Hope for the 14-acre site of the old Montezuma-Cortez High School as the need for housing in Cortez is prioritized.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachael Marchbanks, Community and Economic Development Director
rmarchbanks@cortezco.gov
(970) 564-4046
For more information or to download the RFQ, visit www.bidnetdirect.com/colorado
Text:
The City of Cortez is reaffirming its commitment to meeting the community’s pressing housing needs by releasing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a potential new housing development on the eastern half of the City-owned site on West 7th Street between Chestnut and Oak.
The housing RFQ, issued March 26, 2025, invites developers, builders, and collaborative teams to submit their qualifications to plan, design, construct, and manage housing on the eastern 7.01 acres of the site. This site is poised to become a vibrant new residential neighborhood designed to address the growing need for affordable and workforce housing in Cortez.
The 14-acre site of the old Montezuma-Cortez High School was envisioned as a park with a smaller section slated for housing. However, because of a pressing need for housing, the plans have been adjusted so that approximately seven acres on the west side of the site will be developed into a park, and the remaining seven acres on the east side of the site will be developed into housing.
The City of Cortez completed a Housing Needs Assessment in May 2023 which noted a need for additional housing to keep up with current and future employment needs. “Between 75 and 175 new housing units are needed in Cortez to help fill unfilled jobs,” and “an additional 140 to 240 housing units are needed to keep up with estimated job growth over the next 5 years.” The Housing Needs Assessment also found dramatic price increases in both the rental and for sale housing market, demonstrating the need for additional affordable and workforce housing.
“We remain committed to creating both housing and recreation opportunities for Cortez residents,” said City of Cortez Housing Coordinator, Lisa Bloomquist. “The City envisions developing a neighborhood park on the western half of the site and partnering with housing developers to create housing on the eastern portion of the site.”
The City welcomes a range of development proposals, especially those that prioritize affordability for households earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income. Interested bidders must submit their qualifications via the Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing System by May 6, 2025. Site tours will be offered in April.
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