Colorado Real Estate Journal - August 20, 2014

CBI finds match for DNA tests with acquisition of Arvada lab

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has a match for its DNA testing lab.

To satisfy space needs of CBI’s Forensic Services Laboratory, the Colorado Department of Public Safety bought a 24,350-squarefoot office/lab building at 6000 W. 54th Ave. in Arvada for $3.66 million. The state acquired the property from West 54th Avenue LLC, a partnership headed by Allan Ojala that developed the building 10 years ago.

The building will house CBI scientists in the areas of DNA testing and toxicology, as well as latent fingerprint analysis, firearms testing, drug chemistry and other critical elements of evidence analysis involved with criminal investigations, according to CBI spokeswoman Susan Medina.

Replacing the CBI’s current location at West Sixth Avenue and Kipling Street in Lakewood, it also will serve as a hub for crime scene investigators, who are dispatched to crime scenes throughout Colorado at the request of local law enforcement agencies.

The Arvada building was a build-to-suit for Environmental Resource Associates Inc., which Ojala & Co. relocated to the Coors Tech Center in Golden when it outgrew the space.

“The Arvada building is the perfect fit for CBI’s Forensic Services moving forward to accommodate the needs of our scientists,” said Medina. “Because the building served as a laboratory in the past, the existing design will expedite the process for the site to become operational. Most importantly, the site met our budget and it is our focus to serve as the best possible stewards of taxpayer dollars.” Medina said workstations will be constructed with equipment necessary for scientists to complete their work and to ensure the CBI meets strict accreditation standards.

The bureau is in the process of following the state procurement process to obtain a contractor to renovate the building for its needs. The CBI hopes to be in the new building by April 30.

Bob Smith and Fred Baker of Ojala & Co. represented the seller in the transaction. Patrick Bolick and Eric Carlbom of JLL represented the state of Colorado.