Pitkin County commissioners enjoy refined building design

Refined architectural plans for the new Pitkin County building received praise Tuesday from commissioners.

“I like the design,” said Commissioner Patti Clapper, “and I think we need to have a covered walkway.”

The walkway running along the side of the building and leading up to the new entrance was a suggestion made by commissioners in December when they chose a basic design from four options. Commissioners on Tuesday also liked that architects ditched a mansard roof they said made the new building look too much like the Pitkin County Courthouse next door.

A construction consultant will now submit basic plans to the city for approval.

Commissioners also went over basic design options for their new meeting room Tuesday, though those plans are less further along and will require more debate.

Officials hope the $22 million building will be completed by fall 2017.