Historic Building 500

A Heritage of Healing

The transformation of the former Fitzsimons Army Medical Center began in the mid-1990s. The site in Aurora is undergoing a $4.3 billion transformation into a square mile dedicated to excellence in patient care, education, basic science and applied research, as well as bioscience research and development; making it one of the most advanced bioscientific communities in the world.

Many of the historic sites at Fitzsimons will be preserved.

Building 500
The historic architectural icon of the Fitzsimons site, this 11-story building opened in 1941, just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. This art moderne-style structure features a central tower with wings from 5-8 stories, marble columns and marble flooring. There are sundecks on floors five, six, and seven, and observation decks on the eighth floor. The University of Colorado has secured landmark status for this building and completed more than $20 million in renovations. This includes restoration of the suite where then-President Eisenhower spent seven weeks recovering from a heart attack in 1955.
 
Peoria and Colfax Gatehouses
These represent the original entrance to Fitzsimons and are now a City of Aurora historic landmark. These will be incorporated into the new entryway treatments currently in design.

Commander's House
Originally constructed in 1897 as the Gutheil family residence, the home was designated as the Commander's House when the Army began to occupy the site in 1918. The University of Colorado Hospital has renovated the building as part of its Center for Dependency, Addiction and Rehabilitaiton.

Colonel's Row
These spacious homes were built in 1921 to house officers and their families. After more than $400,000 in renovations, they are nowbeing used for University Centers and Programs.

Post Chapel
Erected in 1942, this historic facility is dominated by stained glass windows depicting saints, prophets and insignias of various Army branches. Protective measures have been taken to secure the windows and restore the floors.

Red Cross Building
Built in 1918, this building served as the recreation and entertainment center of campus during the Army days. A City of Aurora historic landmark, this facility has undergone an external stabilization, and will retain be renovated for future use.