Durango, CO March 2025 by City Lifestyle

Photo: Otto

The Heart of Home: Celebrating Durango’s Spaces and Stories

Welcome to the Home Issue, where we celebrate the beauty, creativity, and comfort of the places we call our own.

Durango is more than just a picturesque destination—it’s a community of individuals who transform houses into homes and landscapes into art. This issue is dedicated to the people and spaces that reflect the unique spirit of Durango.

Inside, we spotlight local artisans whose crafts infuse character into every room, construction details that bring even the simplest spaces to life, sustainable goods that resonate with our community, and essential services that help protect your home investment.

As always, this magazine is a tribute to the people of Durango and the creativity woven into our homes, patios, and shared spaces. We hope these pages inspire you to see your own home in a new light and remind you of the beauty that surrounds us.

Thank you for welcoming us into your homes, for being part of the Durango City Lifestyle family, and for making Durango’s footprint uniquely your own.

(BRANDY) MURRAY, PUBLISHER

March 2025

PUBLISHER

Branden (Brandy) Murray branden.murray@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATORS

Rachel Rosenthal | rachel.rosenthal@citylifestyle.com

Chelsey Juarez | chelsey.juarez@citylifestyle.com

Jennifer Mason | jennifer.mason@citylifestyle.com

James Leonard | james.leonard@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGERS

Jessica Valdez | jessica.valdez@citylifestyle.com

Denise Leslie | denise.leslie@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jennifer Mason, Kalista Pena, Denise Leslie

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kelly Miranda, Andy Wingerd, Waldemar Winkler, Taylor Archuleta, Jim Lyman

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

Please help people affected by the 2025 California Wildfires by scanning the QR code, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.

Boys and Girls Club

The Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County is the community’ s leading youth development organization, providing afterschool and full-day summer programs for more than 1,500 children and teens year-round. The Club’ s focused programs foster academic success, the development of leadership skills and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Need-based financial assistance ensures the Club experience is accessible to all families. Learn about Club programs and opportunities to invest in our community’ s youth www.bcglaplata.org.

WARM WOODEN CRAFTSMANSHIP

HERMOSA TRIM COMPANY WILL GET THE JOB DONE RIGHT!

ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY KELLY MIRANDA AND ANDY WINGERD

Upon moving to the Animas Valley in 1990, Jerry Olivier quickly realized he was a smalltown kind of guy. Like many folks in Durango, he worked multiple jobs when he first arrived. He spent a lot of time on construction sites, learning various trades, including carpentry. Then he discovered trim work.

“When I got my first job doing trim, that was the first time I was ever excited to go to a construction job,” Olivier recalls. “It required skill, knowledge, concentration, focus, and was an endless path of learning.”

CONTINUED

Now, as the proud owner of Hermosa Trim Company (HTC), Olivier has been perfecting his craft for over 30 years. He and his talented team at HTC are known for their high-quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and stressfree service that delivers incredible results.

HTC takes on a wide range of projects, from custom homes to entry-level housing. They frequently collaborate with local builders on smaller-scale custom projects but also produce trim work for larger developments, such as apartment complexes. Once a house is ready, Olivier and his crew install baseboards, window sills, cabinets, and doors—features homeowners interact with daily.

“Over the years, we have worked on hundreds, if not close to a thousand, different residences of all types,” says Olivier.

Hermosa Trim Company also operates a full custom woodshop, producing handcrafted furniture, cabinetry, doors, and other unique wood products. Whether it’s a one-of-akind statement piece or a functional home upgrade, their custom shop brings creative and innovative woodworking solutions to life.

Through decades in the industry, Olivier has seen trends come and go, often driven by style and available materials. While trends can sometimes lead to uniform designs, he encourages homeowners to step outside the box.

“If you’re looking for ways to add character to your home, consult a designer, woodworker, or tile specialist,” he advises. “They can provide valuable insight and help you develop a well-thought-out plan that brings your vision to life.”

Olivier also emphasizes the importance of considering every trade that contributes to a home’s final design.

“Paying attention to each element—from trim to tile to cabinetry—creates a more balanced and cohesive living environment,” he says.

Thanks to Olivier and his team at HTC, homes throughout the Durango area benefit from high-quality, detail-oriented craftsmanship that enhances both function and beauty. Their passion for precision and design ensures that every home they touch feels both unique and timeless.

