Project Summary
The Holy Trinity Convent & School, located in the heart of Trinidad, Colorado, represents a significant opportunity for historic preservation and community revitalization. Originally constructed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the interconnected buildings were once home to a Catholic high school and convent operated by the Sisters of Charity. The property has been vacant since 2004 and has since fallen into disrepair, posing both environmental and structural challenges. Recognizing the site’s cultural and economic potential, the Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center (MCWCC) has taken the lead on transforming the facility into a productive community asset.
Environmental assessments conducted in 2018 and 2022 revealed extensive asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint throughout the structure. With the support of a $1 million EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant awarded in 2023, MCWCC is undertaking a phased abatement strategy focused on partial removal and safe encapsulation of hazardous materials. This approach balances environmental safety with the project’s budget and redevelopment timeline, allowing the organization to move forward with design and renovation planning.
The vision for the revitalized site includes workforce housing, a hostel, and a restaurant or café space, all of which are intended to provide both economic stimulus and much-needed amenities for the Trinidad community. By preserving the building’s historic architecture and adapting it for modern use, the project aligns with broader revitalization efforts underway in the city’s historic district. Community engagement has been emphasized throughout the process, ensuring the redevelopment meets local needs and reflects shared values.
This project is a testament to the power of local leadership and collaboration in small communities. With support from EPA, the City, Stantec, and others, MCWCC is navigating the complexities of brownfield remediation while honoring the site’s historical significance. Once complete, the transformed site will serve as a catalyst for additional investment and act as a cornerstone for sustainable community development in Trinidad.
Environmental Challenges
The site’s key environmental concerns stem from legacy building materials. Lead-based paint and asbestos were found throughout the structures, requiring full professional abatement. Additional challenges include ensuring safe public access during renovation and integrating remediation with historic preservation.
Financing and Deal Structure
The financial structure of the Holy Trinity Convent & School redevelopment is centered around a $1 million EPA Brownfield Cleanup Grant awarded in 2023, which provides critical funding for the abatement of asbestos and lead-based paint in the long-vacant historic structure. This federal funding addresses the most urgent environmental hazards and reduces the upfront cost burden on the project lead, Mt. Carmel Wellness and Community Center. A phased cleanup approach was adopted to keep the project within budget while allowing incremental redevelopment progress. The estimated cost for complete abatement was $1.3 million, but partial abatement—targeting high-risk materials—is expected to cost between $600,000 and $900,000, aligning with available funding.
To complete the redevelopment, Mt. Carmel is leveraging additional resources including in-kind support, potential future grant applications, and strategic partnerships with state and local agencies. By avoiding a full demolition and instead focusing on adaptive reuse, the project reduces capital outlay while preserving a culturally significant structure. The deal structure prioritizes financial feasibility through incremental implementation, enabling Mt. Carmel to pursue redevelopment in stages based on community priorities and available funding. This layered approach exemplifies how rural and underserved communities can creatively finance complex brownfield projects by combining federal assistance, technical partnerships, and local leadership.
Quick Facts
Location: Historic Downtown Trinidad, Colorado
Project type: Religious and educational facility to community wellness and service center
Site: Convent and school campus
Former Use: Catholic convent and parochial school
Renovated Use: Community wellness, education, and cultural programming hub
Environmental Issues: Asbestos, lead-based paint
Reuse Partners:
- Mt. Carmel Wellness & Community Center
- U.S. EPA
- Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
- History Colorado
- Las Animas County
- Community Stakeholders
Social Impact
- Health & Safety: Removal of asbestos and lead-based paint eliminates environmental hazards.
- Historic Preservation: Restoration preserves Trinidad’s heritage within the district.
- Community Services: Redevelopment expands access to wellness, education, and social programs.
- Identity & Pride: Revitalization of a long-abandoned landmark strengthens community identity and fosters civic pride.
Economic Impact
- Brownfield Cleanup Grant: $1 million in federal funding leveraged for phased remediation, supplemented by in-kind contributions and potential state/ local partnerships.
- Major Investment: Nearly $20M in new spending in the local economy creates jobs and fuels City revenues
- Downtown Revitalization: Project activates a key site, encouraging reinvestment and strengthening the economic core of Trinidad.
Help for your project
Regardless of where you are in the process, the Colorado Brownfields Partnership (CBP) will help you learn about brownfields assistance for your community. We provide many types of support to communities interested in redevelopment of potentially contaminated sites. Contact info@cobrownfieldspartnership.org for more information.