Durango, CO: **The City of Durango offers the following information about the City Hall and Police Department Campus regarding this important project and its long-term benefits for Durango.
The overall vision for the project has not changed. As the project has advanced, budget considerations have required adjustments to remain fiscally responsible and deliver on the commitment made to voters. We also committed to communicating significant changes, and we have continued to do so throughout the process.
The project remains focused on several interconnected priorities:
Historic High School: Restoring and rehabilitating the building at 201 E. 12th St. for City Hall.
Police Department: Constructing a modern, purpose-built facility with secured surface parking.
Buckley Park: Improving the park through a separate but coordinated planning and design process.
Connectivity and Alley Improvements: Creating pedestrian connections between the campus, Buckley Park, the surrounding neighborhood, and downtown, including improvements to the adjacent alley.
Downtown Redevelopment**:** Selling the existing City Hall and Police Department properties to support redevelopment and continued downtown vibrancy.
The underground parking structure was removed for budgetary reasons and replaced with secured surface parking for the Police Department. The parking area is currently planned with a six-foot security fence, reflecting community feedback.
We also carefully evaluated whether to reuse the existing Community Development and Engineering building for the Police Department. Because the building at 215 E. 12th St. was designed as a school, it does not meet the structural, security, layout, or operational requirements of a modern police facility, including Category 4 essential-facility requirements. A purpose-built facility provides the most functional and efficient long-term solution. The current Police Department has operated in what was intended to be a temporary location since 1982. This project will nearly triple its space and provide a modern facility capable of supporting current operations and future growth.
Buckley Park and the pedestrian and alley improvements remain part of the overall vision but have their own planning, design, funding, and construction processes, aligning with the City Hall and Police Department project completion timeline. Public pedestrian routes cannot pass through the secured Police Department area, so improvements to the adjacent alley will provide an important connection around the Campus.
We are now in the final stages of design. Once designs and renderings are finalized, they will be shared with staff, City Council, and the community. Most importantly, the project remains on schedule and on budget. We remain committed to delivering a campus that supports our employees, improves connectivity and the campus area, respects the community’s investment, and serves Durango well for decades to come.
Thank you again for reaching out and for the opportunity to clarify the project. For more information on the project, please visit our Engage page, which includes a comprehensive engagement list of outreach.
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Do you have a comment, question, or suggestion regarding this topic or others? Check out our "Engage" webpage and let us know! Want to receive releases like this on city news? Sign up for Notify Me and select "City of Durango News Flash."
Media Contact**Tom SluisPublic Information Officer Phone: (970) 375-5090Email: Tom Sluis