Groundbreaking for downtown projects set for Tuesday afternoon

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado — Two major construction projects in downtown Glenwood Springs will officially launch with a ceremonial groundbreaking at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday at Eighth and Cooper in downtown Glenwood Springs.Everyone is invited and refreshments will be served following the official ceremony.Project partners, staff, contractors, volunteers and elected officials will be on hand to commemorate the start of the two major construction projects, which together represent $17 million in infrastructure and civic investment.

The projects include a dual-use building for the new Glenwood Springs Branch Library and Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and a two-level public parking structure funded and built by the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and the city of Glenwood Springs.

The new 150-space parking garage at Ninth and Cooper is expected to be completed and open to the public in early 2013.

The dual-use facility for CMC and the Glenwood Springs Branch Library, at the southwest corner of Eighth and Cooper, is anticipated for completion in late summer or early fall 2013.

Combined, the two projects will provide a net gain of 115 public spaces above current parking capacity in the area.

Speaking at the groundbreaking event will be Garfield County Public Library District Director Amelia Shelley, Library District board member Marilee Rippy, Colorado Mountain College president Stan Jensen, Downtown Development Authority Chairman Charlie Willman, Glenwood Springs Mayor Matthew Steckler, and Downtown Development Authority Director Leslie Bethel.