Historic jail reborn, The Annex fuels entrepreneurship in Sterling

The Annex occupies the former Logan County jail in Sterling and now serves as a focal point for entrepreneurship and community events in the downtown commercial district. The renovation preserved historic features of the old jail while adding modern infrastructure including shared office and meeting rooms, high speed internet, a small scale maker and creative space, and areas for public workshops and pitch events. The space hosts local pitch competitions, business training and networking events in partnership with the Logan County Economic Development Council.

By offering affordable short term office space, The Annex reduces the upfront overhead that often deters new businesses from leasing full commercial space. That lowered cost structure makes it easier for freelancers, remote workers and early stage companies from Sterling and surrounding towns such as Crook, Fleming and Iliff to test ideas, build clientele and connect with regional resources including small business counseling and workforce training. The presence of a central coworking and events venue also creates meeting space for community organizations and attracts evening visitors, which supports restaurants and retail along the downtown corridor.

The project fits into a broader downtown revitalization strategy that emphasizes reuse of public buildings, heritage preservation and support for local economic development. Reusing the old jail preserved a tangible piece of Logan County history while converting it into an asset for the modern local economy. For a largely rural county where retaining young professionals and recent graduates is a persistent challenge, access to flexible workspace and networking opportunities can be a practical tool for slowing outmigration and fostering new job creation.

Economically, small scale incubators like The Annex can catalyze startup activity, increase local employment opportunities and broaden the tax base without large public operating costs. The model also aligns with longer term trends toward more distributed work, as reliable internet and collaborative space become essential for remote workers and digital entrepreneurs across northeast Colorado. As Sterling pursues downtown revival, The Annex provides a visible example of how adaptive reuse can connect heritage preservation with contemporary economic needs.