Housing Location Alternatives
Telluride is in desperate need of housing NOW! That means working on shovel-ready projects, utilizing public-private partnerships (PPPs) to simultaneously work on multiple builds at a time, and getting workers and families into housing that has already been built through incentive programs to take short-term rentals (STRs) and convert them to long-term rentals.

Pearl Property
Many years ago this property was voted by the Town Citizens to be acquired for intercept parking and housing. Through various ill-conceived initiatives it became open space and removed from the housing and parking inventory list. 200+ units will fit on this parcel. The open space covenant on this parcel could be condemned by the Town of Telluride, which has every right to condemn. Any wetlands can be mitigated on the Valley Floor by removing tailings and creating wetlands sites. Parcel has direct access to all town services, utilities and already owned by the community.


Virgina Placer
This parcel has some challenges with wetlands, mainly created by the channelization of the river, the Rio Grand Southern Rail Road right of way and Black Bear Road. These wetlands can be mitigated on the Valley Floor. 100-120 units can be built quickly via a R.F.P. with the private sector. Parcel has direct access to all town services, utilities and already owned by the community.
Shandoka Parking Lot
This four acre site ideally situated for immediate action. Town should issue a request for proposal (R.F.P.) immediately from the private sector to build in 2023, 30-35 units, plus necessary ski and housing required parking. Parcel has direct access to all town services, utilities and is owned by the community.
Lift 7, Lot 49 and Tract 7
These parcels are owned by Telluride Ski and Golf. Immediate negotiations need to be started with T.S.G. for acquisition or joint development to help fulfill both entities housing needs. Parcel has direct access to all town services, utilities with minimal development cost.
Car-Henge
This four acre site ideally situated for R.F.P. from the private sector to build 200+ units and parking.
All parking obligations for this parcel should be transferred to the Pearl Property. Parcel has direct access to all town services, utilities and is owned by the community.


Canyonlands
This parcel has some challenges with wetlands, mainly created by the channelization of the river, the Rio Grand Southern Rail Road right of way and Black Bear Road. These wetlands can be mitigated on the Valley Floor. 100-120 units can be built quickly via a R.F.P. with the private sector. Parcel has direct access to all town services, utilities and already owned by the community.
Lilac Parcel
Named the Lilac Parcel because of the beautiful mature lilac tree that is all that remains at the location of an old structure. 3.25 acres, designated for housing as mitigation by San Miguel Valley Corp (S.M.V.C.) in their low density zone district development approval. It is part of significantly larger parcels along the north side of the 145 spur and Deep Creek Mesa. This parcel is one of the most logical parcels to develop for housing not located in the Town of Telluride. It is designated for 22 units, but this area could include many more units. What would be required to expand and increase the density of this parcel is for our politicians and staff to engage in an open and honest dialogue with S.M.V.C. Due to previous hostilities this may be a bit much for some officials to bear, but it is time to check our egos and have open and direct conversations with S.M.V.C. Granting additional development rights, providing water and sewer connections may persuade them to give up more land for housing.


Alexander Property
This 55 Acre parcel (in Blue) comprises of a series of old placer mining claims and purchase of this land is under consideration by the town of Mountain Village. The western part (in green) is very desirable and could possibly accommodate 150- 200 units or more.
These parcels will require a package sewer plant and new water and water storage facilities. Developing this parcel may require turning lanes, accel /deccel lanes for highway access.
Illium Forest Service Parcel
Multiple parcels owned by the U.S. Forest Service probably in excess of several 100 acres. The western parcel is currently used as a campground, but has a beautiful bench east of the Ilium Road that is ideally suited for housing. Already identified by San Miguel County as a potential housing site in the early 1990s, no action has been taken to procure any portion of these prime housing sites. The portion adjacent to the Two Rivers Development is suitable for a housing development of 100-150 units.
Expansion of existing water and sewer facilities may be necessary. County officials should immediately contact the U.S. Forest Service and express their interest.


Lawson Hill Lot H1
It is still baffling that this site originally contemplated and designed as our hospital site is not being used for that purpose. It is being considered for a new Mountain School site. This almost two acre site could easily accommodate 40-50 housing units. If this change in use moves forward then Lawson Hill lots F1, F2 and G should be rezoned exclusively for housing in the process.
These parcels have direct access to all services, water, sewer and all other utilities, easy to develop and build.