ALAMOSA — On the afternoon of Nov. 1, about 75 people, including local community members, stakeholders in health services, and historical preservation enthusiasts, gathered at the old Alamosa County Courthouse for a groundbreaking ceremony. 

This event marked the beginning of a significant transformation, as the historic courthouse is set to become the new Valley-Wide Health Systems Health and Wellness Center. 

Valley-Wide CEO Jania Arnoldi said, "We gather here to celebrate the groundbreaking and transforming of a historic county courthouse into a vibrant, modern healthcare facility." 

During his comments, architect, Paul Reu with RTA Architects said, "When this courthouse was originally done, it was a WPA, Works Progress Administration project, and the intent was to get jobs back in the community during the Great Depression…the original cornerstone was set on May 22, 1937." 

According to National Park Service documents regarding the courthouse's listing to the National Register of Historic Sites on that day in 1937, "An impressive ceremony took place to lay the cornerstone at the Alamosa County Courthouse." The NPS administers the historic site register. 

During the 1937 ceremony, "Masonic dignitaries, city and county officials, and executives of the WPA were present. In the cornerstone were lists of WPA, county officials, and county employees a copy of the Daily Courier [Now the Valley Courier] and other miscellaneous items. 

"The County Assessor was the first county official to be able to move into the new east wing of the county courthouse. The move took place on July 22, 1937. 

"Christmas of 1937 appeared to be very joyous at the Courthouse. Several WPA employees placed a large Christmas tree on the center pedestal of the fountain. The tree was painted aluminum and decorated with blue lights. Smaller trees were grouped around the large tree, and red lights were placed.  

"Several groups who were interested in singing Christmas carols were invited to use the central patio." 

The NPS documents include, "The County of Alamosa is very proud of their courthouse while still being the center for the carriage of justice." 

Soon, the building will continue to be a proud landmark in Alamosa with a new life serving Valley Wide Health Systems.