The sound of nail guns, jackhammers and saws can be heard throughout Routt County as construction season ramps up again. Supply chains for construction materials are stabilizing, but labor remains in short supply as the rise in cost of living continues to deter workers from living in mountain communities.
“A lot of high-quality builders are booked out for at least a year or two resulting in clients having to wait,” said Chris Rhodes, owner of Soda Mountain Construction. “There was definitely a spike in demand last year for construction, but things are stabilizing as the available number of properties has diminished.”
Total Value of Construction Increasing
The Routt County Building Department reported the total value of construction for 2022 through April as $140M compared to $66M at this time last year. The total construction value for all of 2021 was $378M.
400 Anglers Drive Project Breaks Ground
Lack of housing continues to be at the forefront of discussions for the workforce in Steamboat Springs. “Cost of living is pushing people out, which is not helping the trades,” added Rhodes. Earlier this year, the Yampa Valley Housing Authority broke ground on 400 Anglers Drive, a 75-unit development, across from Sundance Plaza. Arco National Construction is managing the build, estimated to cost $27M. Over 800 residents have already expressed interest.
Sunlight Crossing to Provide New Complex
The Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) is close to completion on another development, Sunlight Crossing, a 90-unit apartment complex on the west side of Steamboat. Unlike Sunlight Crossing, which was designed for middle-income residents, 400 Anglers will be available for residents making 30-80% of the area’s median income. Jason Peasley, Executive Director for the Housing Authority, said there will also be some units for people making as little as $20K a year.
Housing Options Increase with Donations
Last December, YVHA bought an 11-acre parcel of land known as Mid Valley with a $6M donation by the same anonymous benefactor who donated the $24M for Brown Ranch. Mid Valley could provide another 200 deed-restricted units, which would make it the largest development so far for YVHA. “We have selected a developer partner, Lone Tree Trust, and will be working on planning and zoning approvals this year with a plan to break ground next year,” remarked Peasley. If the project moves forward as planned, units will be available by Fall 2024.