STAGECOACH MOUNTAIN RANCH
PROJECT HISTORY
& Overview
This property is privately owned and the private ski area has been operated by the Wittemyer family under an existing Routt County Special Use Permit (SUP).
SMR paused application submission in 2023 to wait for the county to adopt the new Unified Development Code (UDC)—a modern framework emphasizing public benefit, workforce housing, and sustainability, ultimately adopted by Routt County in 2024.
SMR Submitted a 100% UDC-compliant Subdivision Application December 4, 2024 with NO variances.
The SMR application brings the 2017 Stagecoach Community Plan to life by integrating recommendations directly from the plan such as: an enhanced trail system and a Community Market place.
“The neighborhood node could offer uses and services such as a community retail market, office space, gas station, and daycare center that would support the community as it grows.” — 2017 Stagecoach Community Plan, p. 28
Key Project Components
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613 residential units on 1,300 acres of a 6,100-acre site.
(Units include Condos, Duplexes, Cabins and Single family homes)
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88% of land (5,318.6 acres) is preserved as functional open space (passive + skiing + portions of homesites that will not be developed) only developing 12% of this private property.
Our Goal
Our goal is to is to foster strong and transparent relationships with the community throughout the development process. We are passionate about the area and its residents. We aim to address community needs and concerns, ensuring that our project enhances the local environment and contributes positively to the community's well being and growth, helping it thrive for generations to come.
INVESTING IN COMMUNITY
Building connections, fostering growth, and creating a stronger future together.
Community Benefits Include:
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Tax Revenues
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Cell Tower
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Community Marketplace
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14 Acre Community Park
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Public Trails
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Jobs
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Infrastructure Improvements
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Secondary Emergency Route
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Workforce Housing
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Historic Restoration of Stetson Ranch
INFASTRUCTURE FOR THE STAGECOACH COMMUNITY
Community Marketplace
SMR will create a mixed-use, community marketplace tailored to the needs of the Stagecoach community. Featuring amenities such as a community retail market, office space, a gas station, and space for a daycare center, all to be adjacent to a 14-acre community park. Additionally, public parking will be provided for a potential future regional ride-share program or shuttle service, which aligns with the recommendations of the 2017 Stagecoach Community Plan.
Intersection of RCR 212 and Suhussmark
14 ACRE COMMUNITY PARK
A community gathering place for concerts, farmers markets, trailhead parking, sledding, and more!
01 Amphitheater
02 Stage
03 Spine Connector
04 Flex Lawn
05 Tiered Seating
06 Potential Play Zone
07 Entry Road
08 Plaza
09 Elevator to Market Space
10 Turn Around
11 Gas Station
12 Marketplace
13 Workforce Housing
14 Informal Sledding Hill
15 Ski Maintenance & BOH
16 Restrooms
WORKFORCE HOUSING
At the forefront of development within the Stagecoach Community Marketplace is our residential planning for workforce housing. Stagecoach is more than just a breathtaking state park destination – it is home to a vibrant, growing community. Alongside the other exciting developments and to further Routt County’s objective of targeting development in this Tier II area, SMR's forward-thinking residential planning is laying the foundation for sustainable growth and an enhanced quality of life for current and future residents of Stagecoach and Routt County.
Middle Creek Townhomes
Marketplace Apartments
OUR ENVIROMENT
& Development Sustainability
Purpose Statement
SMR aims to establish a new standard for sustainable development in Routt County, Rooted in the Yampa Valley's rich history and natural resources, SMR is committed to preserving the region while fostering family friendly environments. Planning emphasizes low impact development, community resilience and vibrant local partnerships.
Wildlife Protection & Ecological Restoration
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Maintaining a large elk migration corridor and implementing wildlife friendly measures.
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Protecting elk production areas by closing trails from May 15 to June 30 to provide security for calving elk.
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In order to minimize or avoid wildlife and human conflict, all trash containers will be bear proof containers.
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SMR will collaborate with the County to develop an appropriate mitigation strategy for any significant impacts on wildlife habitat, as deemed necessary.
Wildfire Mitigation and Fuels Reduction
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SMR will continue collaborating with local agencies and the Oak Creek Fire District for fuels reduction and forest management.
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Adding 1.5 million gallons of water storage for fire prevention for the entire area.
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Partnering with the Colorado State Forest Service to lower fire risks on adjacent public lands by facilitating access to high-priority areas for timber harvesting.
