A Transformative Village in the Gunnison Valley

GUNNISON, COLORADO

West Thorn is the beginning of the answer to the Gunnison Valley’s housing crisis—a thoughtfully designed, community-driven neighborhood that reflects the valley’s collaborative spirit. This neighborhood is backed by a team with a strong track record for environmentally responsible and 
successful projects.

Overview & Vision

New Housing Units

500

sq. ft. of Community Spaces

13k

Acres of Open Space

4.7

Types of Housing

22

Acres of Community Agriculture

1+

Greenhouses

5+

sq. ft. of Community Gear Storage

2.4K

Locally Operated Coffeeshop and Bakery

1

Ice Skating Pond

1

Community Daycare

1

ft of Irrigation Ditches

2K

Locals Participated in Public Survey

436

A CONNECTED COMMUNITY

Our goal is to create a vibrant, engaged community where residents of all backgrounds can thrive by designing walkable streets and public spaces that link to downtown, schools, and transit.

SUSTAINABLE & RESILIENT

Create durable, multi-generational spaces that serve seasonal and long-term locals while prioritizing sustainable materials and practices that respect and preserve the natural surroundings.

A LOCAL VISION

Collaborate with locals to design a neighborhood that addresses their needs and strengthens the community by providing high-quality, accessible housing designed to support a diverse range of income levels and life stages.

West Thorn represents a creative and scaleable, local solution for housing, built on core principles of living in harmony with the land and using quality materials that address the region’s climate challenges.

This project aims to inspire a new era of attainable housing in resort communities across the country, making living in these communities a long term reality.

Project Amenities

  • Open Space

  • Community Agriculture

  • Daycare

  • Pet Friendly

  • Co-Working Space

  • Gear Storage

  • Local Bakery & Café

  • Community Barn with Gathering Spaces

Project Timeline

With support from local civic, philanthropic, and business leaders, this project embraces the community’s need for attainable housing.

2025

Spring Sketch Plan Submittal

Fall Preliminary Plat and PUD Submittals

2026

Construction Starts

2027 & Onward

First Units Delivered

PROJECT PROGRESS

Follow along on our project progress and join us in person at a community outreach event.

Two community outreach events with 436 votes and counting

  • Elks Club Bingo Night

  • Gunnison Rec Center

  • Gunnison County Library

  • Jorgensen Ice Rink

Project Partners & Team

  • LOCAL EMPLOYERS

    Businesses across Gunnison Valley are actively supporting this project as a way to attract and retain employees. By investing in West Thorn, employers are creating a more resilient workforce and contributing to the long-term local economy.

  • CITY OF GUNNISON

    Gunnison has a rich history of ranching, agriculture, mining, tourism and outdoor recreation. We are partnering with the city to connect West Thorn to the greater community.

  • GUNNISON RIVER PARTNERSHIP

    As the only Venture Capital group located in the Gunnison Valley, we work to energize and strengthen the overall economic vitality of the region by either growing existing businesses; supporting startup founders; or attracting promising businesses.

  • MOUNTAIN ROOTS

    Mountain Roots cultivates a resilient food system in Gunnison Valley, Colorado, by enhancing healthy connections between earth, food, and community.

  • URBAN VILLAGES

    Urban Villages is a team of entrepreneurs, environmentalists, artists, developers, builders, and investors. They look to the past to understand enduring principles and apply those insights to create progressive and intentional spaces for the benefit of community.

THE WEST THORN TEAM

West Thorn is backed by a team with decades of expertise and a successful track record in transformative projects across Colorado. The team’s deep local knowledge, Jeff Hermanson’s long history in the valley, placemaking expertise, and understanding of the region’s unique challenges ensure that Hartland is built with the Gunnison Valley in mind.