Durango Onward

Community Banding Together

by Joy Martin

Yvonne Lashmett

When Durango’s new city manager, José like diversity, equity, and inclusion across tures eight shows from May through Madrigal, moved to the Animas Valley in the spectrum of city programs and services; October in Durango, with three shows September 2020, the search for a house big environmental and social sustainability; fi- in Pagosa Springs and one in Silverton. enough to accommodate his family of sev- nancial transparency; and enhancement of Venues include the Nugget Mountain Bar, en proved quite the challenge—especially the elements that make living in Durango so and in downtown Durango at Buckley Park during a time when everyone else was also fabulous, just to name a few. and the Durango Craft Spirits lot. Each conlooking for a house in Durango. While they Some of those enhancements include cert is a full-on stage production showcasing hunted, the Madrigal family kept busy get- paying special attention to nurturing Dur- local and regional musicians and performing ting to know Durango’s bountiful offerings. ango’s vibrant arts and culture scene, artists.

“There’s not much small talk on Zoom, which is experiencing a revival, thanks to “After all we’ve been through, we’ve like there would be if we were at the office, our renewed appreciation for those trea- seen that there’s an even greater need for so we’re having fun just finding places for sures we largely missed out on last year. For music,” says Jesse Ogle, professional musiourselves,” says Madrigal. one, the summer and fall events calendar cian and founder of iAM MUSIC. “We want

Besides discovering their favorite pizza is already bulging with the return of some to expand on that. Hopefully we can do joints, beers (for the parents, obviously), beloved oldies—like the Iron Horse Bicycle something that will make people not take and other local delicacies, the Madrigals Classic, Animas River Days, and, fingers the arts for granted but rather see the value have spent their days relishing Durango’s crossed, Fourth of July fireworks. in this important part of our community.” abundance of fresh air and open spaces. In the North Main District, the Animas The creative juices aren’t just flowSkiing, fly-fishing, more skiing, and hiking City Night Bazaar returns with its Passeg- ing for the artists and musicians in town; the Sky Steps are giata, a neighborhood promenade held on restaurant and business owners have also just a few winter fa- the last Wednesday of each month from dug deep and uncovered innovative ways vorites for the Texas June till October. This wellness-minded to not only survive these challenging times natives. street party features bizarre phenomena— but to thrive. Many of last year’s outdoor When he’s not ex- busking musicians, circus performers, pop- gatherings that pivoted to accommodate ploring his new home up art, flash-mob dances, a petting zoo, and social-distancing guidelines will resume with the family, Mad- more. Everyone is encouraged to attend, es- with the warmer weather, including al rigal is working hard pecially after enjoying happy hour at one of fresco dining experiences, Main Avenue’s to push out this year’s North Main Avenue’s bustling restaurants, wildly successful bump-outs, and a Movie strategic plan, which bars, or ice cream trucks. in the Park series, which will take place at has a strong focus on Also taking the stage once again this Buckley Park on the first and third Fridays Courtesy of José Madrigal the hottest topics, season is the iAM MUSIC Fest, which fea- in June, July, and August.

“We know we can host these cool experiences outside that can be flexible in terms of seating arrangements and capacity,” says Ogle. “We live in this beautiful outdoor place, so we’re all just taking advantage of that.”

After spending so much time at home, it’s easy to see why people, and lots of them, want to live here. Economics teaches us that with this kind of high demand comes a low supply, an interesting puzzle to consider as we look to the future of Durango.

“People are latching onto the idea that they care more about quality of life than material objects,” says Dan Korman, broker and owner of Alpenglow Properties. “We are a community of community-minded citizens, which means people are thinking creatively about housing and mixed-use spaces. I can’t tell the future—that’s the caveat—but what we do know is that no matter what happens next, you cannot change our backyard, and that will continue to drive demand.”

Speaking of backyards, the Madrigals finally found a comfortable abode in February 2021. Madrigal knew that with a bit of patience, the right one would appear at just the right time—and so it did.

“There’s a lot of promise going into this year,” says Madrigal. “We’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but everyone has been affected differently. This year will be great for listening and seeing how everyone in our community is doing. We won’t just snap back to normal, but Durango clearly knows how to band together. We’re not strangers; we’re neighbors. This community steps up to help one another, and we’ll see that boost a faster recovery. It’ll be a blessing to get back together and build on this momentum.”

Shaun Stanley Yvonne Lashmett