Left Hand Grange building now owned by a nonprofit

With the creation of a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization on December 31, 2023, a new entity called Niwot Community Hall (NCH) now owns the building at 195 Second Avenue in Niwot which has long been the home of Left Hand Grange No. 9.

As the name indicates, the intent of the new entity is to recognize the building as the community center it has become and for the organization to be able to accept tax-deductible contributions which will support improvements to the building.

The Left Hand Grange No. 9, a fraternal organization, received its charter on Jan. 24, 1874, and was originally based in the Batchelder School House southwest of Niwot. The present home of Left Hand Grange No.9, formerly called Nelson Hall, was built by John Nelson in 1907. The rural-based Grange organization provided opportunities for social interaction and education, as well as political advocacy for farm and ranch issues.

In 1945, the building was purchased by Left Hand Grange, Inc., a separate non-profit corporation, from the Nelson estate and became known as “The Grange.” That corporation, which was not a charitable organization, transferred the property to Niwot Community Hall at the end of 2023.

Jim Dorvee, President of the Left Hand Grange No. 9 and a director of NCH said, “In the past, the small amount of revenue that was generated from renting the Grange was enough to cover expenses, but not enough to fund significant building improvements. All of the rental income went directly towards the building’s day-to-day expenses. Now, with a non-profit classification, all donations to Niwot Community Hall will directly fund improvements to the building while rental income will continue to cover expenses.”

NCH is a volunteer-run organization. The Board of Directors are Jim Dorvee, Kellie Beran, Dayna Roane, Chris Crandall, Andy Mann, and Tony Santelli. With the help of Niwot attorney Biff Warren, NCH was formed and applied for non-profit status at the end of last year, and received notice of approval as a charitable organization from the IRS in early March.

Partnerships with many community organizations and the Niwot Local Improvement District have been essential to moving forward with the building’s recent improvements of new flooring and an audio/visual system. Funding is currently allocated for new ceiling tiles and lighting, as well as a fresh coat of interior paint in the main floor hall.

Going forward, the board of directors foresees the need to install new windows, signage, a patio space, and exterior paint to the building and the red firehouse behind the building, in addition to ADA access to the upstairs hall, and a kitchen renovation. Future fundraising events will revolve around these specific improvement projects.

“We believe making the Grange a warm and inviting space for events will draw more people to Niwot,” Dorvee said. “These people will shop, eat, play, and utilize services in town which helps support our business community. Supporting NCH has the ripple effect of promoting strong community bonds and helps our small businesses to flourish.“

An online donation link will be added to the Grange website, but, until then, donor advised funds are accepted along with checks made out to Niwot Community Hall and sent to P.O. Box 264, Niwot, CO 80544.