A little history
For more than 100 years this small piece of land above downtown Durango escaped development. For many years its most notable use was as a humble gravel quarry.
Oh, there were plans. Lots of them. Possibilities included motels, condos, spas, office buildings, and government buildings. In 1985 the site was approved for a 200 room Hilton hotel. But, because of high interest rates at the time, it was never built.
Meanwhile, the citizens of Durango were developing a sensitivity to what kind of construction went up on the city's ridgelines. This is understandable, as there had been notable abuses over the years.
In 1994, hillside restrictions were adopted by the city in an attempt to mitigate these visual intrusions. Mirador is the first property within the city to be built under these restrictions. Actually, Mirador comes in ten feet under than the maximum height allowed by city ordinance.
When the development team began considering this property, it was understood that it would have a significant effect on the downtown environment. Although zoning allowed for 240 possible units, it was decided to limit the project to just 23 superb townhomes.
What followed was a series of design charettes in which input was solicited from design professionals in the community. Many themes were considered. There were Victorians, high peaked roofs, mining camp styles, even a Yellowstone Park lodge style. Ultimately it was decided to pursue a low-profile, flat roof design which would allow the most usable space inside while reducing the presence on the skyline outside. The natural stone and stucco has a nod towards the Anasazi heritage of the area, yet subtly blends in with the hillside.
The team next set out to look for the "best of the best" to complete their vision. The search lead to architect Robert Hidey, who was hired to create the conceptual design. Hidey is well known for bringing light into spaces and creating gracious sight lines. When Robert Hidey first saw the site he could not believe that it had never been built upon.

The buildings
For construction, the design team also wanted the best. They were able to persuade Ralph Masterson, a master builder and local legend, to join the project. Ralph's decades of experience building in the southwest brought an impeccable level of quality and finish to the project. He also brought with him some of the finest craftsmen in the area.
The design calls for two or three units per building. Common walls are poured concrete mass walls to ensure total sound-proofing and privacy. Interior walls are triple framed. This double wall construction not only gives a unique look to interiors, it allows for almost unlimited built-ins.
Each unit is built around a two story central atrium which opens all the interior spaces to light. Add to this generous decks, balconies and patios, and you have an incomparable indoor/outdoor lifestyle. The entire home features in-floor heat, including the atriums and two-car garages. Atriums also feature fireplaces.
Steel hurricane shutters can close off all windows and sliding doors at the push of a button, giving absentee owners total security and peace of mind.
Buyers may choose from three distinctive floor plans and finish out the interiors according to any theme they desire. Something magical happens when all the little details are done so right, they almost become luxuries.

Thinking green
Lighting throughout these homes is low voltage and high efficiency. The lighting systems are computerized and custom programmable for every conceivable need. Touch one switch when you enter the building and all the appropriate lights go on. Program different themes for entertaining, or for watching TV.
In our model "C" unit, there is over 12,000 board feet of reclaimed fir used in the trim. This rare old growth wood was reclaimed from buildings that were being disassembled. The huge timbers were carefully resawn into the beautiful features you see inside. The final work was stained and finished with over 80 gallons of lacquer.