In 2021, the Yampa Valley Housing Authority (YVHA) was gifted $24M by an anonymous donor to purchase the 536-acre Brown Ranch property in west Steamboat Springs. The intention was to create a local community and fulfill the needs of workforce and affordable housing. After acquiring the property, the YVHA began a planning process to envision the future of the site rooted in community needs and desires.
Livable Cities Studio collaborated with a multi-disciplinary team to develop the community-driven master plan for the site. Our work focused on supporting urban design and developing a landscape and open space framework to guide future implementation. Health equity, wellness, outdoor recreation, resiliency, and community gathering were key drivers of the plan. The Slate Creek drainage is a key organizing element within the plan providing an ecological and open space spine that becomes an asset to the community. Community parks, greenways, streets, and open space areas create a network of spaces for each resident to be within three blocks of a park.
