A former La Quinta hotel in Castle Rock, Colorado, has been transformed into an affordable housing complex called “The Unity on Park,” offering adults with disabilities the opportunity to live independently for the first time. The project, a collaboration between Douglas County and the nonprofit Wellspring Community, officially opens this week.
A Dream Come True for Residents
For many residents, this development is a significant milestone in their lives. Carl DeGolier, a 31-year-old on the autism spectrum, is among the first to move in.
“I’ve been kind of chomping at the bit, really, to finally move out and have my own place to set up how I want to,” DeGolier said.
Twenty-five-year-old Damon Bunch, who lives with intellectual disabilities, also recently moved out of his parents’ home. His apartment, which he calls the “Walt Disney suite,” reflects his love for Disney, complete with themed decorations and a Mickey Mouse toilet cover.
“I just thought I’d be living with my parents for the rest of my life,” Bunch shared. “Now that I have my own place, it makes me feel really proud of myself.”
Independence with Support
The Unity on Park offers 42 affordable housing units, 20 of which are reserved for adults with disabilities. Wellspring staff live on-site, available around the clock to assist residents with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry.
Nicole DeVries, Wellspring’s Executive Director, emphasized the transformative impact of the project.
“Everybody has this desire to leave their parents’ home… That is a sense of independence that everybody wants. But for people with IDD, that is something that very few can attain,” DeVries said.
The facility also fosters a sense of community, with many residents participating in Wellspring’s day programs, located next door.
A Collaborative Effort
The $10 million project received substantial financial support from the state of Colorado, Douglas County, the town of Castle Rock, and Developmental Pathways.
- State of Colorado and Douglas County: $4 million contribution
- Town of Castle Rock: $650,000 fee waiver
- Developmental Pathways: $500,000 contribution
The remainder was financed through a loan to be repaid via rent payments from residents.
A Brighter Future
For residents like DeGolier and Bunch, The Unity on Park represents more than just a place to live—it’s a life-changing opportunity.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to live in a place like this,” DeGolier expressed. “I kinda wanna see what it’s like and maybe figure out more about myself.”
Bunch added, “It makes me feel really excited because I never thought I would have that.”
Douglas County commissioners will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Thursday to celebrate the development.