Hermosa Trim Company

As a carpenter and trim specialist, Olivier is constantly problem-solving and finding alternative solutions to a multitude of issues. Whether it’s making the trim look flawless where a wall meets a staircase or maneuvering around large wooden panels previously attached to the wall, Olivier finds solutions.

“In carpentry and woodworking, there are countless ways to approach different tasks, which is one of the most enjoyable aspects of being a woodworker.”

Olivier always tells his crew and clients, “A good trim job goes unnoticed.” No mishaps or minor imperfections should distract the eye, allowing it to glide around a room without interruption. A good trim job balances the space and helps convey a story—a crucial element of genuine craftsmanship.

Construction by Elevation Custom Builders

ARTS

-15TH ANNUAL 10-MINUTE PLAY FESTIVAL

MAY 30TH - JUNE 1ST, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 7:30, SUNDAY 2 PM.

-5 LESBIANS EATING A QUICHE

JULY 18TH-27TH, THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM.

-THE SPITFIRE GRILL: A MUSICAL AUGUST 15TH-30TH, FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM.

-HI HO SILVER!

SEPTEMBER 19TH - OCTOBER 5TH, FRIDAY & SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM. SPECIAL PWC MONDAY PEFORMANCE 9/29 AT 2PM

-RICHARD O'BRIEN'S THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW OCTOBER 24TH - NOVEMBER 1ST, THURSDAY & FRIDAY AT 7:30 PM, SATURDAY AT 7:30 PM AND 10 PM, SUNDAY AT 2 PM

-5TH ANNUAL 24 HR THEATRE NOVEMBER 22ND AT 7:30 PM.

Crafted Elegance for Every Space

Our homes are a reflection of our unique style and personality. That’s why we offer a curated collection of semi-custom built cabinetry that combines timeless elegance with practical functionality. Each project includes a 3D Drawing to better visualize your future space; 10% off orders until Jan 30th (savings up to $1k); Ask us about our special promotions for designers and builders.

ARTICLE BY JAMES COOK | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD

Pipes Drip? We Got Tips

VIP PLUMBING SHARES FIVE SPRING-CLEANING PLUMBING TIPS TO KEEP YOUR HOME FLOWING SMOOTHLY

Longer days and warming weather spur us all to tackle spring cleaning. Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up—it’s also a great time to maintain your home’s plumbing. If you think of plumbing systems like the circulatory and digestive systems in your body, it’s easy to see how a little care and maintenance now can save you from big headaches down the road. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of… well, you get the idea. So, let’s dive into some simple spring plumbing tips to keep your home flowing smoothly and prevent potential issues before they arise.

“…think of plumbing systems like the circulatory and digestive systems in your body…a little care and maintenance now can save you

from big headaches”

1. Clean Showerheads and Faucets

Mineral buildup from hard water can reduce water pressure and affect the flow of water. To prevent this problem, soak showerheads and faucet tips (aerators) in a solution of clear vinegar and water overnight to dissolve mineral deposits. If the buildup is stubborn, it may be time to replace the showerhead or faucet aerator.

2. Maintain Your Toilet

Toilets often suffer from clogs and wear after a busy winter hosting guests. Take time to clean not just the inside of the bowl but also the tank with a gentle cleaner, and inspect the flapper valve and other components for wear or leaks. If you notice any leaks or other issues, it may be time to take action.

3. Check and Clean Sump Pumps

A functioning sump pump helps prevent flooding during the spring thaw and rainy weather. If your home has a sump pump, check to ensure it’s in good working order. Clear away any debris around the pump, and test functionality by pouring water into the pit to make sure your pump activates correctly.

4. Inspect Outdoor Hoses and Faucets

Before winter, always disconnect hoses from the faucets to prevent freezing damage. Before you start using outdoor faucets for the season, check hoses for cracks or leaks and replace the rubber seal ring inside the screw-on hose tip. Finally, ensure any outdoor drains are clear of debris to avoid water backups.

5. Watch for Tree Roots

Spring is when plant growth begins again, and tree roots love to find cracks in sewer lines. If you frequently experience clogged toilets or slow drainage in sinks, showers, and tubs, this could indicate root growth blocking your pipes. If you suspect you have a problem, call a master-certified and bonded plumbing professional, like VIP, to inspect your lines.

