ULLR COMMONS

Aspen, Colorado

Employer Sponsored Affordable Housing Model

Ullr Commons is a lodge-conversion with 26 employee housing rental units, owned by individual employers. The project initially set and ultimately surpassed the following objectives:

• Expand the opportunity for employees to live and work in the community.
• Reduced costs to employers of the long commutes by employees, which often results in higher turnover, rehiring, retraining and absenteeism.
• Encourage private sector participation in the provision of affordable housing.
• Provide a method for smaller employers to participate in the housing market.
• Leverage the resources of the Housing Authority (Aspen/Pitkin County).
• Encourage a sense of community within the housing development and the neighborhood.
• Lessen impacts on transportation infrastructure.
• Develop a model for employer-sponsored housing that fairly balances the employer and employee interests.

Ullr Commons is a model of good partnerships among two non-profits (Carbondale Affordable Housing Corporation and Aspen/Pitkin County Housing Authority) and the employer-investors. The consultant/developer, Katie Updike of Building Solutions, coordinated every phase of the project and brought all the players together for a very successful endeavor.

The units include lodge rooms (w/ microwave and fridge), studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms. All are deed-restricted with an appreciation cap. All rental rates are subject to the Aspen/ Pitkin County Housing Guidelines. All of the units are now occupied by local employees.

The project had unanimous approval at every public hearing, and the employers lined up to participate. The concept and driving force behind Ullr Commons must be credited to Katie Updike of Building Solutions.

Valley Housing Partners
101 W. 8th St, 1st floor
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601
phone: 970-384-6447
fax: 970-384-6449
www.housingcommunity.org
email us

© 2000-2006 VHP