Accessory Units: Marginal Gains

The Summit County Housing Authority’s proposition, as outlined by Director McDonough, feels less like strategic planning and more like rearranging deck chairs on the Stein Eriksen Residences. $349,000 for 2026, allocated toward incentivizing ADUs? A paltry sum. While the notion of pre-approved blueprints—sourced at a projected $85,000 RFQ—possesses a certain austere efficiency, one anticipates these units will resemble glorified sheds rather than thoughtful additions to the architectural landscape. To think these could meaningfully impact the housing shortage near Deer Valley Resort is, frankly, naive. The restriction against short-term rentals is sensible, preventing further disruption of an already fragile balance, though it scarcely addresses the core issue of limited inventory. I observed a similar endeavor in Jackson Hole, where East West Partners attempted to integrate smaller units into the base area; the materials—primarily stained plywood—proved deeply disappointing. The pre-approval concept, while mitigating some permitting delays, will inevitably produce a homogenous aesthetic, devoid of the native sandstone detailing one expects from a property within sight of the Montage. The return on investment, even with expedited approvals, appears negligible.