These initiatives will reduce potential fuel sources and enhance fire safety for the entire Stagecoach community.
Water Innovation
River Restoration
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Restoration on the reach of the Yampa River flowing through the Stetson Ranch was completed September 2023 by FlyWater Inc.
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SMR will continue to enhance the water quality of the river by maintaining the improvements and plan laid out by FlyWater Inc.
Stormwater Management
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Improve water quality by controlling sediment and managing erosion.
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Focus on managing stormwater runoff with waterbars on trails and improved road drainage to minimize erosion and sediment movement.
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Use Best Management Practices (BMPs) and monitoring, the SMR project will protect water quality during construction and operation.
Reservoir
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SMR is collaborating with the Morrison Creek Metro Water & Sanitation District (MCMWSD) on the concept of fertigation.
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Utilizing treated effluent in irrigation systems enhances water quality compared to direct discharge into the reservoir.
BUILDING STANDARDS
Creating a residential community carefully placed in the natural environment will be key, and protecting the natural resources is central to being stewards of this beautiful place.
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The master plan optimizes lot layouts, roads, and building placements for effective drainage, slope, solar exposure, and tree cover.
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Water conservation will be achieved through native and adaptive plants that require less maintenance.
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Solar panels will be installed on non-residential buildings with ample sunlight.
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Residential solar systems will adhere to design guidelines for visual quality.
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Electric solutions for heating, cooling, and cooking will minimize gas use, in line with the Routt County Climate Plan and Master Plan.
TRANSPORTAION
& Transit Management
Transit
Shuttles for our amazing employees to and from the Steamboat and Oak Creek areas will be explored, providing convenient alternatives to private vehicles.
Additionally, public parking will be available at the Stagecoach Community Marketplace for future regional transportation alternatives being planned for Routt County.
Trip Reduction
SMR is dedicated to enhancing bike and pedestrian access along RCR 212 from the Eagles Watch neighborhood to the Reservoir trail and integrating with existing Stagecoach trails. Additionally, for those who choose to walk, bike and shuttle to work, an internal shuttle will then transport them within SMR.
Traffic Management
SMR is developing a construction traffic management plan that includes shuttles for laborers, truck schedules, and delivery staging sites. These initiatives and plans are currently in progress.
Public Trail System
Stagecoach's trail networks lie at the heart of its outdoor culture, seamlessly connecting residents to the area's breathtaking landscapes. With miles of trails already in place, further expanding these networks is key to deepening the community experience.
SMR purposes to construct a multi use trail along County Roads 16 and 2122, connecting the reservoir with the Eagles Watch neighborhood and existing trails throughout Stagecoach.
In addtion, SMR will establish a new trail linking the Stagecoach Community Marketplace to a 735 acre, landlocked parcel managed by the BLM.
Enhance Connectivity
Integrate neighborhoods, parks, and key destinations throughout Stagecoach.
Promote Wellness
Encourage outdoor activity that supports both physical fitness and mental well-being.
Provide Accessible Recreation
Offer walkable, hiker-friendly routes for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
Preserve Natural Beauty
Guide responsible use of the environment and reduce overall impacts on the landscape.
Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations
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Internal EV transportation for residents.
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EV charging stations at the ski base and the Community Marketplace.
ECONOMIC BENEFIT
$29 M TOTAL TAX REVENUE
Growing Jobs and Investing Locally
We are projecting 481 full-time equivalent positions. We expect to employ approximately 250 full-time employees and 500 part-time employees at full buildout.
We are excited about the future and cannot wait to hire many talented individuals from the local community. Positions will be available once we receive approval for our project. We look forward to supporting the growth and success of each individual.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
We’re delighted to answer questions from our community. If you have additional questions or need further information, please reach out via email or our online contact form. We update these FAQs periodically to reflect the latest details.
GET IN TOUCH
We truly value your input and want to emphasize hearing from the community is our top priority. SMR is dedicated to fostering open lines of communication and creating avenues for you to share your thoughts and feedback. Your voice matters to us and we are here to listen!
We want to hear from you.
Your voice matters to us. Whether you're in support or have concerns, we’re here to listen and address what’s important to you.
We want to get to know you.
If you are interested in learning more about the project, arranging a brief presentation for your group, or simply meeting the team, we're here to do so!