Mineral Point, a new 34-unit affordable rental community located at the north end of Crested Butte at 603 Butte Ave., celebrated its grand opening this week, expanding much-needed housing options for local residents and workers. Developed by TWG Development and designed by STUDIO Architecture, the community pairs affordable rents with energy-efficient homes built for life in a demanding mountain climate.
“Mineral Point addresses one of the most pressing housing needs in the North Valley,” said Erin Ganser, housing director for the Town of Crested Butte. “Serving the households who are most vulnerable to rapid increases in housing costs, the development provides an opportunity for our most vulnerable community to live and thrive in Crested Butte.”
TWG Development was selected through the Town of Crested Butte’s Request for Proposals process to develop Mineral Point. The project became a reality through a partnership between the Town, TWG Development and the project’s various partners, united by a shared commitment to addressing the need for affordable housing in Crested Butte. The Town’s partnership and support were instrumental in bringing the project from concept to completion.
Located at the north end of town, Mineral Point includes studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments across three buildings totaling approximately 26,700 square feet. The community is designed to serve households earning between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), expanding housing options in a mountain town where affordability is a persistent challenge.
“Mineral Point is an important addition to the Crested Butte community, and our team is thrilled to see the project open its doors,” said Seth Atkinson, development director at TWG Development. “These homes provide an opportunity for local residents and workers to live in the community they call home, strengthening the people and businesses that make Crested Butte such a special place. We’re very proud to have played a part in bringing much-needed affordable housing to Crested Butte, and we’re grateful to our partners who worked alongside us to make Mineral Point a reality.”
The community’s three-building design reflects the scale and character of Crested Butte. Connections to nearby bike lanes, paths, hiking trails and a transit stop give residents convenient ways to reach town and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
The all-electric buildings benefit from robust insulation and air sealing, high-performance windows, and efficient heating, ventilation and lighting systems to support resident comfort while limiting energy demand. Designed to meet Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) requirements, Mineral Point has achieved Enterprise Green Communities Plus Zero Emissions certification, recognizing the project’s commitment to sustainable affordable housing.
“When we design a place like Mineral Point, we think about what it will feel like to come home at the end of the day,” said Chris Russell, principal at STUDIO Architecture. “In Crested Butte, that means a home that stays comfortable through long winters, a place to store your bike and outdoor gear, and spaces where you can get to know your neighbors. Those decisions matter because they shape everyday life. We’re grateful to have worked alongside the Town of Crested Butte, TWG, and our project partners to bring the town’s vision to life and create a place residents can feel proud to call home.”
Shared amenities include a clubhouse with a common laundry area, an on-site property management and leasing office, secure resident storage in each building, and covered bike storage with maintenance tools. Outdoor seating, gathering spaces and barbecue areas provide places for residents to spend time together.
The project was supported by Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and other financial support from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), financial support from the Town of Crested Butte, HDG funding from Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing (DOLA), and a grant from the Valley Housing Fund. The collaboration brings together public investment and housing development expertise to expand access to affordable homes in the Gunnison Valley.
