Thought Leaders: Bruce Shugert, the Porches

Bruce Shugert is a native Coloradoan, with three generations of family deeply involved in building and construction in Colorado. He came to know the Steamboat Springs area quite well, and understands its identity as "Ski Town U.S.A.," to Olympic hopefuls and skiers of all kinds. A little lower in altitude than Aspen or Vail, and (being in the NW quadrant of the state,) a little harder to get to, Steamboat had a pristine quality to it, something that Bruce immediately liked. “I saw the possibility of creating something far more substantial than another significant development,” he said recently. “I saw that I could help create – with exceptional, eco-sensitive construction and awareness - a kind of luxury neighborhood, one that would be quite different from any others in the West.” So began the vision of The Porches.

Today, Bruce’s vision has come to successful fruition. The Porches is not only a luxury neighborhood, one that defines the best of the Western way of life, but also one that embraces a more modern, contemporary lifestyle. In addition, it is fitting for families and friends who prefer to travel in groups – families with families, couples with other couples, and multi-generational visitors (grandparents, adult children and their children). Situated in an ideal location at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, The Porches’ offers spacious, luxury residences built with a quality of construction and craftsmanship never before found in the area.

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“Usually it takes six to nine months for a home to be built in any development in this area. But, at the Porches, it takes a year, sometimes more.“ Shugert comments, “Our Structural Associates building team focuses on eco-sensitive building initiatives in order to create the distinctive character of the rural ranch homes that once dotted the Yampa Valley. The residences are arranged in a private twin-home configuration. Each three-story townhome features a heated, two-car garage and wide-open floor plan. All floors are made from a variety of reclaimed or hand distressed wood such as white oak or ash. Even our name, The Porches, infers a sense of family, a slowing down that runs counter to the busy life many people lead now.”

The Porches include 66 family residences in a twin-townhome configuration, and 28 of these properties are part of their private residence club that offers floor plans of 4,000sq' to 5,000sq'. Each member at The Porches owns a one-eighth deeded interest. Members receive a guaranteed six weeks every year during the four seasons. Prices range from $340K for a four bedroom/five bath to the five bedroom/five bath for $450,000. Members have exchange privileges with The Registry Collection.

Shugart’s company, Structural Associates, is based in Glenwood Springs and has built spectacular homes in the Roaring Fork Valley for an international clientele. He has the ability to look at the Yampa Valley with fresh eyes. What he sees is a real community with a leg up on the competition in terms of its appeal to extended families.

“Steamboat is more family-oriented than anywhere else in the mountains,” Shugart said. “This isn’t a show-and-tell town like the others. It’s not who you are, but what you are doing, that counts for something here. In addition, there’s an unusual level of security at The Porches,” he said. “And it’s becoming a real neighborhood, just as I had originally envisioned. Most of our owners tell us they spend more time here than they had originally intended. You can let your children play outside here and not have to think about it.”