Eagle County Moves Services to New Edwards Facility

Standing in the heart of Avon, the Avon Center building has been a hub for county services, but that's about to change. The sound of construction and chatter of locals will soon be replaced with an eerie silence as the Avon Annex closes its doors for good on May 3. The once-bustling office will be left vacant, a stark contrast to the new facility in Edwards, which is slated to open on May 7.

A $34 million project, the Eagle County Commons building is a significant investment for the county. For context, that's roughly the same amount the county spends on road maintenance over the course of several years. The new facility, located at 410 Miller Ranch Road, boasts 20 rental units for county employees, a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments. Let's do the math - that's 20 more housing options for employees who often struggle to find affordable housing in the area.

On paper, the new building seems like a major upgrade from the Avon Annex, which had reached its capacity. The Avon location had parking and office space constraints, making it difficult for residents to access county services. In practice, the new Edwards location offers plenty of free on-site parking and is more accessible via public transportation, with Core Transit providing frequent stops along the Miller Ranch Road corridor. This is a significant improvement, especially for those who rely on public transportation.

Eagle County Commissioner Matt Scherr emphasized that the relocation is about more than just moving offices - it's about enhancing services for the community. The new facility is designed to be modern and efficient, making it easier for residents to access government services. On May 7, the Clerk and Recorder's Office will reopen in the new location, offering services such as motor vehicle registration, document recording, marriage licenses, and voter services.

The following week, on May 11, Human Services, Public Health and Environment, and Veterans Services will also be open for business in the new Edwards location. This consolidation of services is expected to improve the overall experience for residents. The addition of 20 rental units for employees is also a significant benefit, as it addresses the ongoing issue of affordable housing in the area.

In the new Edwards location, residents can expect a more streamlined experience when accessing services. The facility is designed to be modern and efficient, with plenty of parking and easy access to public transportation. For locals, this means a more convenient and accessible way to conduct business. However, it's worth noting that there will be a brief disruption in services from May 4-6, as the Avon Annex closes and the new location prepares to open.

The housing component of the Eagle County Commons, known as Parkside Apartments, offers comfortable and sustainable living options for county employees. The apartments feature modern finishes, in-unit laundry, private outdoor space, and dedicated parking. The community is designed to support a sustainable lifestyle, with EV charging infrastructure and high-efficiency heat pumps. This is a significant step towards addressing the workforce housing initiative, which aims to provide affordable housing options for employees in the area.

The practical impact of this move is that residents will need to adjust to a new location for accessing services. The new facility in Edwards may require a longer commute for some residents. However, the improved accessibility and streamlined services are expected to offset this inconvenience. As the county invests in this new facility, it's clear that the goal is to provide better services and support for the community. The bottom line is that this move will cost taxpayers $34 million, but it's expected to provide long-term benefits for the community.