The North Main District, or Uptown Durango, is situated around one of the most heavily-traveled corridors on Colorado’s Western Slope. Primarily developed in the 1960s and 70s, the area is currently experiencing a renewal due to its easy access, high visibility, proximity to the river and parks, connectivity to great neighborhoods, and unique building stock.

Auto-dominated

Adjacent to great neighborhoods

Smaller Lots than Average

Limited Parking

Older building stock

Poor Walking and Biking

River, Parks, and Public Amenities

Highly Visible

Trolley and Other Transportation

Diverse business mix

The Camino Del Rio District is the logical westward extension of the successful downtown district. Ideally situated between the river and downtown, the Camino District holds a lot of potential for commercial and residential growth. It is extremely visible and conveniently located, but lacks interesting commercial, residential, and public spaces.

Mixed Use

Lack of pedestrian facilities & scale

Proximity to the river and downtown

Poor quality built environment

Absence of gathering areas

Auto-dominated land uses

Speed & pass-through mentality of drivers

Larger lots

Readily available parking

Mixed-Use zoning with high density

Abundant Access

The College & 8th District provides a variety of goods and services in close proximity to Durango’s vibrant, historic neighborhoods. The District is characterized by funky architecture, locally-owned businesses, and convenient access by car, bike, foot, or transit.

Mixed Use – Arterial

Small parcels and constrained lots

Proximity to residential areas

Street design promotes high speeds

Inadequate on-site parking

Some neglected structures

Sub-standard housing is prevalent

Walkable environment

Proximity to Fort Lewis and students

Mixed-Use zoning

Unique built environment

The Rocket District is uniquely designated to accommodate high-density residential development near a variety of existing businesses and recreational amenities. Future residents in Rocket will benefit from the wide range of goods and services in the surrounding commercial areas and a future trail extension connecting the district to the river and the rest of the community.

Incompatible existing land uses

Ample developable area

Poor street grid & pedestrian links

Avoid typical big box store area shortfalls

High traffic volume

City-coordinated street connection

Future river trail & 160 connection

Proximity to diverse businesses
and Escalanted school

Mountain and river views

Southfork is designated as the community’s next regional commercial area and is located in the midst of a rapidly-growing area. The lack of geographic constraints, larger lots and good design guidance will help Southfork become an integral part of the local economy and Three Springs community.

Distance from urban center

Ample developable area

Avoid typical big box area shortfalls

Lack of unique sense of place

Presence of oil and gas facilities

Inconsistent design standards

Near Three Springs & Hospital

Regional connectivity

Highly visible gateway into Durango

Defined land use and design guides

160 West is the gateway into Durango from the Four Corners region. It has a high volume of both local, regional, and tourist traffic, which could support more diverse land uses throughout the District. As Durango’s population grows, the potential for more housing in this District will help it become an integral part of the community.

Mixed Use – Arterial

Unpleasant walk and bike experience

Growing residential population

Excessively wide street design

Inconsistent building quality and form

Lack of unique character

Topography and floodplain

Prime redevelopment opportunities

Serves as gateway into Durango

Twin Buttes recreation opportunity

Lightner Creek

Northeast Durango contains higher density residential developments along Florida and the eastern portion of 32nd St, which supports the commercial node at the intersection of Florida and East Animas Dr. Improving infrastructure and ensuring that properties in the area develop (and redevelop) properly will help this district be successful into the future.

Great views

Growing residential population in the area

Incomplete pedestrian infrastructure and connections

Lack of public space and parks

Topography

Inconsistent building quality and form

Successful & expandable neighborhood center

Serves as gateway into Durango

Renewal potential in underutilized areas

Originally designated as a light industrial park, land uses in Bodo are changing and these changes are making it necessary to reexamine how this district functions within the larger community. Bodo is in a great location and is an important employment center for the entire region.

Convenient location

Lack of pedestrian infrastructure and public space

Inconsistent building quality and form

Lack of on-street parking

Land use conversions

Many underutilized parcels with potential for redevelopment

Employment center with high daytime population

Located east of the Animas River along Highway 3, the Sawmill District includes the RiverGate development and properties along the base of Ewing Mesa. While topography limits the development potential of some parcels, there are great opportunities to help this district by encouraging reinvestment in some of the larger, underutilized properties.

Great location

Potential brownfield issues

Inconsistent building quality and form

Located east of theTopography and floodplain

Good views

Proximity to Ewing Mesa

Larger lots

River trail and access

High traffic speeds along Highway 3

Poor road design

Downtown is a thriving mixed-use district and a nationally-registered Historic District. Downtown is the heart of our community and has many characteristics that can be emulated by other districts. Past community-based planning efforts have resulted in robust Design Guidelines, which have served to protect and enhance its incomparable charm.

High land values and rents

Record of successful redevelopment and historic preservation

Difficulty in providing parking for new development

Growing residential population in the area

Ample height and density allowances

Existing support from BID