Vision for the Granby Trails and RV Resort a Reality.

Granby Trails Vision Signage

Granby Trails Vision Signage

The Orvis/Shorefox property at the corner of Hwy34 and Hwy40 started as a dream nearly two decades ago by a group of investors that wanted to develop the 1500 acre parcel into a world class golf and fishing community.  The group sunk $60 million into the projects infrastructure before investor money fell short in 2007.  As the investment team tried to rally support, the economic bubble of 2008 burst and the investors were forced to abandon the project.

Paul Chavoustie, Mayor of Granby knew the potential of the property and decided to investigate the deed and negotiated a purchase agreement on behalf of the town of Granby. In June 2016, the town bought the entire 1,500 acres including 1 and 1/2 miles of the Colorado river for 4.5 million. Chavoustie said, “One of the best parts of the deal was the 230 acre feet of water rights” negotiated into the purchase.  The town of Granbys total water usage is about 100 acre feet a year so this water rights agreement added value to say the least.  The Mayor added, “This will help provide the water necessary for responsible growth in the years to come.”

You have probably passed the property and not noticed the trail access that has opened since the town’s acquisition but it is worth it to take a minute to tour the concrete pathways that were never saw a golf spike or cart.  You will find a signage that set the stage for the future of the property.

The purchase setup the vision for this project.

To sell development parcels to a developer(s) who’ll create a destination RV resort, campground,
lodging, cabins and amenities, all of which will be available to the public. The town will retain trails,
open space, concert and events area, and future development land for projects that’ll benefit the
community. A complete land plan and a property name will be created to best enhance all opportunities once a master developer has been chosen.

Town officials are working to seal the deal for the property.

The town of Granby has negotiated with Sun Communities, Inc. a fully integrated real estate investment trust, which together with its affiliates and predecessors, has been in the business of acquiring, operating, developing and expanding manufactured home and RV communities since 1975.

The property totals a little over 1,500 acres. The town owned portion (1,100) acres is called Granby Trails. If the deal, scheduled early 2018 goes through, Sun Communities will name their portion but for now the town refers to the 350 acre parcel as Granby RV Resort.  There are an additional 64 acres that will be used for attainable cabins and possibly manufactured homes.

Chavoustie said the development company wants to put $100 million into the project. “It will be much more than an RV park”  Sun Communities developments are world class resorts with adventure themes built into a lifestyle community. The company owns and operates resorts across the nation and into Canada.. They bring a mix of RV Resort spaces and manufactured homes to the parks they develop.  The Granby Property will consist of 1000 RV Sites and up to 350 home sites.  The homes will offer 2 and 3 bedroom layouts.  One of the unique features of the attainable housing project is the homes will be HOA based unit, much like a condo complex. The home owner will own the unit but not the property.

The agreement and closing for the property is still under negotiation but is expected to finalize in the coming months, “late 2017 early 2018 is likely”.  Chavoustie added, Sun Communities team would like to start work next summer and have amenities in place by 2019 with homes available in 2020.  

Sun Communities owns and operates over 300 manufactured home communities and RV resorts located in 29 states throughout the US and Ontario, Canada. Sun has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 1993 under the symbol: SUI. Sun Communities has twice been honored by the Manufactured Housing Institute as winner of the “Community Operator of the Year” award.

More Info:   

GranbyTrails.com

http://www.suncommunities.com/about-us/