By incorporating these spring plumbing tips into your cleaning routine, you can prevent common plumbing issues from disrupting your home. Remember, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your home comfortable, functional, and worry-free.

VIP Plumbing launched in 2022 with James Cook (Master Plumber MP 03000796) and his wife, Addy, at the helm. Cook brings a decade of experience in the field, and VIP’s five full-time employees are dedicated to quality and customer service.

vipplumbing.co/cms/ | 970-426-5131

Willow Tree Kennels Willow Tree Kennels

With Spring Break right around the corner. With Spring Break right around the corner. Our busy dates are from March 14th-23rd. Our dates are from March 14th-23rd. Call soon to get your dogs booked! Call soon to get your dogs booked!

willowtreedurango@gmail.com willowtreedurango@gmail.com (970)-259-0018 (970)-259-0018 willowtreedurango.com willowtreedurango.com IF YOU ARE READING THIS... SO IS YOUR BEST CLIENT. 2 OUT OF 3 of our readers regularly purchase from

Joe Schafer: Embracing Nature’s Canvas

Nature shapes his textured landscapes, blending experimentation, abstraction, and deep connection to the outdoors.

Artist Joe Schafer’s work reflects his deep connection to nature and fearless creativity. Self-taught, he embraced art at 53 as a means of personal transformation.

Joe’s artistry evolved through experimentation. Seeking a new direction, he began painting on sheet metal, using textures from his environment. Leaving pieces outdoors, he let natural elements shape them. Over time, he added sand, clay, and layers of water, alcohol, and oil-based mediums. This process gives his impressionistic, nearly abstract landscapes their rich depth and movement.

Before becoming a full-time artist, Joe worked as a house painter, where he specialized in faux finishes. This experience helped him master texture, layering, and color interplay. His background in decorative painting naturally evolved into fine art, where he continues experimenting with unique surface treatments.

Although he never formally studied art, his time at Fort Lewis College influenced his creative perspective. A lecture by artist Stanton Engelhart left a lasting impression:

“Follow your bliss and don’t let college get in the way of your education.” Inspired by Thoreau and Emerson, Joe pursued his vision beyond traditional limits. His work captures nature’s moods, textures, and colors in a way that deeply resonates with viewers.

Joe’s favorite piece, Big Sky, emerged through experimentation in his backyard.

“It just happened,” he says. “I like how simple it is. Many of those early techniques I’m still using and refining today.”

Joe’s style blends impressionism with abstraction, creating landscapes that feel both familiar and dreamlike. His organic creative process tells a story of time, weather, and transformation.

“Starting my art career at 53 was a leap of faith, but incredibly fulfilling,” Schafer shares. “Knowing my work resonates with people—capturing a mood, a season, or a time of day—is an extraordinary feeling.”

His work is displayed at Artesanos of Durango, Maria’s Bookshop, and the Art Room Collective at the Smiley Building, where visitors can appreciate the depth and texture of his landscapes in person.

Artist Joe Schafer

“Knowing my work resonates with people is an extraordinary feeling.”

La Luna

Big Sky

Revive & Relax:

Salt Therapy and Stays in Stunning Hesperus, Colorado

Equine dry salt therapy, also known as halotherapy, is a holistic treatment that involves exposing horses to micronized dry salt particles in a controlled environment. Dry salt therapy offers numerous benefits, particularly for respiratory health, skin conditions, and overall well-being.

KEY ADVANTAGES INCLUDE:

• Clears Airways

• Reduces Inflammation

• Enhances Lung Function

• Boosts Stamina

• Aids in Recovery

• Safe and Natural

• No Side Effects

• Compliments Traditional Veterinary Care

• Possess antibacterial properties to prevent infections

Look for us at the FOUR STATES AG EXPO MARCH 14-15 IN THE HEALTH AND WELLNESS BARN.

Register your horse for an on site dry salt therapy treatment. Working alongside an equine nutritionist, master herbalist and aromatherapist of 35 years.

Registration for equine salt therapy and body evaluations can be found at fourstatesagexpo.com

Come meet us and shop our locally made wellness products for horses!

SPRING BREAK ESCAPE!

Skip the travel hassle and make Sky Ute Casino your ultimate spring break staycation for the whole family. Here, you can enjoy:

• Rolling Thunder Lanes: 24 lanes of family-friendly bowling, plus an arcade packed with pinball, air hockey, and more!

