Sites like these in the heart of a downtown can often serve as catalysts for further redevelopment while providing new housing units in a walkable part of town.Īdjacent to downtown, another 27 acres is earmarked for mixed-use development because of a previous agreement with the owner. Together, those two sites could realize even greater opportunities for artist spaces, workforce housing, and other community amenities. Since the workshop, the owner of the former Adobe building has decided to sell the property and the town is currently considering options for combining the two sites for a larger development project, one of Smart Growth America’s recommendations. As a result, that privately-owned site-and an adjacent town-owned property-is ripe for redevelopment. The first redevelopment opportunity is the former home of the town’s historic “Adobe building” in downtown, which was destroyed by a fire shortly before the workshop, displacing 16 businesses. Pagosa Springs has three major redevelopment opportunities that will help it expand year-round housing opportunities, making it more affordable while spurring downtown redevelopment.
Moving forward with downtown revitalization projects The two-day Smart Growth 101 workshop helped Pagosa Springs understand its redevelopment potential and to begin working together towards a shared vision for its future.
To achieve that, the town applied and was chosen for technical assistance from Smart Growth America, made possible through an EPA Office of Community Revitalization Building Blocks grant. Pagosa Springs was looking to address this housing shortage while helping to redevelop downtown to create a more walkable environment that encourages visitors and locals alike to linger. The Pagosa Springs Resort, a major tourist attraction in downtown Pagosa Springs. Much of the existing housing has been converted to short-term rentals that cater to visitors and part-time residents. However, the number of tourists drawn to these beautiful attractions has resulted in a loss of affordable and workforce housing for Pagosa Springs’ year-round residents.
In the summer, the population of the surrounding county doubles and the town itself attracts 375,000 tourists each year. And the San Juan River runs through town and the San Juan National Forest surrounds the community. Tourism is Pagosa Springs’ major industry: The local hot springs-for which the town was named-are some of the largest, hottest, and mineral-rich springs in the world, renowned for their restorative properties. of about 1,800) in southwestern Colorado, about a 90 minute drive east of Durango. There are a number of opportunities to make progress in the near-term, including turning a recent disaster in the downtown into a catalytic redevelopment opportunity. The small Colorado town of Pagosa Springs is focused on revitalizing its downtown and supporting more mixed-use, walkable development to both address a lack of affordable housing and accommodate a large volume of tourists. Since the workshop: Pagosa Springs, CO moves towards smart growthĭowntown Pagosa Springs and the San Juan River (Image: Granger Meador, Flickr)
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