La Plata County is expected to begin demolition of a county-owned building on the corner of 11th Street and East Second Avenue.

The county purchased what is known as the former “Schluter Floral” building at 1075 East Second Ave. for $750,000 in 2009. But in recent years, the long-vacant building has been deemed structurally unsound and beyond repair.

Bids for construction went out recently for the demolition work, said county spokeswoman Megan Graham. The county plans to have the building removed by the end of the year.

“That building is a safety hazard and needs to come down,” she said.

The future of the prime location in downtown Durango, however, remains up in the air.

The county recently hired a consulting firm to conduct a study on what would be the best use of the property, along with another county-owned location, the Old Main Post Office at 1099 Main Ave.

Over the past few years, the county has relocated most departments from the Old Main Post Office. The last remaining occupant, Human Resources, is expected to move out of the building in 2021.

“Right now, we have a study underway ... to advise the county on the best future use of the Old Main Post Office and the Schluter property, so we can get a good sense of how best to address future facility needs,” Graham said.

Graham did not have a specific timeline for when the study will be complete, but said a presentation to county commissioners should happen before the end of the year.

“Our goal is to find the best and highest use for it,” said Commissioner Clyde Church. “And we’re trying to figure out what we need for growth for La Plata County in the future.”

jromeo@durangoherald.com