The City of Salida is inviting qualified developers and homebuilder teams to submit responses to a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for participation in Phase I of the South Ark Neighborhood, a transformative mixed-income housing development on approximately 12 acres of City-owned land.
The South Ark Neighborhood represents one of the most significant housing initiatives in the City’s history. The project is designed to address the growing demand for workforce and affordable housing while creating a vibrant, high-quality residential neighborhood integrated with parks, open space, and community amenities.
Phase I includes approximately 53 development lots with the capacity to support up to 150 residential units, along with supporting infrastructure and neighborhood features. The City has already approved the Phase I subdivision and has begun construction of backbone infrastructure to prepare the site for vertical development.
The City is seeking development teams capable of delivering a range of housing types, including single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes, and multifamily residential projects of varying sizes. Most lots will be conveyed through bulk sales to enable coordinated development, while two multifamily sites may be sold individually.
“The South Ark Neighborhood is a critical step forward in addressing housing needs in our community,” said Bill Almquist, Community Development Director. “We are looking for partners who share our commitment to quality, affordability, and long-term community benefit.”
The full South Ark Neighborhood Master Plan, encompassing all three phases, outlines a vision for:
- Up to approximately 400 residential units across diverse housing types
- A balanced mix of affordable workforce housing and market-rate housing
- Small-scale neighborhood commercial uses (up to approximately 10,000 square feet)
- More than 60 acres of parks, recreation, and open space
- A walkable neighborhood design connected to surrounding amenities
The City is advancing the project through a public-private partnership model, investing in backbone infrastructure and delivering development-ready lots to qualified partners through a competitive selection process. The City encourages participation from a wide range of development teams, including for-sale homebuilders, rental housing developers, affordable and workforce housing specialists, and nonprofit housing organizations.
RFQ Timeline:
- Virtual Pre-Proposal Meeting: May 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM
- Optional On-Site Project Tour: May 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM
- Question Submission Deadline: June 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM
- RFQ Responses Due: July 10, 2026 at 4:00 PM
- Anticipated Selection: Fall 2026
Interested teams are encouraged to participate in the pre-proposal meeting and site tour to learn more about the opportunity and project goals.
For more information about the RFQ and how to apply, please contact the City of Salida Owner’s Representative, David Starnes – david [at] civistructsd.com (david[at]civistructsd[dot]com) or visit the City of Salida’s BidNet for more information.
The City of Salida, CO, is the statutory seat of Chaffee County with a population of approximately 5,700 residents. Salida is a family-friendly community ideally situated in central Colorado - known by many as the “Heart of the Rockies,” both for its geographic location and the abundance of arts, cultural and recreational amenities found here. The city is dedicated to maintaining a safe, fiscally responsible and forward-thinking government where residents, businesses and visitors can thrive. Explore more about Salida at www.cityofsalida.com.