Affordable Housing continues to be a struggle in Steamboat Springs, but a mix of public and private collaborations are inching toward alleviating the strain.

Sunlight Crossing

The Yampa Valley Housing Authority is accepting requests for Sunlight Crossing, a 90-unit apartment complex on the west side of Steamboat Springs. The newly constructed project is scheduled for completion in mid-July 2022. It will offer a mix of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom configurations.

Pricing is aimed at moderate income earners, defined by household income which is 80-120% of the area median income. Currently that is:

Figures from a study in 2019 showed 38% of housing units occupied in Steamboat Springs are by renters, and 54% of those renters are considered “Renters Overburdened” (households who pay more than 30% of household income).

In a bid to overcome staffing shortages for lower-paid positions, the City of Steamboat is looking to build dormitory-style housing on Thirteenth Street. The goal is to offer seasonal housing opportunities for transit drivers and parks and recreation employees. Rent increases and limited availability at the city’s current agreement with Flour Mill Apartments and Ski Town Apartments is restrictive and not a long-term solution.

UCHealth teams up with the City

A collaboration between the City and UCHealth Yampa Valley Medical Center aims to bring 22 units for city and hospital staff. The joint venture will provide 12 units designated for the hospital and 10 units for the city in a multi-family building at Barn Village by Steamboat Resort. The project is estimated to cost the city around $4.5M. It is hoped some of the funding will be sourced through a grant from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, which awards funds between $1M and $3M. If the city is successful, they hope to break ground in July.

Get Involved in Housing Solutions:

Brown Ranch, the 536-acre parcel donated to the Yampa Valley Housing Authority by an anonymous donor, continues to make strides through the work of a 20-person-strong steering committee. The community can participate in the planning process by attending focus group meetings being held over the coming months. Focus areas are broken into sections including: Housing and Residential Demand, Natural and Built Sustainability, Urban Design, Infrastructure, and Stewardship and Project Economics. To participate, email brownranch@gmail.com.