ALAMOSA — Alamosa officials cut the ribbon Tuesday on the city’s new parks/cemetery office building, complete with a much-needed restroom available to the public.

Located right at the entrance to the Alamosa Cemetery, the new 2,400-square-foot building is ADA compliant with a restroom accessed from the outside. The building replaces a facility that was nearly 100 years old and not ADA compliant, Alamosa Mayor Josef Lucero explained during the Tuesday ribbon cutting.

“It was definitely showing its age,” Lucero said.

It was not a good environment for the public or employees, he added.

Thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), the city was able to construct the building, with the total cost just under $400,000, which was below budget. Alcon served as the general contractor and completed the project in seven months using all local sub-contractors.

“We really appreciate our relationship with the city,” said Brian Cook, Alcon. “We are really pleased with the way it turned out. We appreciate the opportunity.”

Lucero said the project would not have been possible without DOLA’s support. He particularly acknowledged the efforts of Christy Doon from DOLA, who was present, and DOLA’s Chelsea Stromberg, who was unable to attend the ribbon cutting.

The mayor and Alamosa Councilman Charles Griego also acknowledged the efforts of city staff in bringing this much-needed project to completion.

Councilor Kristina Daniel said she was especially glad that the public would not have to use porta potties when they visit the cemetery now.

“It’s a great service to the public,” she said.

Alamosa City Manager Heather Brooks thanked staff involved in the design and engineering of the facility. “There was a lot of behind-the-scenes work,” she said.

Architect Ron McClure said the project had taken more than two years to come together, and he appreciated the city staff that worked with him on it.

“It was a good team … I designed it, but they were open to my ideas,” he said.

“We talk about moving Alamosa forward,” Mayor Lucero said. The city council and staff promote this concept in projects such as this and other current projects, he said.  “We are moving Alamosa forward one partnership at a time,” he concluded.

Caption: On hand for the ribbon cutting for the new parks/cemetery building at the Alamosa Cemetery on Tuesday are from left Andy Rice, Solomon Archuleta, Heinz Bergann, Charles Griego, Josef Lucero, Kristina Daniel, Christy Doon, Heather Brooks and Brian Cook.