Today, Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT) collaborated with the City of Fort Collins, the State of Colorado Department of Local Affairs, TWG Construction LLC, Federal Home Loan Bank, Larimer County, and the Colorado Division of Housing to unveil the grand opening of BirdWhistle Townhomes. This newly developed community marks a significant milestone as Fort Collins’ first permanently affordable for-sale housing development, nestled within a forested setting.
Named in honor of Charles and Mamie Birdwhistle, esteemed figures in Fort Collins’ history, the event took place at 11 a.m. today (March 22, 2024), at 3614 Loggers Lane, Fort Collins, CO 80528. This development, situated in Southeast Fort Collins, embodies ECLT’s commitment to creating accessible, inclusive communities, preserving the legacies of the Birdwhistles, and addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in our region.
Honoring a Legacy
BirdWhistle Townhomes pays homage to the indomitable spirits of Charles and Mamie Birdwhistle, who played a pivotal role in shaping the vibrant cultural landscape of Fort Collins. Charles Birdwhistle, a decorated veteran of the Spanish-American War, migrated to Colorado during the Great Migration, seeking refuge from the pervasive racism of the Jim Crow South. Despite facing systemic barriers, the Birdwhistles established themselves as pillars of the community, owning a home on Oak Street in downtown Fort Collins and opening their doors to countless Black travelers, gospel groups, and scholars.
Preserving Inclusive Communities
In keeping with the mission of Elevation Community Land Trust, BirdWhistle Townhomes aims to preserve accessible and inclusive communities for generations to come. Located in Southeast Fort Collins, the development offers 54 permanently affordable townhomes, providing an opportunity for families to own a home in a thriving community. Residents will enjoy convenient access to amenities such as schools, the Front Range Village shopping center and Twin Silo Park, with easy access to I-25 for seamless commuting.
The City of Fort Collins partnered with Elevation Community Land Trust and others to develop this part of the City’s land bank into BirdWhistle Townhomes. The Land Bank program acquires sites currently lacking infrastructure, which lowers the price and then waits until development occurs around it. As surrounding projects construct the utilities and streets, the Land Bank property becomes easier to develop. This program ensures a good distribution of land will be available in the future to increase the stock of affordable housing units.
Affordable Homeownership Opportunities
The townhomes at BirdWhistle Townhomes are available at affordable prices, with 2-bedroom units priced at $255,000 and 3-bedroom units at $290,000. Additionally, the monthly HOA fee is $261/m. To learn more, visit www.birdwhistlefortcollins.com.
