As communities across the Front Range become increasingly desirable places to live, price increases, gentrification, and displacement have worsened. ULC recognizes the importance of creating and protecting affordable real estate that responds to these communities’ specific needs, which is why we’re so excited to announce our acquisition of Timberline, a 30-acre developable site at 1100 S. Timberline Rd. in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The development is a partnership with the Bohemian Foundation. The broader site, which will be developed with longtime partner Elevation Community Land Trust, is expected to have mixed-income units, including for-rent apartments and for-sale permanently affordable townhomes. Once the townhomes are built, Elevation Community Land Trust will keep the homes under a 99-year ground lease in their community land trust to ensure permanent affordability for generations to come. 

ULC partners with developers that are committed to building attractive affordable housing with no visible difference between market-rate developments. ULC is also committed to sustainable construction and design. So the result will be a diversity of beautiful, well-designed housing options. The development is also expected to include community amenities and green space, to foster education and community building. 

A unique and exciting feature of the Timberline site (also known as Poudre Commons) is that it’s adjacent to grassy, biodiverse City of Fort Collins Natural Areas. This provides ULC with an opportunity for placemaking; by integrating the surrounding landscape into the development, the community will be engaged in land stewardship and outdoor activity, increasing physical and mental wellness. There will be multiple, easily accessible green spaces in the development, as well as new trails that connect to existing ones within the natural areas, and opportunities for using community spaces to facilitate environmental education. With the adjacent natural areas in mind, there will be attention to sustainable development at the site, including using renewable energy resources and energy-efficient heating and cooling systems. 

According to the City of Fort Collins’ 2021 Housing Strategic Plan, nearly 60% of renters and 20% of homeowners are cost-burdened. This speaks to a deep need for affordable housing that the development at Timberline can mitigate, while providing responsive, place-based infrastructure for education, economic development, and community engagement.