• Mini Golf: Putt your way to fun on our scenic 18-hole mini golf course.

• Pool Complex: Make a splash in our lazy river, hot tub, and indoor swimming pool.

• Tasty Bites: Fuel up at Rolling Thunder Grill and Willows Café Bistro.

• Luxurious Rooms: Your home away from home, stacked with amenities.

HOW One SHARED Vision BECAME A GREAT Partnership

Often, the best gifts have a story, an intention, and a person behind them. Sustainable Goods and Revival Goods both prioritize handmade craftsmanship. Their products are sourced from artisans around the world and truly demonstrate the best aspects of fair trade and sustainable product design. Many of these goods are not only ethically sourced but also made using traditional techniques passed down through generations, preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainability.

Claire Attkisson, owner of Sustainable Goods, and Emily Schmidt, owner of Revival Goods, partnered to open their new shop at 680 C Main Ave. In this space, you’ll find beautifully unique handwoven baskets from Guatemala, copper cooking utensils from India, animal sculptures made from recycled car parts in Zimbabwe, and so much more! Additionally, shoppers will find textiles made from plant-based fibers and home goods crafted from reclaimed materials, reinforcing the shop’s commitment to sustainability.

Shop art and home goods at Sustainable Goods’ new location, in partnership with Revival Goods.

ARTICLE BY KALISTA PEÑA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDY WINGERD

Walk in and browse guilt-free, knowing your purchase has a direct, positive impact on someone’s livelihood and the planet. With every item, you’re supporting an economic shift that values people and the environment over mass production.

Schmidt is grateful to collaborate with Attkisson, stating, “Our visions are so similar, it just naturally came together… there is a trust that we both care about the same things.” This partnership showcases the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together, they hope to foster a welcoming environment where the community can learn about sustainable practices and fair trade.

Sustainable Goods is dedicated to educating people about the benefits of a circular, nature-based business model—one that embraces sustainability in every aspect. The key element in this process is waste. As Attkisson explains, “Nature doesn’t waste anything; nature is a circle.” She aims to shift the perception of waste from something disposable to something valuable that can be repurposed into something new.

Their collection includes a diverse range of products, from home, kitchen, and bath essentials to clothing, jewelry, and decor. Notable examples include upcycled purses made from discarded leather furniture and old tires, as well as high-quality vegan leather purses crafted from apple waste. Choosing sustainable products not only supports eco-friendly practices but also creates a ripple effect that influences our habits and reduces our environmental footprint.

Schmidt and her husband have always been drawn to fair trade and handcrafted goods. Twelve years ago, they traveled to Thailand and worked with local artisans to create clothing. Emily fondly remembers designing and sewing garments alongside Thai women, where so much love and intention went into the process. When she brought these pieces back, she began selling them at farmers markets and small stores. Inspired by this experience, Schmidt and her husband knew they wanted to create their own fair trade company—thus, Revival Goods was born.

Schmidt shares, “It’s so fun to bring something from other cultures and share it with people. It’s a way to create a kind of community through craft and culture.”

Stop by and check out the new space for yourself!

durangosustainablegoods.com

Attkisson is excited for this new chapter, “We’re finally at this time where we can have a store like this”, giving thanks to companies creating beautiful, sustainable, and long-lasting product designs, “We couldn’t have done this 10 years ago.”

Take Care of Yourself

‘I

A Tree-mendous Home Investment

Expert Tree Care Advice and Unbe-leaf-able Facts from Animas Valley Arborist

Trees—just trunks, branches, and leaves or needles, right? Wrong. Trees are air machines. They absorb our exhales, and we breathe in theirs. They are time towers, steadily rising and expanding over decades or centuries. They are providers, producing fruits, nuts, and other useful products. They are shelters for us and other animals.

Few people view trees the way Jim Lyman does. As the president and owner of Animas Valley Arborist (AVA), Lyman can look at a sapling and—like a fortune teller with a crystal ball—visualize its mature 80-foot form one hundred years later.

“I always enjoy planting new trees,” Lyman says. “There’s something about that—to give a tree a new home, to enhance a yard or the landscape with a tree. I think that’s very rewarding.”

