Xtrov Realty completed one of the final steps to opening a new and expanded office during the Cortez Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on Dec. 6.
The Cortez-based real estate company has been working to convert a building on Montezuma Avenue into a new office since July. At Tuesday’s meeting, associate planner Neva Connolly presented an amended site plan for the office on behalf of Xtrov broker-owner Katherine Chaffin. The board unanimously approved the plan, which expanded on the building’s originally proposed parking spaces and improved street access, clearing the way for the new location to open in January.
In spring, Xtrov plans to convert the building’s second story into two residential apartments, though those plans still require city approval.
Xtrov has been doing business in Montezuma County for a little more than three years, and Chaffin said it has outgrown its current headquarters at 303 N. Broadway. She hopes that by moving into a space four times the size of her old one, Xtrov will be able to attract more real estate agents and more business. Moving headquarters to a residential street near City Market will also make it more convenient for clients, Chaffin said. Besides, the new location has sentimental value for Chaffin and many other longtime residents.
“I’ve always loved Montezuma Avenue,” she said. “The opportunity came up for us to get this building, and it was perfect.”
The new office would be at 444 Montezuma Ave., which was once the home of Wilber’s Floral. After Wilber’s closed, the building became a personal residence, which meant Xtrov had to get a change of use permit to turn it into offices. The original site plan was approved by the planning and zoning board in September, and now that the amended plan has gone through, nothing stands between Xtrov and the opening of their new office except a lot of construction work.
Xtrov is in the process of remodeling the building’s first story, as well as building a parking lot and courtyard outside. Chaffin said that when it’s done, she hopes the headquarters will present a homelike atmosphere to clients.
“People have happy memories of Wilber’s,” she said. “And we’re hoping to give people happy memories here.”
Chaffin said the city has been very helpful throughout the planning process, and Connolly noted in her presentation at the meeting that Xtrov has followed all the city’s guidelines for rezoning and modifying the Montezuma Avenue building. Everyone on the board voiced their support for the project.
“It’s good to see that old building being revitalized,” board chairman Danny Giannone said.
Chaffin plans to hold “at least one” grand opening for the new office in January. The fence outside is already decorated with Christmas lights, and on Halloween XTROV realtors handed out candy to children in front of the building.