Durango’s Mason Center has seen its last days.

The city of Durango demolished the 70-year-old building last week, leaving only the gym to be used for city storage.

At 15,300 square feet, the Mason Center previously housed a gymnastics program, elementary school and multiple education centers. The plot’s playground is often used as a play space for schools, child care programs and church groups.

But the building, at 301 E. 12th St., near the Smiley Building, was also deteriorating and insulated with asbestos. Talk of tearing it down heated up in 2019 when a portion of the center’s roof collapsed because of heavy spring snow.

Two wings filled with former classrooms were torn down, leaving more room for recreation, according to city officials.

The tennis courts, playground and 14 parking spaces will remain, and a portion of the parking lot will become a grassy area. The city will also install topsoil, irrigation and turf grass seed to improve the park’s landscaping.

smullane@durangoherald.com