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Board backs exploring sale of Whistler parcel; district advances 22‑unit staff‑housing plan contingent on water and appraisal
Summary
After community pushback against prior development proposals, the board signaled openness to selling the Whistler 9.2‑acre parcel (preferably to the city as parkland) and heard a 22‑unit staff‑housing proposal (Rural Homes). The proposed project is estimated at about $10 million with the district potentially purchasing 10 units (approx. $5 million need); water access is the key hurdle.
The Steamboat Springs School Board on Aug. 11 discussed selling the district’s 9.2‑acre Whistler parcel after staff described strong community resistance to prior development attempts and recommended the district pursue a sale that could preserve parkland.
"I don't think that the school district will be able to effectively utilize it as an asset for, either a school or housing," Board President Katie Lee said, citing two unsuccessful prior development rounds and loud community feedback. Multiple board members said their preference would be to market the property at top value while seeking an outcome that preserves community open space if possible.
Celine (district administrator) told the board she and Finance Director Stephanie Juno met with city staff and Parks & Recreation about a potential city purchase to keep the land as parkland. An updated appraisal is scheduled for September to inform pricing discussions.
On staff housing, staff described the outcome of an RFP issued in April. A nine‑member review committee interviewed three bidders and selected Rural Homes, led by Paul Major, as the preferred developer for a 22‑unit project. Celine summarized the proposed deal: the overall project is expected to cost about $10,000,000 and the district would consider purchasing roughly 10 units, requiring approximately $5,000,000 from the district. The remaining 12 units would be marketed for sale by the developer, with priority leasing or purchase 'waterfall' preferences discussed for local employers (police, fire, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and Colorado Mountain College) and district staff.
Board members and several public commenters noted practical constraints. Kevin and others flagged that the parcel currently lacks a direct water connection and that any development would require coordination with Sleeping Giant and the local water district; Celine confirmed water access is the first entitlement hurdle. Angela Cosby, the city’s Parks & Recreation Director, thanked district staff for collaborative conversations and said the city hopes to identify a win‑win outcome. Community member Kathy Kanell, a local broker, urged reliance on an independent appraisal to establish fair market value.
Board direction: staff were authorized to continue discussions, obtain the updated appraisal and further investigate water feasibility and financing options; the board did not take a final sale or purchase vote and will return this item to a future meeting after appraisal and water analysis.
