The council voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the land-use code that allows for affordable housing credits to be transferred. As a result, a developer can purchase a credit for affordable housing that has already been built and occupied.

Just how much the credits could be worth is dependent on what the market will bear, and will be influenced by supply and demand.

Under the new program, a developer would likely explore the market for affordable housing credits to find out if they could negotiate a lower price than the cost of constructing new units or buying down existing free-market units, according to Ben Gagnon, the city’s special project planner.

Essentially, the local government has created a new commodity that places a cash value on the development of affordable housing. The price is set between the buyer and seller.

Read the entire article in the Aspen Times.

Mr. Magill plans to take the LEED AP – Neighborhood Design exam in 2011.

Mr. Magill is also studying for the A.I.C.P. exam in 2011 and the L.A.R.E . in 2012.

There have been two TDRs utilized to increase floor area in the Morningstar project below, with the potential for three more. Magill first identified that the Morningstar project area was well suited to “receive” these TDRs due to its proximity to existing services and lack of any major environmental concerns.

Magill & Associates provided landscape architecture and waterfeature design for this 8,000 sq.ft. custom residence in the exclusive Eagle Pines Subdivision on the Buttermilk Ski area.  The property offered many opportunities, particularly in the backyard which is adjacent to the Ski Area.  Magill designed over 200 feet of rippling streams, five waterfalls , numerous pools and a pond to create an exciting atmosphere that complements the sweeping views.  Magill also collaborated with the architect on the planning and design of a custom spa.

Magill & Associates worked closely with renowned local architect David Johnston Architects to create several distinct landscaped areas around the 8,000 square foot custom residence.  A roof garden above the garage is just one of the highlights of Magill’s landscape design. Magill designed a stream and waterfalls to go through an arched opening in a stairway to create a one-of-a-kind entry statement. There are several other unique outdoor spaces to complement the architecture. Magill & Associates- Planning and Landscape Architecture planned, designed and supervised the construction project from start to finish.

Morningstar Aspen is a premier mountain residential development on the Roaring Fork River east of Aspen, Colorado. Magill & Associates provided land planning,  landscape architecture, site planning and project management services for this project since 2000. Magill was lead planner and designer for the project that  includes over 15 acres of prime Colorado mountain landscape. Magill obtained all of the  land use entitlements for the project for a total of  52,000 square feet of residential floor area.  Magill was  directly involved with the layout of the “subdivision” including locations for roads, building sites and water delivery systems. Magill and Associates authored detailed and environmentally-sustainable landscape guidelines for the project that are strictly enforced by covenants. The project is approximately 50% complete as of January 2010.

The Morningstar Lodge is located on the Black Diamond parcel within the Morningstar development. The parcel is just under 3 acres in size. Black Diamond is approved for an additional 7,500 square foot residence.   

 Magill and Associates provided landscape architecture and planning services for this residence. Magill’s landscape design complements the historic “cabin” by emphasizing the  “connective element”  of the architecture designed by David Johnston Architects in the landscape. The Lodge serves as an important focal point for the entire Morningstar development.

Magill & Associates provided landscape architecture and waterfeature design expertise to this beautiful mountain backyard setting. Magill designed the 40′x50′ pond to sustain trout. Magill acquired twelve 12-14″ Brown Trout for the Owner that were flourishing at last visit . This is the quinessential Aspen landscape!

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