A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Jan. 21, 2023, at the City of Loveland’s new Public Works Office/Garage Building along Loveland-Madeira Road. From left: Councilmember John Hart, City Manager David Kennedy, City Engineer Cindy Klopfenstein, Monica Neihaus of Melink Solar, (with scissors) Mayor Kathy Bailey, Public Works Director Scott Wisby, Phil Hesselbrock of DER Development, Assistant City Manager Cory Wright, Dale Roe of DER Development, Councilmember Kent Blair and Councilmember Kip Ping. Photo courtesy the city of Loveland.
The City of Loveland’s new $1.3 million Public Works Office/Garage Building is complete, and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held Jan. 21.
“This is the first city building that has solar energy, and it will serve as a guide for the city’s first venture into solar-powered public facilities,” said Mayor Kathy Bailey during the ceremony, which was attended by City Council, city staff, contractors, and local media.
Constructed by DER Development Company, the facility is located at the city’s Public Works complex (10980 Loveland-Madeira Road). The facility boasts 2,400 square feet of office space and 3,800 square feet of garage space.
The facility replaces the site’s former office building, which was more than 45 years old. Additionally, the new building can store equipment that previously had to be stored outside due to lack of covered space.
A unique feature of the building is its 40 solar panels, totaling 16,000 watts, on the facility’s roof. The city contracted with Melink Solar to install a system to provide an estimated 85% of the building’s annual electrical needs. The solar panels have an estimated life of more than 30 years.
“We are grateful for the City of Loveland’s partnership and forward-thinking approaches. This municipality is helping lead the clean energy movement to improve our global economy, security and environment,” said Seth Parker, Vice President and General Manager of Melink Solar.