Before any major construction can begin on the historic Durango High School – slated to become the new home for the city of Durango’s town hall – asbestos and lead-based paint within the building must be addressed.
That reality comes as no surprise, said Tom Sluis, spokesman for the city of Durango.
“I think there was always an assumption that there was going to be some mitigation related to the property, considering its age,” Sluis said. “That would include lead-based paint that goes back 100 years – or who knows how long – as well as the potential for asbestos on pipes and in other areas.”
The city purchased the former high school, most recently used as Durango School District administration offices, from the Durango Fire Protection District in 2023. In April, voters approved a $61 million bond measure to fund renovation and construction of a joint City Hall and police station at the site, located at 201 E. 12th St.
City officials say the hazardous materials are contained within the building and do not pose an active risk. However, they could become dangerous during demolition or renovation, when particles may become airborne.
To help offset remediation costs, the city plans to apply for a $500,000 Brownfields remediation grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Brownsfields is a term that refers to previously developed or vacant sites that could contain hazardous substances like asbestos or lead.
City officials announced their intent to apply for the grant during a recent public Zoom meeting.
Grant funds would be used to safely abate or encapsulate asbestos and lead-based paint to protect construction workers and the public during redevelopment.
They noted that the application process is highly competitive and funding is not guaranteed.
If the city does not receive the grant, “it will definitely increase the price of the project,” Sluis said. By how much remains unclear, as the city is still negotiating with contractors.
Prior to voter approval of the bond measure, city officials estimated the total project cost would fall between $60 million and $80 million.
The public is able to provide comment on the grant application on the engage Durango webpage until Friday.
jbowman@durangoherald.com
