2023 was a year of forward momentum for the city of Durango’s urban renewal authority, known as the Durango Renewal Partnership.
Durango Economic Opportunity Manager Tommy Crosby said at a Dec. 11 meeting that the DRP has invested $550,000 toward five revitalization and housing projects last year.
The DRP manages the North Main Gateway and MidTown urban renewal areas in town targeted for neighborhood revitalization.
The DRP’s 2023 highlights included the construction of 11 new housing units, four of which are deed-restricted at the Animas City Park Overlook Townhomes along 33rd Street and East Second Avenue. The DRP also approved MidTown Peak grants for property owners, including Famburger and two redevelopment projects near the 32nd Street and Main Avenue intersection.
MidTown Peak grants are meant to encourage reinvestment and development in the MidTown neighborhood by giving property owners the chance to invest in their properties through improvements. The grants aim to stimulate the economy and raise area property values by revitalizing blighted or struggling neighborhoods.
The DRP has aided eight public-private partnerships with funding over the last two years with more planned for the future, Crosby said.
The funded projects include:
- A second phase of construction at Catacombs Fitness.
- Landscaping and a roof replacement at Dorothy Parker Design.
- Right-of-way improvements and facade updates for the Victorian Property Association.
- An awning installation over the 11th Street Station patio.
- A four-season awning and kitchen expansion at Famburger.
- Repaving on East 11th Street and in the Riverfront Center parking lot, in addition to drainage improvements for the Powerhouse.
- Solar panels were installed at Z Chiropractic.
- The development of the Animas City Park Overlook Townhomes, which by completion will consist of 22 townhome units, four of which are deed-restricted.
Crosby said he visited the Animas City Park Overlook Townhomes to snap photos ahead of the DRP meeting. While there, he saw firsthand the impact the development has on the neighborhood.
“One of the residents walked out with a grocery bag. They were walking right down the street to City Market to get their groceries,” he said. “That was one of those moments where I was like, ‘OK, yeah. This is what it’s all about.”
The 22-unit townhomes project was originally planned to consist of just five single-family homes. But through collaboration between DRP, a local builder and other city departments, the project morphed into what it is today.
“Four of these homes have a reduced sale price and perpetual deed restriction to keep them attainable for local workers and additional homes are committed to be occupied by local workers,” Crosby said in an email to The Durango Herald.
Durango Community Development Director Scott Shine said in an interview last month the Animas City Park Overlook project is a model the city can apply to other projects, including developments of larger scale.
The city was awarded two state grants to help nudge the project along, illustrating that outside funding is available for that kind of housing work.
The townhomes development was the first project for the North Main Gateway, but the DRP also approved grants for two more projects last year.
Crosby said a building at 3211 Main Avenue was demolished and is being redeveloped. Another building directly north is also being redeveloped.
The latter building is nearly ready to be occupied, he said. In addition to one or two restaurant concepts, the developer intends to have office and commercial space available.
Prospects also look strong for the MidTown Urban Renewal Area, Shine said.
“There’s a lot of momentum there over different types of businesses and interest in properties. People are talking to us about that area. That feels like it’s really on the cusp of (something),” he said. “We’re moving into that (former 9-R) building and then there’s Smiley. You’ve got Buckley Park. All of that is becoming a really cool, distinct neighborhood or place.”
The DRP board also approved its 2024 budget at the December meeting. The budget accounts for an estimated $406,490 to be spent on MidTown URA projects, plus another $147,000 for other urban renewal authority expenses.
cburney@durangoherald.com
