Tawi Kaan Apartments

Colorado

Tawi Kaan Apartments is a 42-unit new construction project located in Cortez, CO intended to serve the local Native American population. The development is permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless families. Cortez is the largest city and county seat of Montezuma County in the ‘Four Corners’ region which is home to several Native American reservations, with the Ute Mountain Tribe Reservation located within Montezuma County and southwest of Cortez.

BlueLine Development and its local nonprofit partner, The Piñon Project, working with the local Ute Tribe, assembled a supportive services team that provides a wide array of health, financial, and other services geared both towards a formerly homeless population and the local Native American population that makes up many the region’s residents. Residents are referred through the regional coordinated entry system and through the Ute Tribe.

Tawi Kaan’s building is arranged in a “U” shape that provides a courtyard on the building’s interior. Shopworks Architects worked mindfully to tailor the building for those who have experienced trauma. Such a design can help mediate stress and trauma because the environment inside buildings impacts people. There are no hidden corners throughout Tawi Kaan, and it’s well-lit with natural light. There’s not a lot of sharp edges, which is indicative of English design; most things in the building are round, which is indicative of Indigenous style.

The courtyard provides outdoor community space with a patio, BBQ area, children’s play area and a garden. Interior community space on the ground floor includes a community kitchen, dining room, activity area, computer lab, community laundry, and supportive service offices. All of the units come fully furnished and include central A/C and heating, microwaves, ranges, and refrigerators. The three-bedroom units have washer and dryer systems installed in the units.

A central fireplace was installed tactically, to encourage storytelling and community gathering. And the “beautiful bear playground” is for play, a key element in healing, for formerly homeless kids and adults alike. To the Ute Tribe, bears symbolize resilience, strength and a maternal instinct, said Ute Mountain Treasurer Alston Turtle.

Tawi Kaan is unique because of its partnership with the Tribe, and the opportunity to honor Indigenous culture and Cortez culture simultaneously. Tawi Kaan means “Our Home” in the Indigenous Ute language and was chosen by the Tribe.