The Fort Collins Board of REALTORS® contributed $260,000 to the Fort Collins, Habitat for Humanity, Harmony Cottages project – one of the largest one-time sponsorships by an organization that Fort Collins Habitat has ever received.
Harmony Cottages consists of 48 energy efficient homes built on 4.45 acres located at the southeast intersection of Harmony and Taft Hill Roads, creating a stable and affordable community for an estimated 86 children and 58 adults.
The objective was to design a neighborhood that exceeds the City’s Social Sustainability Departments’ goal of creating a site that not only maximized density, but also is comprised of homes that are high quality, affordable and accessible, with an ultimate goal of creating a world in which everyone has a decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.
The design team created a modern urbanism framework with homes to best utilize the land and create beautiful spaces for homeowners to live. Great attention was given to the fine details of landscaping, lighting, signage, white picket fences and warm, inviting and usable porches. Over 40% of the site is green and includes park-like shared green courts, and a designated pocket park with a playground designed for children ages 5-12.
The FCBR sponsorship provided the funding to cover the cost of a duplex and a neighborhood playground.
The playground, which was dedicated in July 2018, was designed by a group of middle school students from the Kinard Cares program. Working alongside a Playground Engineer, they considered things like inclusivity when making design decisions. For example, the students didn’t want to include a plastic slide due to the static electricity that is generated when sliding down as it could potentially impact one of their peers with cochlear implants. They also made sure to include a safe space so that a student with autism had a place to escape to for some quiet time – which became the mini house located on the playground. “This project, along with Poudre High School Partnership for the Harmony Cottages, has allowed us to increase our impact in the community through STEM education,” said Mara Johnson, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, Philanthropy Director.
Meet the New Habitat Homeowners
Chad & Yolanda
Karla
On Wednesday, January 29, 2020, the Home Dedication Ceremonies took place with the new homeowners, Chad & Yolanda and Karla. FCBR staff and Board members were in attendance to wish the new homeowners much joy and happiness in their new homes. A huge bounty of canned, nonperishable food and household items, was generously donated by FCBR members and filled each homeowner’s pantry to the brim! Thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful and worthy cause!
Chad & Yolanda and Karla closed on their FCBR sponsored Habitat homes on Wednesday, April 9, 2020, in a rather non-traditional curbside closing. Even behind masks (in the one photo) you cannot hide those smiling eyes.
Thank you for what the Fort Collins Board of REALTORS® took on. Please share our gratitude with everyone involved. The importance of a safe home, that you feel secure in, has taken on new meaning in the past few weeks.
“The Fort Collins Board of REALTORS® is committed to supporting affordable housing initiatives throughout the city as we feel that it not only contributes to the overall health and welfare of families in need of assistance, but it also positively impacts and contributes to the economic strength, growth and well-being of our entire community,” said Suzan Koren, CEO, Fort Collins Board of REALTORS®. “It’s exciting to see the culmination of all the hard work and dedication that was contributed by so many in making this project a reality. Our entire membership is proud to have participated in this community effort as it demonstrably reflects the values that are intrinsic to the association.”
