Basalt’s groundbreaking event celebrates downtown revival

The construction on the corner of Midland Avenue and Two Rivers Road in Basalt isn’t just another development project. 

It’s the revitalization of the historic downtown that aims to preserve character, support locals, and enhance community.

“Downtown kind of went quiet,” said Tim Belinski, project developer along with Andrew Light. “Something needed to happen. It needed to be more vibrant. It’s got such character and beauty.”

Belinski, whose career in the Roaring Fork Valley spans decades and includes overseeing the development plan for Willits town center, approached this project with the goal of balancing the preservation of downtown’s charm while also updating the streetscape.

“Downtown Basalt architecturally is precious and unique and historic,” Belinski said. “We need to save all of that. And yet, things get old and need to have upgrades and attention over time too.”

Garrett Reuss, the leader of Midland Residences residential sales for Aspen Snowmass Sotheby’s International Realty, agreed.

“The revitalization of this spot is going to be a really good addition to all the vibrancy Basalt (already) has,” Reuss said.

The new Midland Residences will offer 65 residential units, 40 of which have already sold, according to Reuss. The units range from studios starting at $678,000 to one bedrooms at $1.098 million and a limited amount of two bedrooms that go up $1.9 million.

Reuss confirmed a majority of the units will belong to locals, about 75-80%.

“It’s going to be very high on the locals’ home,” Reuss said. 

Those units will be overtop a new commercial space that includes a new local market and boutique restaurant by CP Restaurant Group, alongside Jimbo’s Wine and Liquors.

“They’ll have a bustling patio and a new front that’s all going to be visible and magnetizing for people coming through town,” Belinski said.

Reuss emphasized that having Craig and Samantha Cordts-Pearce, owners and operators of CP Restaurant Group, in the space is a testament to the community-focus of the project.

“That’s such a perfect match, with local people living there and local owners of restaurants,” Reuss said. 

Leaning into the local aspect of everything is a key part of achieving the balance Belinski highlighted. In addition to providing more housing for locals, the retail space will support local business owners and provide jobs to members of the community. 

“All the businesses are local-minded and local-operated,” Belinski said. “They will reflect the community – local goods, employees working for local ownership, and I think it will be a place for people to gather.”

Belinski also noted the local vibes will offer a unique experience to visitors, who won’t just be presented with the same stores or restaurants they have at home.

Construction is anticipated to be completed in May 2026, and Belinski confirmed everything is on track to make that date. 

There will be a Midland Residences Groundbreaking Ceremony from 4 to 5 p.m. Thursday, July 10, at 140 Basalt Center Circle. All are welcome to come meet neighbors, track project progress, and celebrate Basalt community.

According to Belinski, “We don’t celebrate enough.”