A unique plan to build four community halls in western Colorado has taken a step forward with the purchase of around 2.5 acres in the town of De Beque.
Last summer members of the Mesa County Board of Commissioners voted in favor of a plan that will see the construction of the buildings in the towns of Clifton, Mack Loma, and Whitewater, as well as De Beque.
Those towns, varying in population from around 500 residents to more than 21,000, have long lacked any kind of public facility spaces for community events, meetings, and classes.
County officials have also said the halls might be used for weddings, exercise classes, and job fairs.
Now the commission has voted to enter a contract with the realtor Jones-De Beque Properties to purchase land for the construction of the first community hall.
What is being called the Community Halls Project is being funded through revenue generated by a Mesa County sales tax approved four decades ago.
The purchase of the De Beque property is expected to be finalized early next year.
Construction is expected to begin on the new halls in Clifton and De Beque next year. A construction schedule for the remaining two facilities has not yet been announced.
Sources have indicated that the new structures will be modeled after the existing Mesa Community Center in the town of Mesa, which houses meeting rooms, a gymnasium, and industrial kitchen.
It is thought that ultimately it will cost around $8 million to build all four of the community halls.
By Garry Boulard
