Aptitude Development closes on Edwards River Park

Aptitude Development, the company that last year revived Edwards River Park by seeking and receiving Eagle County approval of a Planned Unit Development (PUD) Amendment in June of 2025, completed its purchase of the property on Monday. 

“I came across Edwards River Park in 2022,” Jared Hutter of Aptitude Development, who placed the site under contract in late 2022, said in a press release. “The bones were good — Eagle County staff and the prior development team had done serious work, and the approvals were solid. But solid approvals and a buildable, financeable project are two very different things. Closing that gap took me more than four years.

“Now, bringing our vision for attainable housing in a perfect Edwards location and a new home for Family Learning Center is closer than ever to coming to fruition.”

During the challenging and lengthy closing process, Aptitude continued to work diligently to bring the ambitious Edwards River Park to life by starting to update studies required for final plat approval. The development team is striving to break ground in 2027. 

While the initial effort focused on implementing the originally approved PUD, it quickly became clear that difficult building conditions and significant infrastructure improvements, coupled with protection of the riparian areas, were required to move the project forward. As a result, the team proposed minor amendments to the PUD to better align with the current conditions and ensure the success of the project.

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“In addition, finding a new home for Family Learning Center became a priority focus of our design efforts,” says Hutter. 

In January 2022, the Eagle County Board of Commissioners approved an amendment to the official zone district map and granted approval for both the sketch plan and preliminary plan for the Planned Unit Development (PUD) of Edwards River Park. During the nearly two-year approval process, the project evolved from a luxury mixed-use development into what the commissioners described as an emerging community.

The development site, spanning 53.27 acres, presents unique challenges as it is located more than 40 feet below Highway 6 on the north side. Formerly the B&B gravel pit, the terrain adds complexity to the project.

Aptitude was committed to working alongside the local business community and Family Learning Center to create a vibrant and attainable neighborhood. With a few strategic modifications to the approved site plan, the team is confident in delivering on the community-focused vision for this development, according to the release.

The Edwards River Park development is designed with the local community in mind, ensuring that those who serve and contribute to the area have a place to call home. Of the 440 residential units, 270 will be deed-restricted, prioritizing housing for local employees, including county and town workers, firefighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, teachers, and others who are essential to the fabric of the Eagle River Valley community, the press release states.

ERP was approved with a 2,500-square-foot childcare facility. Aptitude was approved to put its 10,000 square feet of approved commercial to a relocated Family Learning Center (FLC), with 2,500 square feet of outdoor space.

ERP in a nutshell:

• Maximum of 440 dwelling units (maximum of 170 free-market homes, and minimum of 270 deed-restricted homes)
• Of the 270: 90 deed-restricted rental units — nine price-capped rental units at 80% average median income (AMI), 72 price-capped rental units at 100% AMI and nine resident-occupied, deed-restricted units for-sale with no transfer fee exemption
• 98 resident-occupied, deed-restricted for-sale units
• 82 resident-occupied, for-sale or rental units
• Approximately 35 acres of open space
• On-site amenities will include an early childcare center, clubhouse, locker room, and covered parking
• Extensive trails, sidewalks, community gathering areas, playground, and dog park
• Traffic improvements: In addition to paying more than $2 million in traffic impact fees, Edwards River Park will fully fund a new roundabout at the intersection of Lake Creek Road and Highway 6, estimated to cost more than $5 million. This improvement will enhance traffic flow for the broader community.
• Additionally, the project will redevelop 35% of the Highway 6 segment between Lake Creek and Edwards Spur Road, despite contributing less than 15% of the total traffic.