Paul Redden Workforce Housing Project

Update: This project was approved by the Board of Zoning and Architectural Review at the end of June, and VHF is currently in the permitting phase with the Town of Crested Butte.

In 2020, the Valley Housing Fund purchased three lots in the CB mobile home district from Paul Redden’s estate with the intention of placing new homes for the working backbone of the CB community. Pauley was a longtime local and well-known “working man” of Crested Butte who passed away in 2019.

VHF initially planned to place five individual 1-bedroom homes across the three lots, but following further analysis and public feedback is moving forward with three new manufactured homes on the property, one 2 bed/2 bath and two 3 bed/2 bath.

Who will live in the new homes? 

All three homes will initially be offered as long-term rentals to community workers and families who earn 80% of their income within Gunnison County and are full-time residents. The qualifying process will be finalized this summer, and will include a lottery system to ensure fairness in the process. In the future, the homes may be sold with deed restrictions in place to qualified workers to generate funds for additional workforce housing in other locations.

What is the estimated project timeline?

• July – August 2022: Site Prep. This includes clearing the existing structures, basic site grading, installation of semi-permanent foundations, and utility work.
• September – October 2022: Home delivery and installation. All three homes are constructed off-site and are scheduled for delivery once the site preparation is completed. Once they are delivered and placed, on-site completion work includes interior drywall finishes, utility connections, entrance/exit steps installation,  and insulated skirting attachment.
• November 2022: Occupancy. Once the installation is complete and the Certificate of Occupancy is granted by the Town of CB, these three homes will be available for move-in. 

What is the estimated project cost?

VHF has already contributed $500,000 for the purchase of all three lots, and all VHF staff time is covered to move the project through the BOZAR and Town permitting process. 100% of funds raised will go toward the actual project.

• Already paid by VHF: $500,000
• Estimated waiver of fees from Town of CB for affordable housing: $60,200
• Price of each manufactured home: $168,000 (total $504,000)
• Estimated price per lot for site preparation, excavation, foundation installation, utilities, and construction labor (costs will vary based on material prices): $140,000 (total $420,000)
• Fundraising goal: $1 million (approx. $333,000 per home, or $125,000 per bedroom)

Why is VHF removing existing homes to make way for new ones?

VHF’s goal is to provide quality homes at an attainable price for local working families and individuals. There are currently two existing mobile homes and one storage garage spanning across the current lot lines which are in disrepair and will be removed. For the past two years, VHF has rented these on a temporary basis while moving its long-term plan for three new homes through the Town’s process. The two existing units are not a suitable solution for long term housing, as the craftsmanship of the original structures does not hold up to our harsh mountain climate.