The growing scarcity of affordable housing in Western Slope communities, including Pagosa Springs, is straining the comfort and security of hard-working families that keep rural mountain communities and local charm alive.

A report commissioned by Housing Solutions for the Southwest and the Southwest Colorado Council of Governments highlights a 213% change in cost-burdened renters who pay more than 30% of their income for housing between 2010-2019 in Archuleta County. The report also indicates an increase in median home sales outpacing the income of permanent residents across the region. These trends make it difficult for everyday people to live and work in the mountain communities they love.

In particular, beautiful Pagosa Springs has always been a desirable destination to live, work, and play. However, it’s no secret the area’s housing market is a hot topic for discussion and presents its own unique set of challenges. The urgency to find solutions to the rising costs of living was further accelerated with the arrival of the pandemic in 2020 so, The Springs Resort made it a top priority to take action and support their associates by finding comfortable and affordable places for them to live.

Last year, The Springs Resort approved the creation of the resort’s first employee housing complex and purchased an office building downtown on Lewis Street. To convert the office building into comfortable living spaces, the resort completely gutted and rebuilt the inside into private apartments. Nate Travisono, The Springs Resort Project Manager, oversaw the project as the general contractor, partnered with local architect Brad Ash for the design, and contracted all local subs. The project to transform an office building into eight studio apartments was a success and has been housing resort staff since its completion. The success and demand of the housing complex set the stage for future employee housing projects in Pagosa Springs. Travisono says the initiative has been impactful, “It is rewarding in the sense that we’re going to be able to provide freshly updated, safe, and affordable apartment units for the staff and the community.”

A not-for-profit initiative, he says these housing units are made entirely possible by the financial backing of The Springs Resort. So far, The Springs Resort has renovated and established two housing complexes for employees: one downtown and the other uptown.

The downtown Lewis Street apartments were a great start, offering affordable housing to resort employees that included all utilities for around $600 per month. However, the demand for housing, especially for employees with families, remained evident.

The second complex, the uptown 16-unit Eaton Street apartment building, needed considerable renovation to bring it up to code. For the safety of the tenants, residents were asked to temporarily relocate during construction. The building’s makeover was ready after three months and welcomed back former residents as well as employees from The Springs Resort.

Located only ten minutes from downtown Pagosa, the Eaton Street apartments settle residents in the heart of uptown Pagosa, within walking distance of an array of local amenities including restaurants, coffee spots, walking trails, grocery stores, and more, making them an ideal place to live.

Residents are already enjoying their new homes and thriving in the workplace. For those taking advantage of this company benefit, the security of employee housing has been life-changing. People are finding a way to live, work, and play here in Pagosa Springs rather than enduring long daily commutes or worrying about the security of a place to call home.

Luke McArthur, a long-time Springs Resort employee, recently moved into the Eaton Street apartments. “I feel well cared for. The location of our apartment is a really beautiful spot, surrounded by pine trees and beautiful views, with plenty of space for my pooch, Happy, and myself to exercise.”

Simone Estrada, another Springs Resort employee, and Eaton Street apartment resident says he was previously living with multiple roommates to make ends meet since it was the only way to afford a place to live when he first moved to Pagosa Springs. He now enjoys the privacy of a spacious one-bedroom unit that gives him the freedom to help raise his baby daughter in a safe and protected environment.

“Caring for the enhanced well-being of all” is the purpose statement that drives The Springs Resort’s daily operations. Not only does this apply to the guest experience but also to staff and residents of our community. This break-even housing development was created to help staff live comfortably in our community.