Castle Rock council approves Wellspring’s Unity on Wolfensberger to add IDD housing and program space

The Town Council of Castle Rock on a unanimous vote approved a site development plan for “Unity on Wolfensberger,” a Wellspring Community project that will convert an existing 2‑story hotel into up to 24 residential units and expand Wellspring’s day‑program capacity.

Tara Vargas, planning staff, told the council the 1.3‑acre site south of Wolfensberger Road and east of Park Street will retain its existing building footprint and parking, and staff found the proposal met site‑development criteria and the town’s comprehensive plan. Planning Commission recommended approval 5–0. Ross Friend, the project consultant with Matrix Design Group, said the redevelopment will provide dedicated classrooms, an on‑site art studio and three additional work‑opportunity spaces and “double their residential capacity” for Wellspring’s programs. Friend said, “We currently have a wait list of 135 individuals,” adding that the project will also increase day‑program capacity by roughly 50 percent.

Councilmember Mark Davis asked when people could move in; Vargas and the applicant said interior renovations are underway and first residents could be ready in February once building and site work are complete. With no public commenters signed up, Mayor Pro Tem Cavey moved approval and Councilmember Davis seconded; the motion passed unanimously.

Why it matters: Wellspring provides residential and day services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The council’s approval clears a key local land‑use step to add housing and program capacity for a population the applicant said faces a long wait for services.

What’s next: Staff and the applicant will finish required permits and final inspections; the consultant and staff estimated initial occupancy as early as February pending final approvals and construction progress.