Much like other historic buildings in Manitou Springs, the structure at 606 Manitou Ave. has not kept pace with the city’s growing population and increased demands.
The building now used as City Hall was built in 1897. In the decades since, it’s housed a mineral spring, a dance hall, the headquarters of efforts to help people find jobs during the Great Depression and a roller rink.
Today, on any given day, 33 people work in 2,200 square feet of office space, some of which doubles as storage space. The building totals 14,500 square feet — but that figure includes the foyer, restrooms, storage areas and the 4,300-square-foot Memorial Hall, site of many beloved community potlucks and other events.
The building has undergone modifications over the years, but the city says it’s time to take a more holistic approach to ensure it meets the community’s needs now and in the future.
Ten people attended the Feb. 3 meeting that featured a presentation from students in the University Technical Assistance Program at the University of Colorado-Denver. A grant from the state’s Department of Local Affairs paid $2,700 for their design and engagement work, with the city paying the remaining $4,050.
“This equals about 5 cents on the dollar when compared to traditional design services, and it gives the graduate students great real-world experience in their field,” said Alex Trefry, the city’s public information officer.
Residents have been concerned that redesigning City Hall could entirely eliminate Memorial Hall. Meeting attendees were reassured that all proposed designs keep the space as an integral part of the building, although it might be moved or adjusted in some way.
“Opinions, as always, are mixed regarding any changes to places of significance, but one thing is for sure, most people could agree that something needs to be done to improve the working conditions and functionality of City Hall,” said Jeff Wood, an architect who coordinates the University Technical Assistance Program.
The program team was asked to expand City Hall by about 3,850 square feet. Staffers would gain some of that extra space, but it also includes file storage and additional restrooms.
The wish list is:
• An extra 150 square feet for the clerk of the court;
• A total of 800 square feet for four private city administrative offices and a fireproof vault that other departments could also use;
• An additional 800 square feet for the Planning Department (for offices, open office area/reception and storage);
• An estimated 300 square feet for additional restrooms that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act;
• Ideally, about 1,700 square feet for dedicated City Council Chambers (the Parking and Mobility Department is using the former chambers and City Council meets in Memorial Hall);
• An additional 1,000 square feet for Manitou Springs Police Department offices, proper cells for detainees, a booking desk, an attorney meeting room, an interrogation room and a patrol room for officers’ desks; and
• A finance conference room of an additional 300 square feet, which all City Hall staff could use.
If the second story is expanded, an additional stairwell and elevator would be needed. Currently, that small upper space houses the MSPD’s evidence rooms and lockers, along with city storage.
“The additional area not only serves the staff, but also makes for a more efficient City Hall, which benefits the residents who use City Hall for a variety of reasons. Convenience, safety and conformance to current code all impact our decision-making,” Wood said.
The student team analyzed the space each city department currently has and incorporated their feedback about what is needed before presenting multiple options at the Feb. 3 meeting.
The students created three strategies: a first-floor renovation, a second-floor renovation that would move Memorial Hall upstairs and a second-floor renovation that would move offices upstairs.
Understandably, the first-floor renovation would cost the least amount of money. The designers offered three plans for that. The first includes moving the Memorial Hall kitchen and reducing its size to allow space for City Council chambers on the east side.
Strategy 2 also offers three plans, one of which moves the MSPD to the back of the building. Strategy 3 has one plan, which would open the current Memorial Hall ceiling to the upper level so the city offices there would have improved air circulation.
“Though there was, in fact, some initial opposition to the idea of impacting Memorial Hall in any way, some attendees were very intrigued by the notion of moving it upstairs to enhance the view, the light and make it even grander,” Wood said.
“Others were less concerned about the various configurations and just wanted to be assured the hall remained in City Hall in some manner.”
The building’s outmoded floor plan also impacts public safety, several presentation graphics emphasize.
First, the building does not provide enough direct exits to ensure safety in case of fire or other emergencies.
Also, the police station portion of the building is laid out in such a way that suspects on their way to holding cells could cross paths with civilians, such as people paying tickets or waiting in the reception area.
That could be solved with a “sally port,” a secured, controlled entryway.
The MSPD’s cramped floor plan also means that classified files and crime evidence could come in contact with civilians while being transferred to storage.
“The redesign is about using the space City Hall provides us as efficiently as possible to meet the needs of all,” Trefry said.
The project is at least two years away from starting construction, he added.
More community feedback will be solicited and the UTAP students will incorporate that before presenting final options to City Council. After City Council selects the best option, funding and an architect will be sought out and many other details will be finalized.
To see the designs and find additional information, go to www.manitouspringsgov.com/694/_City-Hall-Redesign. Or email questions to cityhallredesign@manitouspringsco.gov.
WHAT’S NEXT
The virtual meeting about City Hall’s redesign is scheduled to start at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17. The meeting link will be available at www.manitouspringsgov.com/694/_City-Hall-Redesign.