Neighbors of the future Liberty School on Western Avenue raised concerns Monday that the school’s planned gym would change their scenic views.

They argued the school’s special-use permit requires all of its buildings be single-story structures and a 29-foot multipurpose gym does fit that description.

“This feels like a giant bait and switch,” said Gunnar Conrad who attends meetings on behalf of his mother.

The school plans to break ground on the building in mid-September and finish it in one year if about $3.5 million can be raised within that time frame, said Christian Holmen, head of Liberty School. After hearing from the neighbors, he agreed to see if the height of the gym could be a few feet shorter.

“We want to be a good neighbor,” he said.

City staff members see the gym as acceptable within the single-story requirement and consistent with activities at a school, City Planner Craig Roser told the small gathering.

The private school serves dyslexic and gifted students, and it holds classes above Big Picture High School on 12th Street. It has held classes in church basements and an airplane hangar.

“We need a home so that we can be dedicated to our mission,” Holmen said.

The single-story provision is among the 16 conditions the school agreed to abide by after talks with the neighbors.

“I think the Liberty School has done a lot to try to give you guys a voice,” Holmen said.

As part of the agreement, the facility is limited to 10,000 square feet, and its enrollment must be capped at 49 students. The height restriction was important to neighbors because most neighborhood homes are single story, neighborhood resident Doug Reynolds said.

Durango City Council approved construction last year citing how responsive the school has been to neighbors’ concerns.

The new school has been designed in phases in case the millions of dollars required for construction can’t be raised for the full build out.

So far the school has raised about $700,000, and a major fundraiser is planned in the fall, Holmen said.

The first phase would include three classrooms, room for administration, space for tutoring and parking.

In the second phase, the school will build the gym that would be used as a cafeteria, performance space, meeting area and other uses. In the third phase, another wing would be added with classrooms and rooms for film editing and music.

“Our goal is not to have to settle for a bare bones facility,”he said.

The exterior design includes stone, stucco and barn wood.

mshinn@durangoherald.com