A proposed 192-unit apartment complex between Walmart and Home Depot received an early nod from the Durango City Council on Tuesday.

City councilors unanimously voted to increase the density at the site from 18 to 24 units an acre, calling it a win for affordable housing.

“We do need additional housing units, and it sounds like it’s going to be a great property,” Councilor Dick White said.

While the density will be higher, the units will be smaller than plans the previous developer proposed.

The new complex could have 260 bedrooms, which is 100 fewer than the previous proposal, making it less dense, developer Cameron Winters told the Durango Planning Commission. About 65 percent of the units will be one-bedroom units, and 35 percent of them will be two-bedroom units, according to city documents.

If the developer decides to build larger units with three or more bedrooms, the density will be limited to 18 units per acre, according to city documents.

In addition to housing, Winters is planning a club house that will provide tools and space for residents to work on their bicycles and their skis.

“The community is going to be designed with a look and feel of Durango,” Winters said.

The project will still have to go through several layers of review, including additional votes before the council.

The apartment complex is surrounded mostly by commercial property, but that may be changing.

Property owners plan to vote in November to assess themselves to pay for the road over time, said Community Development Director Greg Hoch.

In other action, the City Council delayed action on an ordinance that would protect builders from construction defects lawsuits at Councilor Dick White’s request.

“I find myself uncomfortable with the ordinance as it stands,” White said.

He said he wanted to make sure the process wasn’t too onerous for homeowners to file lawsuits.

White will explain his concerns in writing to city staff, and the council could re-consider the ordinance in four weeks.

“I think it’s important to do this right,” he said.

mshinn@durangoherald.com