Program and Partnerships: A Vision Realized
In the heart of eastern Colorado, a remarkable project recently came to fruition, fundamentally changing the landscape of Kit Carson. This endeavor, born from a powerful partnership between Kit Carson Rural Development and Fading West, transformed what were once two non-habitable homes occupied lots into a vibrant new community of five much-needed homes. This collaboration stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local vision meets innovative construction. From the outset, the focus was on creating high-quality, efficient residences that would cater to the community’s needs, driven by a shared commitment to enhancing rural living. Truly, the combined efforts of these two entities were instrumental in navigating every stage, from initial concept to final occupancy, bolstering the community’s infrastructure and offering new opportunities for its residents.
Project Sizes and Unique Aspects
The five homes developed in Kit Carson offer a variety of sizes to meet diverse needs, thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort and utility. Specifically, four of the residences are spacious and comfortable, each spanning approximately 1,220 square feet, providing ample living space for families or individuals. Furthermore, a fifth home, generously sized at 1,600 square feet, was thoughtfully developed to meet Universal Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) requirements, ensuring it is fully accessible and inclusive. This commitment to accessibility underscores the project’s dedication to serving all members of the community, thereby ensuring that everyone can find a suitable and comfortable home.
Notably, this project replaced two non-habitable homes with five new ones, significantly increasing the housing stock. This addition boosted the total home inventory in Kit Carson to 100 homes for the area’s approximately 205 residents at the time, a substantial improvement for the community that is otherwise limited due to floodplains and HUD Funding.
One of the most innovative aspects of this development was the utilization of modular construction by Fading West. This cutting-edge approach meant that while site preparation was underway in Kit Carson, the homes themselves were being meticulously built off-site in a controlled environment. Indeed, this method not only ensured consistent quality and precision but also significantly reduced on-site disruption and overall construction time, thereby accelerating the project’s progress efficiently.
Project Timeline: From Groundbreaking to Move-In
The journey to bring these homes to life began in November 2021, marking the initial planning and conceptualization phase. Following the crucial initial planning, the project moved swiftly into the permitting stage, with applications submitted in June 2022. This step was pivotal, as it paved the way for the unique construction method that would ultimately accelerate the timeline.
The excitement truly mounted in November 2022, when the modules for these five homes were skillfully constructed by Fading West. This off-site fabrication was a key factor in the project’s efficiency. Subsequently, in February 2023, the modules were set onto their foundations in Kit Carson. It was a rapid and impressive process, as fully formed homes were lifted and precisely placed, effectively materializing before the community’s eyes. Following the setting of the modules, the final touches and utility connections were completed with meticulous care. Consequently, by June 2023, a mere 19 months after the project began, the homes were ready for occupancy, and new tenants began moving in, bringing new life and energy to the neighborhood. This efficient timeline highlights the benefits of modular construction combined with effective partnership, ultimately delivering much-needed housing to the Kit Carson community promptly and effectively.
Congratulations!!!
EVstudio attended the Eagle Awards in 2025, and found out that this project was selected as the People’s Choice award in 2024. We extend a huge congratulations to the team for the community recognition this product has!
