Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center Breaks Ground on $3 Million Accessibility Project

PUEBLO, CO — Oct. 1, 2025 — The Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center will break ground on Friday, Oct. 3, on a transformative $3 million ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Elevator and Renovation Project at the Jackson Conference Center—marking a major step forward in accessibility, inclusion, and artistic excellence. 

The groundbreaking ceremony is set for 3 p.m., with construction officially starting on October 13. This milestone marks a key moment in the Founders Forward Capital Campaign — honoring the legacy of its founding visionaries while building and upgrading to better serve the community for generations to come. 

“For more than five decades, the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center has been a cultural cornerstone for Pueblo and Southern Colorado,” said CEO Andy Sanchez. “This project is about more than bricks and mortar: It’s about removing service, expanding opportunity, and ensuring everyone can experience the transformative power of the intersection of arts, culture and education.” 

The new elevator tower and renovations will significantly improve ADA accessibility throughout the Jackson Conference Center and part of the Arts Center campus. These upgrades will ensure that all visitors—regardless of age or ability—can fully participate in the arts and community life. The improvements will also enhance the functionality of key spaces, supporting expanded programming for the School of Dance, community partners, and residents who enjoy performances, weddings, meetings, and cultural events. 

This project is made possible through the generous financial support of the following lead partners: 
• Pueblo County 
• City of Pueblo 

• Robert Hoag Rawlings Foundation 
• The Jackson Foundation 
• Pueblo Urban Renewal Authority 
• The Ryals Family Foundation 
• The Mahlon Thatcher White Foundation 
• HGF Architects 
• Nunn Construction 

• Summit Brick 

These lead partners represent a powerful coalition of civic, philanthropic, and design leaders committed to advancing accessibility and the arts in Pueblo. 

“We also gratefully acknowledge the other foundations, organizations, individuals, and governmental entities whose financial contributions and shared vision are helping bring this project to life,” said Sanchez. “Like us, they believe in the power of the Arts Center to help build a stronger Pueblo and a more vibrant region — and they are helping shape continued viability to come. 

This groundbreaking marks the first steps of the Founders Forward Capital Campaign, a multi-phase initiative updating the Arts Center campus. Future phases will include additional renovations, expanded educational spaces and continued ADA upgrades across the campus.  

“We welcome community involvement and look forward to sharing more about these plans as they evolve,” said Sanchez. “This moment is also a chance to reflect on the Arts Center’s history since its 1972 opening.  

Following the ceremony, everyone is invited to attend the First Friday Art Walk and reception from 3:30 to 6 p.m., featuring Western Whimsey: The Photography of David Levinthal in the Helen Thatcher White Galleries. 

This event is free and open to the public. Media are welcome to attend.