La Plata County ACT Building
The La Plata County ACT Building opened its doors to the public in 2020, in part to provide modern security to protect the integrity of the election process and the county staff, just in time for the busiest election in the history of the United States.
The spacious facility in Bodo Park brings together three important La Plata County departments — County Assessor, Clerk, and Treasurer — under one roof for the first time in modern history. Conceived in a 2012 La Plata County master plan, the ACT Building improves security, efficiency, operations, and customer service for all three departments.
Architect
RMBA
Category
Governmental
Location
Durango, CO
Square Footage
14,440 square feet
Construction Cost
$5.3M
The previously scattered departments in leased offices created challenges for staff, as well as community members. From vehicle registration to paying property taxes to voting, members of the public once had to navigate three different locations, all with parking challenges. The new facility solved those hurdles with a one-stop-shop, ample parking, and offices tailor-designed to each department.
ME&E designed all the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems for the ACT Building. We focused on sustainable design to create energy-efficient HVAC systems and water-efficient plumbing systems. We designed fire protection, fire alarm systems, and technology infrastructure to provide secure communications among governmental departments and branches. ME&E designed energy-efficient lighting, inside and out. Outdoor lighting was designed in compliance with Durango’s dark sky ordinance.
Located on Turner Drive at the dead-end of Bodo Drive to the west, the ACT building now stands as a highly visible, new landmark in Bodo Park.
