Empire Grange

For residents of Fort Collins and the surrounding communities in Colorado, the Empire Grange stands as a true local gem – a cherished historical building that continues to serve as a vibrant, accessible, and affordable community hub. Far from being a relic of the past, this "cozy little historical building" is a dynamic space where friendships are forged, artistic expression flourishes, and community bonds are strengthened. Whether you're looking for an ideal venue to host a private event, seeking a regular spot for group activities, or simply curious about the diverse happenings within its walls, the Empire Grange offers a welcoming and unpretentious environment. This article will delve into what makes the Empire Grange a unique and invaluable asset to the Fort Collins community, detailing its rich history, convenient location, diverse uses, and why it's perfectly suited for locals.

The Empire Grange #148 has a remarkable history stretching back over a century. Organized in 1902 and officially chartered in March 1904, it was the seventh Grange formed in Larimer County, Colorado. By 1911, its membership had swelled to 122, demonstrating the strong community need it fulfilled even in its early days. The building itself was conceived in 1910 when the Maxwell family generously donated land from their dairy farm on West Mulberry Street for the hall's construction. With donated bricks and community effort, the first meeting in the newly built hall was held on June 11, 1912, and it was officially dedicated a month later on July 19, 1912. Today, the Empire Grange holds the distinction of being the longest-enduring Grange in Larimer County and remains one of more than fifty active Granges across Colorado.

The Grange, formally known as the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, has a national history dating back to 1867. As the nation's oldest agricultural advocacy group, it has always been deeply rooted in grassroots activism in rural America. Local Granges, like Empire Grange, serve as vital meeting points where members discuss and advocate for issues pertinent to their communities, such as rural broadband access, climate change, and rural healthcare. This historical context underscores the Empire Grange's enduring commitment to community service and local empowerment.

Despite its long history, the Empire Grange is far from outdated. It embraces its role as "a simple old building, that is not pretending to be anything other than a community space," as one reviewer aptly put it. This authenticity contributes to its charm and accessibility, making it a beloved spot for a wide array of activities, from vibrant ecstatic dances to quiet meetings and everything in between. It embodies a spirit of togetherness and active participation, offering a tangible link to Fort Collins' past while continuously serving its present.

The Empire Grange is strategically located at 2306 W Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA. This address places it in a highly accessible part of Fort Collins, making it convenient for residents across the city and surrounding areas to reach. West Mulberry Street is a well-trafficked thoroughfare, ensuring straightforward navigation for those traveling by car.

The location offers practical benefits for those attending events or classes. There is typically ample parking available, which is a significant convenience in a bustling city. While specific public transportation routes should be checked for direct access, Fort Collins has a comprehensive transit system that can bring attendees within a reasonable distance of the Grange. Its position within the established fabric of Fort Collins ensures that the Empire Grange remains a central and easy-to-reach gathering spot for the community.

The Empire Grange primarily functions as a versatile community space available for rental, facilitating a wide variety of public and private events. Its core services revolve around providing an affordable and well-equipped venue.

• Venue Rental for Events: The main hall is available for one-time events such as dances (e.g., ecstatic dance, folk dancing), concerts, holiday parties (as evidenced by the Christmas tree sighting), and various social gatherings.

• Regular Group Meeting Space: The Grange accommodates ongoing classes, workshops, and weekly meetings for diverse community groups, including international folk dancing, Modern Dance, and Capoeira classes.

• Kitchen Facilities: A downstairs kitchen is available for use, providing convenience for catering events or preparing refreshments during gatherings.

• Restroom Facilities: Clean and accessible restrooms are on-site for the comfort of attendees.

• Tables and Chairs: Extra tables and chairs are available within the venue, eliminating the need for renters to source their own.

• Affordable Pricing: The rental rates are highlighted by customers as being "near impossible to beat," making it an exceptionally cost-effective option for individuals and organizations.

• Community Event Hosting: Regularly hosts public events such as ecstatic dances, folk dancing nights, and various movement and wellness sessions (e.g., "SOULFUL MOVEMENT," "Soundembodiment: Tibetan Bowl & Gong Sound Meditation"), often open to drop-ins.

• History and Heritage Preservation: While not a direct service, the Grange actively maintains and shares its rich history, offering a connection to Fort Collins' past and the broader Grange movement.

The Empire Grange offers several distinguishing features and highlights that make it a beloved and highly functional community center in Fort Collins.

• Historical Significance: Built in 1912, the Empire Grange Hall is a true historical landmark in Fort Collins, carrying over a century of local and agricultural heritage. This "cozy little historical building" provides a unique backdrop for any event.

• Unbeatable Affordability: A consistent highlight from reviews is the incredibly reasonable rental rates, making the space accessible to a wide range of individuals and community groups who might otherwise struggle to find an affordable venue. As one reviewer states, "The rates though, are near impossible beat."

• Versatile Space: Despite its historical nature, the hall is highly adaptable, suitable for everything from "dancing" and "sing-a-long" sessions to formal meetings and private events. Its open layout is praised as "wonderful space for dancing."

• Community-Oriented Ethos: The Grange fundamentally operates as a "community space," embodying a spirit of gathering and collective activity, rather than a commercial enterprise focused solely on profit. This creates a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

• Basic, Functional Amenities: While not luxurious, the presence of a downstairs kitchen, restrooms, and extra tables and chairs provides essential functionality for event hosts, ensuring practical needs are met.

• Well-Ventilated: A practical benefit highlighted by a reviewer is that the building is "well ventilated," contributing to comfort during active events like dancing.

• Authentic Charm: Reviewers appreciate that the building is "not pretending to be anything other than a community space," valuing its simplicity and authenticity over modern frills. "The 5 stars are not for its physical beauty, but the fact that space exists and is so accessible to just about everyone."

• Active Event Calendar: The Grange regularly hosts a variety of public events, from international folk dancing to ecstatic dance, allowing community members to easily drop in and participate.

For inquiries about renting the Empire Grange, attending public events, or any other information, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2306 W Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA

Phone: (970) 493-1009

Mobile Phone: +1 970-493-1009

Email: empiregrange@gmail.com (as indicated on their official website)

For locals in Fort Collins and the wider Colorado region, the Empire Grange serves as an indispensable community asset. Its accessible location makes it a convenient gathering spot, while its century-plus history offers a tangible connection to the area's rich past. What truly makes the Empire Grange suitable for locals, however, is its unwavering commitment to providing an affordable, versatile, and genuinely welcoming community space.

Whether you're an individual seeking a place for "healing and spiritually awakening" dance, a group needing a regular meeting spot, or an organizer searching for an "impossible to beat" venue for a special event, the Grange delivers. Its simple yet functional amenities, combined with the charm of a historical building that prioritizes community over pretense, create an inviting atmosphere. By utilizing and supporting the Empire Grange, Fort Collins residents not only gain access to an incredible resource but also contribute to the ongoing legacy of a place truly dedicated to bringing people together.

Empire Grange

2306 W Mulberry St, Fort Collins, CO 80521, USA