Museums of Western Colorado outlines feasibility study, seeks community input and DDA support

The Museums of Western Colorado told the Grand Junction City Council on Dec. 15 that it is launching feasibility work to explore a consolidated, sustainable campus in Grand Junction and invited council and the public to participate in upcoming study milestones.

Executive Director Sheena Hayden said the Museums umbrella includes Dinosaur Journey, Cross Orchards and the Museum of the West, and that the organization is moving from a three-site model toward a coordinated approach to sustain operations. "We are looking to build something new and exciting while we are still honoring the past," Hayden said, describing a phased approach that begins with a structural feasibility study of existing downtown buildings including the C. D. Smith and Whitman buildings.

Hayden told the council the museums have seen strong visitation growth through November and highlighted student programming: "Our student visits total 4,370, which has just crushed our 2024 numbers." She said the museums plan to evaluate community priorities, sustainability models and paths for city and county support, and that the DDA has pledged up to $40,000 toward a Grand Junction study.

Council members asked about methodology for the economic-impact estimates (an in-house approach for the presentation; outside consultants will be engaged for deeper analysis) and whether potential consolidated sites could include Whitney Park or Fruita. Hayden said the initial work will focus on structural feasibility and that future phases will compare locations and costs.

Next steps: the museums will continue the structural study, report results to council when available, hold a State of the Museum address and community roundtable on Jan. 13, and coordinate with city/county leaders on funding and site options.