A once-empty lot by the river is turning into a symbol of collaboration in Grand Junction—and it’s opening its doors sooner than many expected.
With $6 million already raised out of its $7.5 million goal, the Confluence Center of Colorado is nearing the final phase of construction. The nonprofit-run facility will house multiple community and conservation organizations under one roof, along with a preschool and a co-working hub. Locals are now getting a firsthand look at what promises to be one of the region’s most ambitious community spaces in years.
“This Project Is Real”—Public Tours Spark Local Excitement
Walkthroughs are already underway. Every other Wednesday through fall, residents can sign up for guided tours of the building site. And the reaction, according to Confluence Center President Rusty Lloyd, has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve seen their face light up like, ‘Oh my gosh, this project is real,’” Lloyd said. “It’s come so far and so fast.”
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Visitors aren’t just impressed with the structure itself—they’re connecting with the purpose behind it. After years of planning and fundraising, there’s finally something to see, touch, and walk through.
A Full House of Local Nonprofits
The Confluence Center isn’t just another office building. It’s a shared home for several of the valley’s most influential nonprofits focused on conservation, education, and public lands.
Among the tenants:
• RiversEdge West – focuses on riparian restoration and invasive plant control
• EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum – offers interactive STEM-based learning
• One Riverfront – works to protect and promote the Colorado Riverfront
• Colorado Canyons Association – supports public lands through education and stewardship
• Colorado West Land Trust – preserves farmland and open space in western Colorado
Each group brings a different focus, but they all share the same goal: building a better, more sustainable Grand Valley.
One board member, Joe Higgins, summed it up: “I really believe any type of collaborative effort [and] networking that nonprofit agencies can do, that you end up doing a better job.”
STREAM-Focused Preschool Coming This Fall
Possibly the most anticipated part of the project? The preschool.
Set to open in September, the childcare center will offer 45 full-time slots, with a curriculum rooted in “STREAM”—Science, Technology, Rivers, Art, and Mathematics.
That “R” in STREAM is unique to the valley. It’s a nod to the region’s close relationship with the Colorado River and outdoor learning.
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By tying education to the environment, organizers hope kids will grow up more connected to their community and the landscape around them.
Parents in Mesa County, where quality childcare slots are in high demand, are already expressing interest.
The Building’s Design Reflects Its Mission
This isn’t just about who’s inside—it’s also about how the space works.
Here’s a snapshot of what’s included in the final design:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Land and Water Resource Hub | Shared space for resource management collaboration |
| Co-working & Community Space | Desks, conference rooms, and community meeting areas |
| Interactive Lobby | Educational displays and rotating nonprofit exhibits |
| Nonprofit Office Space | Private offices and shared services for partner organizations |
Lloyd says seeing it all come together from a dusty lot has been “very surreal.”
“It’s been very surreal to see just a flat piece of dirt to really see, you know, a building raise up out of it,” he said.
October Marks Full Operational Launch—With One Big Goal Left
While the preschool aims to welcome children in September, the rest of the facility—including nonprofit offices and co-working space—is expected to open by October.
Construction is nearly complete. Interior finishes and installations are underway. Equipment and furniture for classrooms and meeting spaces are already being delivered.
But there’s one piece left: funding.
Despite the $6 million already raised, the nonprofit is still working to close the final $1.5 million gap. That money will ensure everything launches without compromise—from high-quality childcare programming to robust community services.
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More details are available at the Confluence Center of Colorado’s website for those looking to pitch in.
