The mission of the Alliance Française de Denver (AFD), a 501c3 non-profit organization, is to encourage and develop the knowledge of the French language and Francophone cultures and to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic and friendly exchanges between the French-speaking world and our local community.
With this mission in mind, AFD plans to create a newly renovated Francophone Cultural Center to unify French speaking organizations in the Colorado community so they are better able to serve and reach them with the incredible gift of French language and culture.
What will the building be used for?
That being said, AFD strives to provide a fully inclusive Francophone/Francophile community for Denver and the Rocky Mountain region. This facility will provide multi-purpose space for meetings, events, art exhibits, theater performances, and more to the community. They will continue the 126-year tradition of providing French language instruction and culture to Francophones and Francophiles. AFD will share their space with other Francophone/Francophile organizations to strengthen our relationships throughout the region.
What is the estimated cost?
The estimated complete cost of Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be approximately $550,000 for repair and remodelling of the north wall and north portion of the building, and $2.0 million for complete renovation of the facility to include multi-purpose meeting areas/classrooms upstairs, elevator access, large common area for theater productions and art exhibits, basement, and new office space for our AFD staff and other organizations.
The AFD Board of Directors has committed to investing the initial $500,000 to aid in completing Phase 1 of the project through monies strategically invested. The Board is also in negotiations with our insurance company for an estimated $900,000 payout from the damages from our policy. With this potential payout, our campaign goal would be approximately $1.15 million.
The first phase of this project is to demolish and rebuild the damaged north wall. This will include shoring up the damaged internal walls and roof, reinforcing foundation that dates back to the early 1900s, rebuilding the outside wall, adding a basement and elevator, and providing usable space for classrooms and offices while we prepare for Phase 2 - AFD Cultural Center. Our projected completion of Phase I is April 2024.
Once the north wall is complete, AFD plans to undergo a major renovation - adding a multi-purpose performance space, upgraded classrooms, and new offices. This will transform the AFD into a thriving Francophone Cultural Center, providing a space for francophones and francophiles alike to connect and engage with French language and culture. The new renovations include: multi-purpose meeting areas/classrooms upstairs, large common area for theater productions and art exhibits, and new office space for our AFD staff and other organizations. Projected completion will be determined based on materials costs, labor availability and revenue resources. Our goal is to complete Phase 2 by late 2025.
What is the cost breakdown?
AFD Board of Directors is putting in $500K for the initial wall repair
AFD aims to raise $287K for the Cultural Center Remodel
$58K for EDUCATION – teacher needs, technology, wall divider, furniture
$28.5K for CULTURE –the theatre (Alliance & Co.), Multipurpose room, lights, bookcases, library, café, coffee cart, café chairs, espresso machine
$28.5K for COMMUNITY – office space for AATF, Denver Sister Cities, RMFACC, high school partnerships, café stands with sold goods of our partners, blocks sold with your name on it on our front terrace for $1000 each.
$50K: Elevator for our members to more easily move around the Center
$40K: Basement to store goods, props, supplies for the Alliance and other organizations
$25K: Stairs to create multiple exits and entrances into offices and classroom spaces
$57K: additional renovation costs
Can I donate for a specific item/cause?
Yes! Please let us know if you would like your donation to be used for a specific need at the Alliance. There are also amounts AFD will honor your name as a visible part of the Francophone Cultural Center:
$2000: your name and favorite French word on a plaque displayed alongside the newly constructed staircase
$1000: a terrace table in the new café donated in your name
$500: an 8x8 brick engraved
$250: an 8x4 brick engraved
Thank you for joining the Alliance Française de Denver in their vision for creating a Francophone Cultural Center, the center for all things French!