former motel suite in colorado to be transformed into substance abuse wellness center

Despite objections from nearby residents, a one-time Ramada Hotel in Monument, Colorado may soon have a new life as a luxury rehab center.

The El Paso County Planning Department has given a green light to the renovation of the hotel site, which is actually four separate buildings, at 1865 Woodmoor Drive.

The 5.1-acre site, with a total building size of more than 60,000 square feet, was purchased for $4 million earlier this year by Sunshine Behavioral Health.

That San Juan Capistrano, California-based company specializes in substance abuse treatment and recovery programs, offering their services in sober living environments.

According to county documents, the former hotel, built in 1972, would house some 54 beds inside a campus-like setting.

What is being called Mountain Springs Recovery will see new landscaping and the building of a 7-foot tall cedar fence separating the complex from its neighbors.

Area residents expressed concerns about the possible drug use or criminal activity of those residing at Mountain Springs Recovery, but Sunshine Behavioral Health officials said the program is open only to those who voluntarily admit themselves, with participants expected to stay no more than 30 days.

The project must now be reviewed by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department before any facility work can actually begin at the site.

By Garry Boulard

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