Pel-Ona Architects & Urbanists – Studio Pelusio developed a site plan for affordable and workforce housing on a 1.65-acre city-owned parcel within the Rivergate Neighborhood in Durango, Colorado.
The neighborhood plan proposes 50 townhome units which respond to the 2025 La Plata County Housing Needs Assessment, to the existing community’s desire for compatible design, and to the site’s topographic conditions. The plan intends to build upon the walkable vision of the Rivergate Planned Development through the extension of well-appointed streets and a pedestrian-oriented public realm.
The City of Durango was awarded a Proposition 123 Land Banking grant from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to support the Rivergate Lot 5 Workforce Housing Development with 27 homes for sale to those earning 100% AMI.
Proposed site plan
The sections and elevations above are taken through the proposed site plan. The site slopes toward the Animas River, descending from Sawmill Road. Building types respond to topography by retaining earth with their foundations, creating meaningful vehicular and pedestrian circulation and developable lots while maintaining compatible building scale and architectural character.