Pagosa Springs Planning Commission gave green light to 'Pagosa West',a new 100-acre subdivision near City Market and Pagosa Springs Medical Center. Unanimous approval came June 24, 2026,from Dragoo family of Montrose,who are behind this development
This land parcel,within town limits,has tangled past. Once owned by Tom Grant — developer of City Market and Pagosa Lakes Ranch — it's changed hands multiple times since 2003, yet stayed untouched. Architect Brad Ash presented revised plans at commission meeting,tweaking previous versions that had stalled. Key feature: a big setback for 'workforce housing' complex,planned as project's first phase.
Development split into 12 phases,could take 20 years or more. Some say even longer,citing Aspen Village subdivision,still mostly empty after two decades. Ash mentioned 88 workforce housing units might be first to go up, but rents remain undisclosed, leaving affordability in question .
Infrastructure funding partly from a grant town secured three years ago. But many project details remain fuzzy. Sketch Plan acts as conceptual nod — no buildings or final plans approved yet. Developers may seek changes to parcel sizes or zoning,with local planners likely flexible.
Environmental concerns surfaced at public hearing,especially about Ponderosa pine forest on site, with trees 200+ years old. Ash said Arena Labs might turn part of forest into public park,an idea audience liked. Pagosa Springs has ten parks downtown but none uptown,where many live.
Heidi Dragoo, speaking for her family,stressed commitment to natural open spaces in development. She urged community input on park design,saying,“We are absolutely committed to creating really great,natural open spaces for the community to use.”
As project moves ahead, questions hang over viability of planned gas station at northwest corner,which would compete with nearby stations . Future of subdivision uncertain...hopes it won't echo other local projects that failed to draw residents.
