Durango, CO (Sunday, May 9, 2004) - Purgatory Mountain's ski slopes weren't the only part of Durango Mountain Resort to see a bountiful winter, as initial sales in the new Engineer and Tacoma Villages have been brisk since initial offerings last November. Of the 36 homesites available in phase one of Engineer Village, 17 have closed to date with three more under contreact. In Tacoma Village, ten reservations have been made on the available 16 units in phase one of the BlackBear Townhomes. Also, in Purgatory Village, the slopeside ElkPoint Townhomes have sold out.

"The response has been exceptional," said DMR managing broker Cathy Craig. "The interest level in the new villages and the ground floor opportunities for this growing resort community have stayed strong throughout the winter months, and we're looking forward to showing off our spectacular homes and homesites this coming summer and fall."

Engineer and Tacoma are the first villages to be developed under the new master plan and development agreement at DMR, located just across Highway 550 adjacent to the resort. The 25-year plan calls for the development of 5 residential villages and a renovation of Purgatory Village, including up to 1,649 units on 612 acres. Most of the units will be concentrated in an expanded Purgatory Village at the base of the ski area, including hotels, new restaurants, a new day lodge, resort condos, transfer lifts and recreational facilities.

Infrastructure work in Engineer Village began last fall and will be completed this summer, and builders will break ground on several new homes. The 36 homesites offer wooded seclusion and views of the nearby ski runs and surrounding mountains, including the village namesake, majestic Engineer Mountain. The lots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis and range in size from one quarter acre to over an acre in size with building envelopes to maximize preservation of the beautiful forest location. Lot prices start at $154,900, and with other homesites in north La Plata County selling for over $500,000, demand for these homesites has been exceptionally strong. Engineer Village features municipal utility services provided by the Purgatory Metropolitan District. The neighborhood will also features an extensive trail system with direct access to the national forest, a tennis court and a tot lot.

In Tacoma Village, foundations are under construction for the BlackBear Townhomes. The townhomes will be built with stone and timbers and designed to blend into the natural surroundings. With two and three bedroom units, garages, community amenities and mountain views, the BlackBear units will accommodate a broad range of lifestyles from primary residence to vacation or second home. Prices range from $375-500,000. Local builder Steve Krug and partner Rob Merritt are developing the project, which is scheduled to be built in phases, with 16 units in phase I and 44 total units. Krug has already developed plans for two workforce housing units to be priced between $135-150,000. Under the Master Plan, one workforce housing unit for every 10 free-market residential units will be constructed.

The DMR Master Plan has gone through extensive review and revision over the past three years, with DMR and county staff working closely with numerous public agencies and various other governmental and environmental groups to reach agreement on issues ranging from design standards and setbacks to traffic, school fees and employee housing. More than 40 percent of the project has been designated open space, and building envelopes, wetland buffers and conservation easements will help to retain the natural setting and minimize environmental impacts. DMR has teamed with the Animas Conservancy to provide environmental and compliance monitoring within its designated conservation easements. The project has been recognized for its careful protection of the environment.