How is the Feed and Grain threatened?

A Kansas developer had an option to purchase the property. His plans for the property included demolition of the structure and new residential construction. The Historic Preservation Commission voted unanimously on March 23, 2006 to deny permission for demolition and the Loveland City Council voted 7 to 2 on April 18, 2006 to also deny permission for demolition.

Though the threat of demolition has seemingly passed, there remains much work to do. Until the Feed and Grain has been rehabilitated and is operating as a self-sustaining facility again, it will continue to be considered a threatened building.

Currently, the most pressing threat to the building is deterioration from weather and vandalsim. Novo is working with the property owner to help facilitate a stabilization plan. Stabilization will prevent further deterioration while rehabilitation takes place.

Who are we and what are we doing to save the Feed and Grain?

We are a concerned group of citizens who have organized in an effort to have the Feed and Grain building rehabilitated and reused. We have formed a 501(c)3 non-profit group, Novo Restoration, Inc. with the intent of rehabilitating the building for community use.

We have two goals: to preserve the historic integrity of the building during rehabilitation and to maintain public access and community use. Our vision for the Feed and Grain is returning it to good use and restoring it to the community asset it once was.

Novo is partnering with other public organizations, including the State Historical Fund, and private individuals, and is actively working with the current property owner to facilitate rehabilitation.

But hasn’t the Feed and Grain been "saved"?

In one sense, yes. The building was "saved" from demolition in 2006.

On the other hand, the Feed & Grain continues to face threats from vanadals, trespassers, weather and wildlife. Novo is currently working with the property owner to stabilize the building and prevent further deterioration.

After the building has been stabilized, then rehabilitation can begin. The Feed & Grain will not truly be "saved" until it is fully and successfully rehabilitated and reused.

How will my donation be used?

We work hard to keep our overhead costs at a minimum in order to maximize your donations. Novo is a primarily volunteer-based organization, so the majority of your donation goes to our preservation and education projects.

Currently, our only project is the rehabilitation of the Feed and Grain building, so a large portion of your donation will likely go to that effort. This might mean that your donation is used to help pay for a mailing to promote an upcoming fundraiser for the Feed and Grain or to rent a facility to be used for fundraising for the Feed and Grain. Or it might pay a contractor to install a new window on the building.

If you want your donation to be used for a specific purpose (i.e. only for Feed and Grain bricks and mortar use), just let us know. But please send it in writing....you know how the IRS can be!

Is my donation tax exempt?

Novo Restoration, Inc. is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit. Check with your accountant to be sure, but in most cases--yes!

What will you do with the building?

There are still many options on the table regarding the end use of the Feed and Grain building. In May of 2007 Novo Restoration, Inc. sponsored a planning charrette to discuss end-use options for the Feed & Grain. We had over 40 proffessionals and community members participate in our 2-day brainstorming session. The results of the charrette can be seen here.

In the spring of 2008 the Feed & Grain was the subject of a semester-long study in Pre-Design by UC Denver graduate student, Chris Thorp. You can read the results of his study here.

The Feed & Grain was also the subject of a semester-long studio at UC Denver for fall 2008. 15 graduate-level architecture students studied the Feed & Grain and each presented a unique interpretation of a campus-style development on the property. The results of that class are posted here (Please note that the drawings are copyrighted and are the property of the students and UC Denver. Please ask permission before using.)” (if you can’t link to those drawings then just leave off the last sentence, but I think it would be nice if we could)

The best answer to this question is that we will do whatever can be done,
done well, and be of most benefit to the community.

Why don't I see any progress at the Feed & Grain?

Trust me, we are just as frustrated with the slow pace of rehabilitation! We are taking our time in order to ensure that things are done thoughfully and well. Excellence cannot be rushed!

In spite of the lack of visible progress on the building, we are making much progress in the areas of stabilization and planning. Keep an eye on our Progress page and you'll always know what we're up to!

How can I help?

There are several ways you can help:

Make a donation to Novo Restoration, Inc to help us rehabilitate the Feed and Grain. Your donation is federal tax exempt.

Join our mailing list so you can keep up with volunteer opportunities.

Contact your city councilman and express your support for the Feed and Grain (and downtown Loveland in general).

Volunteer your time for the effort. We always need more people to help out with fundraisers, community functions, and serving on committees. Contact Erin

Keep your eye on the blue bar to the right for updated ways to help.