“Roam-Winter Park” has received the Town of Winter Park’s approval for its final plat. Roam, a sustainably-focused, mixed-use development located on a former dude ranch along the Fraser River in the heart of Winter Park, is scheduled to begin residential construction in the first quarter of 2020.

Comprised of 218 residential units and 23,000 sq. ft. of commercial space in the first phase, Roam is an extension of the stewards of the land vision set forth by Roam president, Bob Fanch, also co-owner of the sustainably-focused Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, and his partner, Chip Besse.

Roam is among four major recent projects associated with Fanch in the Winter Park and Fraser Valley area. Roam features a unique design concept committed to considering the land, environment, and preservation first — practices that have been embraced by the Fanches for the past 18+ years. Other local responsible development projects include Hideaway Station, a mixed-use condo and commercial real estate development that was the recipient of a 2018 Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence, The Ranches at Devil’s Thumb, a high-end residential development at Devil’s Thumb Ranch Resort & Spa, and Headwaters River Journey, located within the off-the-grid, nonprofit Headwaters Center.  The River Journey offers a singularly unique and fun water educational activity through 31 interactive exhibits exploring the wonder of, and need to protect, Colorado’s rivers, environment, and wildlife.

The vision for Roam is a vibrant, walkable community where people will have diverse choices for how they live, work, and shop, including easy access to the adjacent Arapahoe National Forest. Also driving Roam’s unique appeal is Winter Park’s accessibility as one of the closest mountain resorts to the Front Range, and the only ski town in the U.S. with daily train service to and from a major city and airport.

Almost 70 percent of Roam’s footprint will be retained as open space. This includes special care to conserve and restore the Fraser River’s habitat. According to Fanch, “Attention to the river’s health, as well as energy-efficient homes, walkability, and environmental education are all part of our commitment to creating an environmentally-conscious way to live and access the amazing resources at our disposal. Roam is a terrific opportunity for all who seek the restorative experience of mountain living in a more-flannel, less-fur lifestyle.”

“Nobody is more acutely aware of the effects of climate change than those who live in a mountain town,” said Fanch. “To that end, every effort will be made to create an appropriately eco-conscious place.”

Roam is also an important project to link the town of Winter Park to Winter Park Resort by way of the Fraser River Trail that will run right through the community.

“Roam is a major achievement for Winter Park, and this is a defining moment in the growth and future of our town,” said Catherine Ross, executive director of the Winter Park Chamber. “This development will help ensure that as we evolve, we do so smartly, respectfully, and with the same “Colorado Unfiltered” spirit we’ve had here for generations. With Roam, we continue the legacy of doing right by the town and people of Winter Park.”

With easy access to 765,000 acres of public land and North America’s top Nordic ski resort (Devil’s Thumb Ranch) and alpine ski resort (Winter Park Resort) as voted by readers of USA Today, Roam is ideally situated to serve as a home base for accessing Winter Park’s limitless outdoor adventure including hiking, biking, Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, horseback riding, sailing, watersports, and some of the best river and lake fishing in the state. 

Enhanced amenities will include an on-site swimming pool, clubhouse, and fitness facility. Locally owned shops, businesses, and restaurants will create added appeal to a thriving community experience.

For more information about Roam, visit: roamwinterpark.com.