Located in Trinidad, the East Street School is a permanently affordable live/work community for artists, culture bearers, and local residents that brings together housing, creative space, and community wellness under one historic roof.
Originally constructed in 1919 by the nationally acclaimed architectural firm of Isaac H. Rapp and William M. Rapp, the 23,000-square-foot former school building has been thoughtfully reimagined as a vibrant cultural hub serving rural southern Colorado.
The property includes 13 live/work apartments, four artist studios, shared gathering spaces, gardens, and a commercial culinary space designed to host programming focused on food access, recovery support, cultural gatherings, and the arts. Its high ceilings, expansive windows, and light-filled U-shaped layout preserve the building’s historic character while creating welcoming spaces for creativity and connection.
Originally redeveloped in 2019 by Urban Neighborhoods and Four Points Funding in partnership with RedLine Contemporary Art Center through its Satellite Initiative, the project was shaped by community feedback and a vision for long-term cultural investment in Trinidad. In January 2026, CAST Colorado secured $1.9 million in support from The Colorado Health Foundation to acquire and permanently steward the property, preserving affordability while expanding partnerships and programming for the broader community.
Situated between Denver and Santa Fe and within walking distance of historic downtown Trinidad, the East Street School reflects CAST’s growing work to develop sustainable, community-rooted models for artist housing and cultural space, demonstrating how historic buildings can foster creativity, belonging, and long-term community stability.
Visit available spaces to learn more about the East Street School’s current studio and live-work space offerings.
