Many small western towns face the challenges of balancing social, economic and ecological sustainability while accommodating growth. With a unique setting at the natural edge between the desert and mountains, Durango is a “hot spot” for growth. This case study highlights an integrated design approach to community development including a real estate development entity of the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, the City of Durango, and a multi-disciplinary Design Team. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe provides a progressive model for business development. With a stewardship ethic for the land/resources and a desire to serve the greater regional community, the Tribe is dedicated to creating a model community. This presentation includes viewpoints from three aspects of the project: The Southern Ute Indian Tribe (Owner and Developer), Nelsen Partners (Planner and Architect) and DHM Design (Landscape Architect). The first phase of homes was built by a Southern Ute home-building entity awarded the Colorado Built-Green Builder of the Year (2007). We will present risks and challenges faced over five years from master planning to construction of the initial phases. The session will include presentations on development history, planning process, site design solutions, affordability issues, and construction of office, retail, residential, open space, rails, wetlands, and park uses.
Learning Objectives:
- Study south western regional community design that responds to a unique setting, climate and history.
- See how sustainable development practices have been applied to
- Traditional Neighborhood Development - from large scale planning to detailed design.
- Gain insight on developing community partnerships to advance sustainability goals.
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