The owners of a long-vacant building at 103 Main St. in Dillon presented preliminary redevelopment plans to the Town Council, aiming to transform the property into a mixed-use space. Previously occupied by medical offices, the building has remained empty for several years, prompting the owners to seek funding for emergency roof repairs from the town. In October 2023, they received just under $64,000 to address a collapsing section of the roof.
The owners, Dillon Development Co. LLC, had previously sought approval from the Dillon Urban Renewal Authority to purchase adjacent town-owned land for a project that included a restaurant, office spaces, and residential units. This proposal was rejected in April 2023, though funding for roof repairs was approved. At the October meeting, Bobby Craig, an architect and one of the owners, outlined plans to convert the building into two commercial units and two residential units.
Concerns about the viability of residential units were raised during the Town Council discussions, particularly regarding parking requirements. Council members indicated that the parking needs for residential units contributed to the rejection of the previous proposal. Craig assured the council that they would secure tenants following renovations, expressing a personal commitment to occupy a unit himself. “I still want my damn office in the building,” Craig stated, emphasizing his belief in the location’s potential for business.
On December 2, 2023, Craig and his partners presented updated plans, which included a restaurant and two three-bedroom residential units. Since the town owns land surrounding the building, they requested assistance from the council to either purchase or utilize this land for an outdoor patio and parking for the residential units. They also sought an exemption from zoning restrictions to allow residential units on the first floor in the town’s core.
At this meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Joshua Samuel criticized the plan for featuring only one commercial unit. Craig explained the owners’ decision to focus on residential space was based on market analysis, noting interest from potential renters. He mentioned a conversation with a local coffee shop owner who expressed immediate interest in renting a residential unit, highlighting demand.
Council member Barbara Richard raised concerns about the size of the proposed restaurant and residential units. The preliminary plans indicate the restaurant would cover just over 1,200 square feet, which Richard deemed insufficient, while the three-bedroom units would be 972 square feet each. She suggested that adding a second story could provide more commercial space on the ground floor with residential units above. Although the owners acknowledged this possibility, they aimed to minimize structural changes to the existing building.
The council revisited the topic on December 16, 2023, as town staff believed clarity was needed on the project direction. Discussions continued, with Samuel reiterating his stance that the project should prioritize commercial space. He expressed disappointment with Craig for not fulfilling his earlier guarantee to occupy part of the building, indicating that this had influenced his earlier vote to approve the roof repair funding.
Mayor Carolyn Skowyra emphasized the council’s desire to reach a consensus on the project, suggesting they were open to creative solutions. While the council indicated a willingness to allow land use for the patio, they were less inclined to sell land for parking. The council expressed interest in providing exceptions for residential parking, which would require residents to purchase annual overnight parking passes and use designated lots.
Richard articulated a preference for the residential units to be “attainable,” aiming for housing options accessible to individuals working in Summit County rather than catering to short-term rentals or second-home buyers. Following these discussions, Craig and his partners committed to revising their plans based on the feedback received before submitting any further applications.
As the redevelopment proposal continues to evolve, the Dillon Town Council remains focused on ensuring that any new developments align with community needs while balancing commercial viability and residential opportunities.
