The city of Durango is accepting bids for qualifications for a workforce housing development on a parcel near Animas Surgical Hospital below Colorado Highway 3.
The city purchased the 1.6-acre lot from Rivergate III LLC late last year for $1.25 million using the remainder of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. The site is between Rivergate Lane, Rivergate Place and Sawmill Road.
Durango Prosperity Officer Mike French said at the time that the site is well-suited for modular, prefabricated housing units and traditionally built housing and can accommodate about 31 residential units.
The city is seeking a public-private partnership to get the site developed. City spokesman Tom Sluis said the city itself is not developing the property.
The Rivergate property is designated as Lot 4, and the request for letters of interest said the city holds a first right of refusal on the adjacent Lot 5 and additional points will be awarded to developers who indicate an intention to purchase Lot 5 and develop it alongside Lot 4.
Lot 5 could accommodate up to 71 units, the request said.
Applicants have until 3 p.m. June 24 to submit questions about the project and can expect responses by 3 p.m. June 27, according to the request. Final qualifications are due by 3 p.m. July 8.
The city’s purchasing contract with Rivergate III LLC required a phase 1 environmental study and a geotechnical survey. At a November Durango City Council meeting, residents who live near Lot 4 voiced concerns about the stability of the ground on the parcel.
Durango resident, geologist and former Rivergate Homeowners Association President George Richardson said lots 4 and 5 used to contain a lake used by Weidman Sawmill and other builders have avoided developing the property.
Sluis said the environmental study was conducted and nothing requiring mitigation at this time was identified.
cburney@durangoherald.com
