CENTER – The Town of Center is inviting qualified developers to express interest in developing attainable-workforce housing on the town-owned North 90 parcel, according to a press release from Colorado Downtown Inc.
In Phase I, the town is seeking to explore the construction of roughly 20-40 homes, open to both rental and for-sale units. Respondents can propose larger or multi-phased projects using additional land in the North 90.
“We look forward to working collaboratively with developers that can assist our community in meeting our housing needs,” Center stated in the release.
Over the past 5 years, the Town of Center has completed intensive community engagement, education, and awareness building with the community. The Town completed major improvement projects including undergrounding electric wires, re-paving half of the town, and installing water meters for the town water system.
Additionally, the town has been a leader in coalition building and helping coordinate a West San Luis Valley partnership that secured an Innovative Housing Opportunity Program (IHOP) grant from the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) for $130,000 to review and recommend ways to remove barriers to investment in four west SLV communities.
Downtown Colorado has worked with the Town of Center for over five years and has been “inspired to witness and provide support for overcoming pre-existing challenges and building a plan to create stronger communities into the future.”
The Town of Center was a key partner with the San Luis Valley Housing Authority in commissioning the San Luis Valley Housing Study, with the San Luis Valley Housing Coalition and other partners. The study provided insight into the overall housing needs of the San Luis Valley in addition to specifics for the town.
Center recently formed a redevelopment authority to assist with bringing housing and jobs to the North 90, an 87-acre parcel abutting downtown Center.
Building on the town's recent strides toward improvement and broad community engagement, this request for interest is the next step toward identifying and engaging developers that want to partner with the community.
The Town of Center is seeking to partner with the developer to begin defining a feasible project for this parcel which aligns with the community’s housing needs, works within the opportunities and constraints of the site, and partners with local stakeholders to maximize the eligibility for state and federal financing as described above. The town anticipates that a variety of housing options may be developed on this parcel along with other complimentary uses such as commercial, parks, trails, and other neighborhood amenities.
The location is within walking distance of downtown (0.3 miles), school district (0.5 miles), and major parks (0.5 and 0.8 miles). It has more than sufficient water rights to support a build out of the entire property, has previously been used for agricultural uses, and has been formally annexed into the town.
Letter of interest and qualifications should be submitted electronically by Aug. 22 to economic development advisors at Downtown Colorado – Kylie Brown, Rural Program Manager, outreach@downtowncoloradoinc.org.
