On October 6, the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) stood before a large local audience to present the preliminary vision for the future of their 536-acre site west of town, known as Brown Ranch. The land, which has been the subject of turmoil for several commercial investors since 2007, was bought in August 2021 by an anonymous donor with the intent that YVHA develop it.

“It is indisputable that we have an affordable housing crisis in Steamboat Springs,” stated Executive Director, Jason Peasley. “We live in a desirable place: demand has outstripped supply. We have consistently under-built for locals and studies show we need 1,400 homes for our current workforce.”

Outreach Effort Was Monumental

In fall of 2021, YVHA formed a steering committee of 20 community members to kick off a monumental outreach effort. They hired technical consultants and formed focus teams to analyze housing demand, environmental sustainability, economics and stewardship, urban design, and infrastructure. Over the last year, they met with 230 groups and 3,300 individuals.

Brown Ranch Takes Into Account Community Needs

“We listened to the community and created a neighborhood plan that reflects their needs and desires,” said Sheila Henderson, Director of Community Engagement for the Brown Ranch. Peasley said people want choices in housing types with opportunities to rent or buy, access to biking and walking trails, parks and open spaces, shops, schools, and access to medical service.

No Short-Term Rentals

All homes built will be primary residences and there will be an income verification. Residents will need to currently work for, or be retired from, a business physically located in Routt County. Stipulations will continue for subsequent owners and short-term rentals will not be permitted.

Brown Ranch A Large Finacial Undertaking

YVHA gave a rough estimate of $400M for infrastructure including $220M for roads, water, sewer, trails, and parks. $180M will pay for road improvements around the development, upgrades to the electrical grid and an additional water treatment plant in the future, all of which are considered off-site developments. Not all of the money would be required up front.

YVHA has access to grants from local, state, and federal resources to pay for design and infrastructure construction, and around $10M per year will be needed from the City of Steamboat Springs.

Goal Set For First Phase of Units

It is hoped that the first phase of units will be ready by the end of 2026 with a total of 2,300 units by 2040. The overall proposal includes 1,486 apartments or condos, 484 single family attached homes, and 294 single family detached homes. Phase 1 will include a 15,000SF community food market, 48,000SF of retail space, 10,000SF of office space and 5,000SF earmarked for childcare. Future commercial amenities will follow as the development grows.

“We are a community that likes to solve its own problems, and the Brown Ranch is the solution to our affordable housing crisis,” Peasley said.