(Lake County, CO) - On Wednesday October 5, 2023 the St. Vincent General Hospital District (SVGHD) voted to enter into a real estate contract with Lake County Government. SVGHD agreed to sell vacant lots 25-32, Block 39, Stevens and Leiter Subdivision to the county as repayment for the $380,000 loan received from the county on January 3, 2023. The County’s intention is to use the site to build at least four units of affordable workforce housing.
When the real estate transfer is complete, the County will be able to go into contract with DOLA and receive state funds totaling $1,184,276 which may be used to bring infrastructure into the site (water, sewer, utilities) in the spring of 2024, and start building units in 2025. The vacant lots are located just east of the hospital campus at 825 W. 6th Street in Leadville.
County Manager Tim Bergman states, “The BOCC recognizes that we must build and protect affordable housing units in Lake County to help mitigate the housing crisis. We are delighted this partnership with SVGHD will allow us to make quick progress on this goal while we work on our longer-term strategies to build a larger affordable housing complex.”
SVGHD will receive a right of first refusal for purchase of a deed restricted housing unit for the actual cost of construction plus a 10% administrative fee or rental of a unit under the same terms as other tenants will be offered per the Regional Housing Authority Community Guidelines.
Housing issues are a concern to SVGHD. Andy Dreesen Administrator/CEO states, “We recognize the lack of affordable housing in Lake County impacts people’s health; as it destabilizes our community in several ways.” Dreesen added that the land sale, in addition to the proactive work being done in Lake County - is a positive step to address the housing availability in Lake County.