Press release

Initial construction at Lumberyard Affordable Housing Project begins

Aspen, CO – Aspen City Council on Nov. 12 approved a $3 million contract with Gould Construction to commence preparatory work for the Lumberyard Affordable Housing site near the Airport Business Center. This marks the first phase of construction of what will eventually be up to 300 affordable deed-restricted housing units.

Gould has mobilized equipment to the former sites of Builders First Source and Aspen Mini Storage, and demolition of the existing facilities will begin soon. Work hours will be consistent with city of Aspen regulations, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with occasional Saturday work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Residents and commuters should anticipate increased construction traffic as demolition materials are transported for recycling. The city is committed to maintaining clear communication and minimizing disruption wherever possible.

Phase 0.1 includes the demolition, recycling and removal of 11 buildings, asphalt, concrete, and existing utilities. In alignment with Aspen's sustainability goals, nearly 90% of construction and demolition waste from the site will be recycled, minimizing landfill impact. Crushing operations will take place on-site to process materials like asphalt and concrete for recycling, and the project will also utilize the Pitkin County Landfill Construction & Demolition Debris Recovery Program. 

Environmental work includes abatement of asbestos in two of the 11 existing buildings and a limited area of contaminated soils. To mitigate construction noise, sound fencing will be installed in sensitive areas as work progresses. 

City Council previously approved the Lumberyard Affordable Housing Project entitlements in September 2023 and have budgeted funds in 2024 and 2025 toward the implementation of phase 0 of the project.

Upon completion of the Phase 0.1 demolition in spring 2025, construction of phase 0.2 is planned to begin, which would be ongoing through 2026 in an effort to prepare the site for vertical development by a developer.

The Lumberyard Affordable Housing Project is a crucial step toward addressing Aspen’s housing challenges, ensuring the community remains accessible and vibrant for residents, employers, employees and visitors.

For more information about the project go to www.aspencommunityvoice.com

###

For more information, please contact:
 Ben Levenson, senior project manager
 Phone: (970) 309-5199
 Email: ben.levenson@aspen.gov
 Carolyn Sackariason, Communications co-manager
 Phone: (970) 319-2791
 Email: Carolyn.sackariason@aspen.gov