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City Offices Construction Update for December 31, 2020
Project Update
Crews continued work on the exterior envelope, interior framing and drywall. Work is ongoing for mechanical, electric, and plumbing rough-ins. The exterior to the Grand Stairs is finished. Likewise, the underground geothermal rough-in is complete, including the back slab pour. Crews finished demo of the RGB middle and upper level with framing also completed on the upper level. K-13 insulation is complete.
The Plaza Improvement Design Development Plan set has been completed and distributed for review with the project team. Work continues on the Final Rio Grande Building budget.
The Aspen City Offices team is dedicated to public safety and the safety of construction crews and will continue to adhere to state and local COVID-19 operational recommendations and regulations as the situation evolves.
Staircase Closure through summer 2021
The blue staircase connecting Rio Grande Place and the plaza (staircase east of the parking garage/plaza) is closed through summer 2021. For alternate access, use Jail Trail or the parking garage elevator.
About New City Offices
The City of Aspen is constructing new administrative offices to improve the efficiency and availability of local government to the Aspen community. The site for the new City office building is located between Rio Grande Place and Galena Plaza. The new building will add to a civic common that consists of Pitkin County government buildings, Pitkin County Library, and the Aspen Police Department. The city office complex will enhance the corridor connecting the downtown core to Rio Grande Park and the John Denver Sanctuary.
The three-story, approximately 39,000 sq. ft. building designed by local architect Charles Cunniffe integrates bold structural elements and a featured glass rotunda welcoming community use. City offices can be accessed from two entries with enhanced green spaces around the physical building. Other features include an elevator and grand staircase, integrated use of natural materials for exterior finishes, and community meeting space for public use. Current design standards call for a LEED Gold certification.
The new offices signify the culmination of over six-years of planning for new City facilities that will meet the service needs of Aspen’s residents, customers, and visitors, as well as provide appropriate work space for City employees. Currently, the City has multiple leases for offices scattered within the City core and beyond. The construction of this new facility will allow the City to reduce its externally leased spaces, reduce taxpayers’ expenses by building on land it owns, consolidate services in downtown Aspen, and improve existing facilities. The result will allow for better public service, business processes, and will address accessibility issues.
In July 2020, City Council committed additional funding to the project for energy efficiency upgrades via REMP funds.
Shaw Construction is the general contractor and the building is anticipated to be complete in summer of 2021.
The History
The City of Aspen completed a Facilities Master Plan in 2015 that developed an accurate inventory of City of Aspen spaces and set out to define future space needs and long term planning.
Monthly Report Links
Construction Update - April 25, 2019
Construction Update - April 1, 2019
Project Construction
The work began on the Rio Grande site in February 2019. The City’s partners for the project are: Shaw Construction, Charles Cunniffe Architects, PR Studio, and Concept One Group.
Construction activities will take place between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm Monday through Friday and on Saturday as needed from 9am to 5pm.
Project Construction Schedule
Phase 1 – Site Preparation and Demolition of ACRA building [Complete]
Phase 2 – Right of Way Utility Work [Complete]
Phase 3 – Excavation and Foundation Work: Summer 2019 – Spring 2020 - Completed
Phase 4 – Vertical Construction: March 2020 – Spring 2021
Phase 5 – Landscaping, Punch List, Move-In: Summer 2021
Budget
Budget and Committed Resources
Financial Update on City Offices Project Through November 6
Financing
- Memo and Resolution #149 on Reimbursable Expenses from Future Debt Proceeds - December 10, 2018
- Memos on Financing New City Offices - March 11 and 19, 2019
- Ordinance #7 on Authorizing Financing for New City Offices - March 11 and 19, 2019
- Official Statement (OS) for Certificates of Participation Borrowing
- Summary Statement of Borrowing
Galena Plaza
With the seat of Aspen City government moving to the New City Offices building, the City is underway on an engagement and outreach process to investigate enhancements to Galena Plaza.
Thank you to all who attended the open house sessions in January 2020 and shared your insights regarding the revised conceptual design for Galena Plaza. An upcoming Council meeting in August 2020 will further present concepts for Galena Plaza.
Click here to view the informational boards including the revised conceptual design. >>
Stay Informed
Get up-to-date information on the project:
Call the 24-hour City of Aspen hotline at 970-429-1789
Sign up for ‘New City Offices’ newsletter
Email questions and concerns newcityoffices@cityofaspen.com