The Coors family has acquired another historic section of Golden’s downtown area.

AC Development announced its purchase of the former Golden High School building from its previous owner, the American Mountaineering Center, for an undisclosed price, according to a Monday news release,

A spokesperson for AC Development declined to provide The Denver Gazette with the purchase price for the iconic two-acre building located at the intersection of Ninth Street and Washington Avenue.

County Assessor records for 2024 estimate the total value of the property at just over $8.1 million.

Constructed in 1923, the familiar downtown edifice has served as a high school and middle school over the years and has operated as the American Mountaineering Center since 1993. 

“We’re honored to be stewards of this important community asset as it celebrates its 100th year,” said Dan Cohen, president of AC Development, the real estate company launched by the Coors family in 2020 to redevelop its historic CoorsTek ceramics manufacturing facility in downtown Golden. “Our team sees extraordinary possibilities for the next chapter of the building by breathing new life into it. Our goal is to ensure that while the property will serve new purposes, its historical significance will remain at the forefront of our efforts.”

While AC Development stated they do not yet have specific plans for the property, they do plan to “restore and renovate the building” while honoring its deep connection to the city. 

Several members of the Coors family attended school there.

“We’re excited to see this property come full circle back to the hub of innovation it once was,” AC Development board director Peter J. Coors said. “Our family has a long connection with Golden High School, with many personal memories within its walls. We hope that with improved accessibility to the site, after we’re finished, this will continue to be a point of community building,” 

The Denver Gazette reached out to AMC for comment. Membership Director Leigh Preston confirmed the sale of the building but referred any other questions to the group’s communications director. He did not respond by press time.

A post on the American Alpine Club’s website also confirmed the transaction and the group’s intent to remain in the building until a new location can be identified.

“Since 1993, the AAC’s office, library, and museum have been located in the American Mountaineering Center (AMC) in Golden, CO. Over the past few years, the AAC and Colorado Mountain Club have evaluated the AMC’s future, including the option to sell the building that we have owned, managed, and occupied together. We are pleased to share that we sold the AMC building today, September 10, 2024. The AAC will continue to occupy the building while we work to envision a future location that will help us deliver on our mission and continue to serve our members and donors.”

The Golden High School building is listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Properties and National Register of Historic Places. 

Coors will work closely with the Colorado Historical Foundation, which it says has endorsed the company’s acquisition. 

“The Colorado Historical Foundation looks forward to collaboration with AC Development and is confident in their attention to detail and commitment to preserving the history of Golden High School as a special place,” Catherine Stroh, executive of the Colorado Historical Foundation, said. “A collaborative approach between us and AC Development is crucial and will ensure the Old Golden High School remains ready to welcome occupants for generations to come.” 

The newly acquired property is adjacent to Clayworks, an AC Development redevelopment project. Developers describe it as a sustainable mixed-use district with “state-of-the-art office spaces,” including the new global headquarters of CoorsTek.