Tall Tales Ranch, a Colorado 501(c)3 organization and mixed-use residential community supporting people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), has partnered with Shea Homes and HomeAid Colorado to develop a unique, inclusive housing community in Lone Tree.
The project is planned to break ground by summer 2024, ensuring that the benefits of this inclusive community will be realized in the near future. The architect is Godden Sudik Architects.
Tall Tales Ranch is creating a life-sharing community where people with and without disabilities can live in a supportive, cooperative environment that honors their individuality, celebrates their uniqueness and aids them in reaching their full potential. Tall Tales Ranch actively partners with adults living with I/DD in their pursuit of full and enriched lives by creating and sustaining radically inclusive communities and opportunities.
“With the support of Shea Homes and HomeAid Colorado, we are able to make substantial strides toward creating an environment where individuals, regardless of their abilities, can truly flourish, honoring their individuality and achieving their full potential with vital support,” said Susan Mooney, co-founder of Tall Tales Ranch. “As we look ahead to breaking ground on our unique community, we are immensely grateful for fruitful partnerships with local businesses and organizations that share our vision of forging inclusive communities and fostering opportunities for individuals with I/DD.”
Tall Tales Ranch is designed to become a mixed-use residential community of opportunity for people with special needs to socialize, live and work alongside neurotypical individuals. The community is anticipated to serve as a destination for programs and activities for residents in Lone Tree and its surrounding areas. Tall Tales Ranch will also provide accessible housing with amenities designed to optimize community integration and foster neurodiverse relationships.
“Shea Homes is deeply honored to be a part of the mission and development of Tall Tales Ranch, a supportive, holistic community that enriches our region,” said Chetter Latcham, president of Shea Homes Colorado. “As neighbors and members in this growing community, Shea Homes offers a unique perspective, especially as we recently celebrated the opening of our Lyric at RidgeGate new home community nearby. Yet our commitment extends beyond our new home communities, as we recognize the pressing housing needs faced by individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the scarcity of safe, accessible and inclusive housing. Through our ongoing partnership with Tall Tales Ranch, we aim to alleviate this crisis by creating a supportive, enriching and sustainable environment,” Latcham added.
The community will lease one- and two-bedroom apartments for approximately 32 residents across two buildings. The residential units will be “neurodiverse,” designed and available for lease to people with and without I/DD. Most ranch residents will hail from the I/DD community, either living with or without roommates, while “neurotypical” residents will be intentionally chosen “good neighbors,” such as nurses and teachers.
“HomeAid has a long history of collaborating with reputable non-profit organizations in Colorado, and we are eager to extend our reach of affordable and permanent supportive housing to people with intellectual disabilities who wish to be as independent as possible and live meaningful, productive lives,” said Cindy Bell, executive director at HomeAid Colorado. “The importance of this partnership and unwavering dedication to inclusivity are paramount. The project’s alignment with our mission to offer diverse housing solutions for individuals striving towards self-sufficiency brings us great enthusiasm, as it promises to positively impact the lives of those with I/DD.”
