Included in the sale is the majority of the top floor of the second-story building and a smaller area on the first floor that the district did not already own. The sale, finalized Nov. 23 for $2.4 million, marks a significant step in the district's commitment to fiscal responsibility and long-term planning.
The purchase was made possible through funds generated by the sale of the district's former administration building at 201 E. 12th St. and Buckley Park. In April, the district moved from their former location to the new Administration Office, which occupies the first floor of Columbine Center. The district’s goal is for BPHS, currently housed at 150 Tech Center Drive, to move to its new home in the fall of 2026 following the expiration of its current lease.
“We are so excited to have found a permanent home for our Big Picture High School students and staff,” said Chief Operations Officer Chris Coleman. “This aligns with the recommendations of our Long-Range Planning Committee and the Board of Education’s priority of moving from leased real estate to owning our own buildings. An added bonus is keeping BPHS students and staff near town, in Bodo Park, on a transit route, and in the same building as our district office.”
The new BPHS location will occupy what is known as Unit 4, a 12,698-square-foot space on the top floor of the Columbine Center. A major remodel project, slated to begin in spring 2025, will transform the space into a fully equipped, modern high school.
Community Connections, a nonprofit organization, will remain on the top floor of the Columbine Center, while La Plata County Public Health will relocate to a nearby building. The district continues to explore the best use of additional space on the first floor, Unit 3, with options including potential use for district Technology Department staff or expansion space for BPHS.
“Our Big Picture family is thrilled that the district is able to invest in the future of our program, our unendingly dedicated staff, our amazing students, and our entire BP school community,” said Samantha Tower, Principal of Big Picture High School. “As we continue to refine the remodel project over the next few months, we are excited to work to include staff and students in the design process.”
On July 15, the district purchased the 4,113-square-foot building at 104 Sheppard Drive in Bodo Park (formerly the fire department administrative building) for $1.4 million. This building will also be remodeled in the spring of 2025, with plans to relocate The Hub permanently and open to students in fall 2025. The Hub is currently in a leased building in Durango Tech Center.
