Selling historic buildings would help county with budget deficit

Historic buildings in Pueblo could be the key to solving the county’s budget troubles. Pueblo County plans to sell three buildings worth a total of nearly $1 million.

“It’s a sentimental reason to want to keep buildings but if they don’t fit the use of the county — it’s time to sell them,” said Commissioner Liane “Buffie” McFadyen.

The county plans to sell 229 W. 12 St., which houses the county’s planning and development department. It has a market value of $410,000. The three-story, 7,700-square foot building is known as the Bohen Mansion and sits in downtown Pueblo.

An old church at 1201 N. Main Street, best known now for showcasing performances by the Impossible Players, will also soon be on the market. It’s estimated at $270,000. In addition, commissioners plan to sell a home at 1426 N. Grand St., which is used by the county’s Department of Social Services. That home is valued at $295,000.

McFadyen said, “The market’s come back. It would probably be the best time for the tax payer to recoup their value.”

The county said the three buildings aren’t fully accessible to the public, noting that none has an elevator. Furthermore, commissioners said the county doesn’t need all of the buildings.

“We have a staff in two of the buildings,” McFadyen said. “We will relocate the staff into existing space, probably in our old probation building or our old judicial building.”

The county’s facilities director, Sean Tapia, said he can see both homeowners and businesses moving into the space.

“I can envision an attorney’s office in any of these,” Tapia said. “Certainly some sort of medical admin in any of these. Businesses could certainly function in there.”

The county plans to have the buildings listed for sale later this year. McFadyen said the buildings are not strictly being sold to help with the deficit, but the timing is helpful. McFadyen estimates the county faces a $1 million to $2 million budget deficit.