Durango, CO: **Local developer Charles Shaw, owner of the Smiley Building, has filed a lawsuit against the City of Durango that seeks to halt progress on the new Police Department.
In paperwork filed with District Court, Shaw has requested emergency restraining orders against the city, alleging that the City’s current plan to demolish the building adjacent to the historic high school to accommodate a new police department was not voter-approved.
Durango voters in April 2025 approved a $61 million sales tax extension with 68% of residents supporting the restoration of the Historic High School at 201 East 12th St. and building a new police department next to it. This decisive mandate reflected broad community support for preserving Durango’s heritage and enhancing public safety. The building at 215 E. 12th St. is being vacated by city staff in preparation for demolition.
Shaw previously attempted to purchase the former high school for private development in 2021 but was unsuccessful. The City acquired the campus in August 2023 under a land swap with the Durango Fire Protection District. City Attorney Mark Morgan said the City has requested sanctions and attorneys’ fees against Shaw for alleged misrepresentations in court filings. “Shaw has every right to challenge the city’s use of voter-approved funds,” he said. “However, we trust the courts will heavily weigh the voice of the community that overwhelmingly voted for the project over a disgruntled developer who wanted the property for personal gain.”
The court has set a hearing on the emergency injunction and sanctions this Thursday, Sept. 10, at 10 a.m. The City is committed to honoring the intent of voters who overwhelmingly approved this project, and to maintaining transparency to ensure Durango’s historic assets are preserved and public safety needs are met.
For more information on the project, please visit the city’s Engage page.
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Media Contact**Tom SluisPublic Information Officer Phone: (970) 375-5090Email: Tom Sluis