For Immediate Release: 1/16/13

Contacts: Assistant Summit County Manager, Scott Vargo (970) 453-3404

Summit County, Colorado - On October 3rd, 2012 Summit County Government purchased the property located at 19 Straight Creek Drive, in Dillon Valley, previously owned and occupied by Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. The purchase utilized funds dedicated to the development of affordable workforce housing within the community.

After a thorough evaluation of the former church building it was determined that the building would require repair to several systems as well as ongoing maintenance and surveillance to ensure the structure did not become an eyesore or unauthorized living quarters. In addition, the evaluation revealed that walls and ceilings throughout the structure contain asbestos material, making its rental to other organizations or its use for County programs concerning. As a result and in the interest of preparing the property for its anticipated use as affordable workforce housing the Board of County Commissioners directed staff to deconstruct the former church building.

Demolition efforts began on January 14, 2013, appropriate asbestos abatement procedures will be followed, and those materials not contaminated with asbestos will be recycled or re-used where appropriate. The disturbed site will be re-vegetated while the entire site will be maintained and monitored by Summit County Government.

No immediate plans have been prepared regarding the long-term development of the property, as opportunities arise and plans are developed they will be shared with the community as part of the County’s typical community development and planning processes.

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