Whetstone Community Housing | Gunnison County, Colorado

15 acres
South of Crested Butte

252 residential units
80% restricted to local workforce

Whetstone Community Housing is a major workforce housing initiative located on a 15-acre site south of Crested Butte in Gunnison County. The project is planned to deliver 252 residential units, with approximately 80% restricted to the local workforce, addressing one of the most critical housing challenges facing the Gunnison Valley. The development is envisioned as a mixed-housing neighborhood that supports year-round residents, strengthens the local economy, and reflects community values around livability, access, and long-term affordability.

TRESTLE STRATEGY GROUP’S ROLE

Trestle Strategy Group supported Gunnison County throughout the early planning, entitlement, and development partner-selection phases of the project, providing both strategic leadership and hands-on implementation services.

  • Project & Team Management: Trestle coordinated the multidisciplinary consultant team and guided the project through key planning milestones, helping align County goals, technical work, and decision-making timelines.

  • Community Engagement Strategy & Implementation: Trestle designed and executed a comprehensive community engagement program to inform project visioning, land use decisions, and development expectations. Engagement efforts were structured to gather meaningful feedback, educate the public on project goals and constraints, and build trust through transparency.

  • Stakeholder Outreach & Collaboration: The team led targeted outreach with elected officials, County staff, housing partners, community organizations, and local residents to ensure broad awareness and informed participation throughout the process.

  • Communication Strategy & Implementation: Trestle developed clear, accessible communication materials and messaging to support public understanding of the project, planning steps, and decision points, helping the County navigate a complex and highly visible process.

CURRENT STATUS

  • Sketch Plan Approved: March 2023

  • Developer Selection: July 2023

  • Preliminary Plan Approved: October 2024

  • Construction Began: April 2025