Overview

Espero Apartments, a collaboration between BlueLine Development and Housing Solutions for the Southwest, was developed to support individuals and families in Durango experiencing homelessness. Following several years of engaging the community to address concerns and dispel myths surrounding Supportive Housing for those transitioning out of homelessness, BlueLine and Housing Solutions obtained a low-cost, long-term land lease from the City of Durango. The property is situated as part of the city's social services campus, near downtown Durango. Construction of Espero Apartments began in late 2020 and the building was placed into service in 2021. All 40 units within the building offer Supportive Housing for individuals and families who have previously experienced homelessness and live with a disabling condition.

Planning and Design Approach

Espero Apartments are first and foremost Supportive Housing, an aspect that shaped all decision-making in the planning and design process. Shopworks Architecture provided experience with trauma-informed design, a component of high-quality Supportive Housing. A design challenge with this project was that the site is adjacent to an electrical distribution substation, which is not aesthetically desirable. Overcoming this challenge involved designing a site plan and building that provided a dignified living environment. 

BlueLine noted that their Supportive Housing projects may have tight budgets for both first costs and operating costs. Opting for all mechanical systems at Espero Apartments to be powered by electricity rather than fossil fuels was cost-prohibitive regarding first costs, particularly given Durango's rural location. Another key consideration was the lack of availability of experienced installers and maintenance technicians for electric HVAC and domestic hot water equipment, which was also influenced by the rural setting. BlueLine encountered difficulties finding local installers with the necessary expertise for a project of this scale. As a result, the subcontractor base was geographically dispersed, leading to increased pricing pressures. These factors collectively led to the decision to pursue a mixed-fuel building.

These challenges do not, however, negate the advantages of building electrification. Residents and operators of Espero Apartments enjoy benefits, such as fewer indoor air pollutants than are associated with fossil fuel combustion, from several electric building systems.

Electrification Strategies and Features

BlueLine had several reasons for choosing a central domestic hot water system fueled by methane gas for Espero Apartments. Many stakeholders agree that for central systems in multifamily buildings, designing, installing, and maintaining electric domestic hot water systems is a challenge. While solutions have been successfully implemented, the tight budget for the first costs of this project in addition to the challenges in finding qualified installers lent to the decision to install a gas-fired system. Additionally, the conventional all-electric design for domestic hot water involves individual, in-unit systems. In designing Espero, a primary objective was to maximize floor space in each unit, making the addition of a mechanical closet for water heaters counterproductive. Moreover, the mental and emotional well-being of residents played a significant role in this decision, as reducing the amount of equipment in each unit also minimizes maintenance personnel’s intrusion into residents’ homes. Considering these factors, a central gas system addressed the requirements of this Supportive Housing project.

Space heating and cooling at Espero Apartments is provided by packaged terminal heat pumps (PTHPs). This system type utilizes electricity rather than fossil fuels, which reduces overall emissions and contributes to a healthier living environment. PTHPs can operate efficiently when not used as a ventilation air source, when they are well-sealed, and when they can operate a high percentage of their use in heat pump mode. With proper installation, this system is ideal for keeping the labor and equipment costs associated with space heating and cooling low.

Espero Apartments employs exhaust-only ventilation, by which negative pressure created by an exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom draws fresh outdoor air into each unit. These systems offer a cost-effective installation and maintenance alternative compared to other ventilation methods.

Financing and Cost

Successes

Espero Apartments has been a much-needed addition to the Durango community and have provided a critical resource for Supportive Housing. Residents admire the views of Durango and enjoy the privacy of the fenced-in outdoor space. The spacious and thoughtfully-designed units have also received positive reviews. In addition, the common spaces host a variety of well-received events, both formal and informal, fostering a strong sense of community. 

Lessons Learned

A member of the Espero design team offered valuable advice to developers interested in pursuing building electrification: Make the decision early. Time spent drawing up multiple system designs can erode a project’s budget and timeline. By making the decision to go all-electric early, developers can realize cost savings during the design phase, providing additional funds for equipment and installation.