A large-format store is currently a genuine possibility in our little historic community. There has been much talk with reference to how this kind of a store could have an effect on our community. Now we examine the effect it would have on our Pagosa Springs real estate prices. The building of a large discount retailer in Pagosa Springs has been a contentious idea for many years. The two key areas of argument have been the monetary impact plus the possible alterations to the community's character. In this piece, we shall focus on the result upon Pagosa Springs, CO real estate values.

A press release was sent out jointly by the Archuleta Board of County Commissioners, the Town of Pagosa Springs and the Pagosa Springs Community Development Corporation in September 2010. It made the announcement that a big retail store is seriously considering the building of a resource in the Pagosa Springs area.

We have heard that the store is in fact Wal-Mart, and that Pagosa Springs is being considered for their next round of enlargement in Colorado.

The construction location that is being looked at is actually slightly out of town. It would be on the northwest corner of Vista Boulevard and U.S. Highway 160. In the past, the Sawmill Road area on the southeast corner of the intersection of U.S. 160 and 84 has been another site thought of as a possibility for a large-format store compound. This is on the east side of town, and a lot closer to the downtown area.

This development is clearly still in the investigative stage, and the store may not be constructed (at least for now). But because a big box store will probably appear in the future, it is worth bearing in mind the consequences.

The present location under consideration could undoubtedly bring about an economic swing toward the "core area" on the west side of town and away from downtown. This is particularly the case with the recent passing of our only downtown grocery store, and one of the banks. Simultaneously, the anticipated location may well benefit the growing core area. Such a positioning could also serve to steer new traffic through downtown and up Putt Hill.

Historic Downtown Pagosa Springs, Colorado is of course home to our eponymous hot springs, together with the accommodations, restaurants, shops, and post office nearby. These are not leaving. It is doubtful guests will choose to linger around a Wal-Mart throughout their vacation in Pagosa Springs. However those taking rooms downtown are more likely to get exposure to the numerous enterprises along the way, should they be drawn to do some of their buying at a Big Box store on the west side of town. Similarly, a Big Box vendor would be expected to draw people from as far as Chama, to the south. In the case that such a retailer were located on the Sawmill property, they would have little motive to venture further.If their destination is on the other edge of town, these customers will end up traversing all through nearly our entire economic zone, accordingly increasing the exposure of the numerous small stores and dining places along the way.

A large retail store would bring a sizable economic boon to the town, in addition to Archuleta county, assuming we do not give away too many tax concessions. More locals will remain in town to go shopping, more will venture in from neighboring localities, and property tax revenue would be substantial. Throughout the building phase, the development would be a boon when we badly could do with one. Although Wal-Mart is not famous for offering high-paying jobs with wonderful benefits, sadly, neither are small-town locally-owned enterprises. Extra revenue and tax money makes it possible to better fund our community services and infrastructure, which in turn improves land prices.

The bottom line is that the development of a Big Box retailer should likely have a positive effect on houses and real estate values. Determining whether or not your precise residence or company will profit requires looking at the kind of property and how close it is to a big discounter's retail complex. The planned location might truly please the adjoining neighbors, who do not reside in high-end communities. The existence of a large discounter might well improve the worth of the location to lower income people and companies that cater to them. Establishments that aim at higher-income customers may find they are better positioned in the more expensive parts of town, along with other companies who share their customer base. There's no reason why this need conflict with the building of a large-format merchant at the proposed location.