Chaffee County leases restored Valley View School to Garner for community use

Chaffee County commissioners on April 1 approved a five‑year lease of the renovated Valley View School to the organization Garner (name in packet transcribed as “Garnet/Garner”) for use as a community education space.

Staff described a lengthy restoration and grant process dating back to the early 2000s and noted the building — originally constructed in the early 1900s — had undergone historic preservation work funded by state historic preservation grants and local donations. Staff said the project had required multiple grant applications and coordination with the Richardson family, the school district and other partners before the county assumed responsibility for the property.

The approved lease is five years with a review period during the first six months to clarify county and tenant uses, and contains a tenant monthly rent clause (transcript cited $5.50 per month as the base rent referenced in the draft) and adjustment language. In response to a commissioner question, staff said the lease designates Garner as responsible for utilities; staff noted utilities and operating costs will be evaluated as occupancy begins because the building has not been fully occupied in recent years.

Commissioners asked about parking; staff said a constructed parking lot provides approximately 12 spaces, including two ADA spaces, and that county staff will monitor whether additional parking is needed as tenancy and programming evolve.

Representatives from Garner (Katie Davis present) thanked the board and said they would meet with county staff to obtain keys and begin occupying the building. Commissioners said a community ribbon‑cutting and open house will be scheduled after Garner settles in.

The motion to approve the lease passed by unanimous voice vote.