lodge is enriched by the artists who live and work here today. The Red Lodge Music Festival celebrated its 52nd season in June of this year. A performing arts center has been a dream for many in the Red Lodge community for many years.
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The Roosevelt Center grew out of the community's desire to create a community center for the arts. Additionally, the community loves the "Old Roosevelt" building. This project has been and continues to be, designed to engage community members, and tourists, in identifying reuses. Except for converting the gymnasium into a performance/conference meeting area, the rooms will be left much as they always were—some will be available for break out space and other educational opportunities, and others will be rented. The original library/stage will be updated and kept intact for small performances. Visitors who attended the school will still be able to “touch” that piece of their personal history.
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Improve Economic Benefits to Main Street
The Roosevelt Center engages tourists and locals alike to see Red Lodge as a destination for conferences and events, benefiting local merchants and lodging facilities. This leads to the creation of more businesses and more jobs.
There is space for local arts organizations and
businesses who need space, while also incubating new artist and business endeavors.
Protect and Preserve the Beartooth Mountain Range and Eco System
We are fortunate to be located at the base of the Beartooth Mountains, the beginning of the Beartooth Highway All-American Road, and a gateway community to Yellowstone National Park.
By increasing opportunities for people to explore and deepen their experience of the area, we hope to expand the stories of each person's experience through a variety of creative expressions, including art, photography, writing, and engaged conversations.
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Support and Strengthen Democracy
We strive to create equality in our community planning by facilitating community leadership, breaking down barriers, enhancing asset management sessions, with a focus on increased engagement of youth and creatives to strengthen their voice in community planning.
We deepen our sense of place and provide opportunities for people to create meaningful cultural events that engage people to participate from all over the world.
We encourage Gracious Space tenants, Spirit, Setting, Inviting the Stranger and Learning in Public, to public meetings to create a community that is representative of the whole.
Create a Sustainable Community
Keeping the community sustainable by utilizing existing resources through the revitalization and preservation of this 1920’s historic building its prime location on our main street, and further developing the south entrance of Red Lodge.
By illustrating the tie between the past and the future and inspiring the endeavors of other historic buildings in Red Lodge, we will lengthen the main street by 3 blocks, positioning arts and culture anchors on both ends of our vibrant town, creating a venue that is accessible to everyone and increasing the walk-ability of the community.
