La Plata County Facilities Assessment

Challenge

Two key properties in downtown Durango, Colorado, stood on the verge of meaningful change: the Old Main Post Office on Main Avenue and a vacant parcel on East 2nd Avenue. Both were owned by La Plata County, and both held the potential to reinvigorate the City’s core if their distinct challenges were addressed with care.

The Old Main Post Office had long been a defining landmark, yet years of deferred maintenance left its infrastructure strained and its mechanical and electrical systems outdated. Meeting modern code and accessibility requirements added another layer of complexity. Overall, improving the building required a careful approach that honored its historic character while introducing the updates needed to create a safe, functional, and enduring community space.

The vacant parcel on East 2nd Avenue carried a different kind of promise. Its prime location offered significant potential, but without a clear redevelopment vision, it risked remaining as an overlooked and underutilized asset. Developing a strategy that elevated the site’s value and strengthened the surrounding neighborhood became essential to unlocking its role in the area’s economic and social vitality. 

Solution

SEH partnered with La Plata County to provide a comprehensive evaluation to guide redevelopment of both properties. The team completed a detailed assessment of the Old Main Post Office and explored a potential mixed-use concept for East 2nd Avenue. The review covered architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. It also included an evaluation of code compliance, accessibility needs, and preservation requirements to ensure both concepts were feasible and aligned with project goals. This process identified critical capital improvements and established a framework for renovation and adaptive reuse for the two properties, ensuring the buildings could meet contemporary needs without losing their character.

Simultaneously, SEH worked with a local appraiser to evaluate the broader economic context. A citywide market study examined residential and commercial demand, absorption rates, demographic trends, and private investment opportunities. This research clarified viable redevelopment types and helped the County understand how public and private uses could coexist on these sites. 

Funding and Strategic Positioning

Redevelopment required more than planning and design. The team identified funding sources, grants, and incentives to offset costs and attract investment. These findings positioned the County to collaborate with the Durango Renewal Partnership and integrate the properties into the City’s MidTown Redevelopment Area through the Urban Renewal Authority, creating opportunities for partnerships, incentives, and long-term strategic planning.

Shaping the Future

For the Old Main Post Office, design concepts focused on honoring the building’s historic character while adapting it for contemporary needs. The team explored flexible layouts that could accommodate offices, retail, or community uses. This approach allowed the building to function effectively in a modern context while retaining the architectural identity that makes it recognizable. Careful attention to preservation ensured that upgrades enhanced the space without diminishing its heritage.

The vacant parcel on East 2nd Avenue required a different vision. The team imagined the site as a mixed-use development that blended housing, commercial activity, and community spaces, creating a lively environment that would activate the surrounding streetscape. The goal was to energize the neighborhood, encourage interaction, and strengthen the area as a cohesive part of downtown Durango.

At the same time, both sites were evaluated for their ability to support future courthouse needs. This analysis gave County leaders a clear understanding of how each property could contribute to long-term residential, commercial, and civic objectives.

With a defined roadmap, La Plata County moved forward confidently. The Old Main Post Office now accommodates modern uses while preserving its distinctive presence, and the East 2nd Avenue parcel has evolved into a mixed-use space that adds depth and activity to the downtown core. What began as a technical assessment became a comprehensive strategy that balanced preservation, economic opportunity, and community vitality, leaving a lasting mark on the heart of the City.