The City of Aspen is in the throes of deciding where to put government offices in the future. Tuesday afternoon (7/14) council narrowed three options to two.
City departments like police and engineering are currently in leased space that before long, will become unavailable. City council is examining two solutions. Both include building new structures and have price tags above $48 million.
Council member Ann Mullins favored the “Galena option” that includes nearly 52,000 square feet of new space directly east of the library, where the Aspen Chamber and Rio Grande building are located. It takes the city services currently spread throughout town and puts them in one place.
"What we should be looking for is the optimum working environment for staff. That involves the efficiencies and staff all being in one spot. The best customer service is attained by having one place where people go."
Other council members preferred the “Armory option” because of its close link to the downtown core. That plan updates city hall and adds to it a two-story building. Council will take up the issue again at a meeting on August 3rd.