Founded in 1978, AVA is a full-service tree care company. Typical services on their docket include consultation and planning, planting, pruning, leaf collection, and tree or stump removal. They also specialize in insect control, disease mitigation, general plant healthcare, and soil management to maximize a tree’s lifespan.

AVA staffs four arborists certified through the International Society of Arboriculture and a Board-Certified Master Arborist. Lyman explains the certifications: “It’s almost like

ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MASON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TAYLOR ARCHULETA AND JIM LYMAN

having a doctorate. When we consult with people on their yards and landscaping, we have the knowledge and credentials to give the best advice for their trees.”

Lyman landed with AVA as a college student attending Fort Lewis College. “I needed a job, and I happened to land with Animas Valley Arborists in 1987, where I started learning the trade from the ground up.” He was drawn to landscaping, having grown up mowing lawns and doing yardwork for pocket money. However, he quickly discovered arboriculture was much more than “yardwork.” From AVA’s founder and Four Corners tree-whisperer, David Temple, Lyman learned that houses create their own microclimates as heat, shade, and moisture pool in different areas. That sprinkler systems can make or break a tree’s lifespan. And that trees and all other plants on a property must be carefully selected to support each other.

“There’s a synergy there that needs to happen,” he says.

As homeowners transition out of winter and into spring, AVA shares their top tips for tree care.

PRUNING

Lyman notes, “Winter and early spring are great times to prune trees. During this time of year, we can see the structure of a tree clearly. That gives us an advantage when doing structural pruning on middle-aged or really young trees.”

MULCHING

AVA strongly urges homeowners to ditch aesthetics in favor of a mulch’s nutritional value. Lyman points out that while cedar and pine mulch may look great, they do not feed your trees. Instead, AVA advises using organic woodchip mulch made from old trees. Lyman explains, “It has the most organic material in it and cool microbes that benefit the soil most.”

Skip weed fabric and plastic barriers. These products choke off a tree’s access to moisture and nutrients in the mulch, cutting a tree’s lifespan in half and reducing the return on investment. AVA suggests putting down woodchip mulch and topping it with more decorative bark mulch for maximum curb appeal.

SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

“That’s probably one of the biggest problems with growing trees—watering,” Lyman attests. “Either you’re not giving them enough water, or you’re giving them too much.” AVA plans and installs sprinkler systems and sets ideal schedules to provide the most efficient watering.

animasvalleyarborist.com

From Left to Right: Lori Ann Glass, George Glass, Christian Waelder, Dr. Kirsten “KIcki” Searfus, MD, Dr. Emmy Lawrason-Kobobel, DO

MARCH 5TH-APRIL 23RD

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MLP Mindfulness Foundations Course

Wild New Way Located 813 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301

Join an 8-week interactive course focusing on ways to bring mindfulness into your everyday life. This is a practical, down-to-earth approach to meditation and mindful living. Gain tools to navigate life’s challenges with clarity, respond to emotions with wisdom, and create a life of intention and genuine happiness. Contact Cindy Schmidt to learn more or register: cindy@wildnreway.com.

MARCH 5TH-9TH

20th Annual Durango Independent Film Festival (DIFF)

Downtown Durango, Main Street, Durango, CO 81301

It’s the 20th Annual Durango Independent Film Festival! Showcasing all genres of independent film – adventure, music, nature, comedy, shorts, documentaries, Native Cinema, and feature films; there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy. DIFF is one of Durango’s most beloved traditions, please come out and support creative filmmaking and the arts. The festival begins March 5th!

MARCH 7TH

Friends of the Library Book Sale

Durango Public Library & Durango Botanic Gardens, 1900 E 3rd Ave, Durango, CO 81301 | 9:30 AM

In search of a new book? Check out Friends of the Library’s first Book Sale of the year at the Durango Public Library! Browse hundreds of books from a variety of genres and authors, all incredibly priced. All proceeds support continued work to spread a love of reading in our Durango Community.

MARCH 7TH

San Juan Citizens Alliance - BANFF Mountain Film Festival 2025

Community Concert Hall, Concert Hall, 1000 Rim Dr, Durango, CO 81301 | 7:00 PM

San Juan Citizens Alliance is thrilled to bring to you 14 short mountain films from filmmakers around the world! For two nights only, BANFF Mountain Film Festival will be in Durango on their 2025 World Tour. These films are exhilarating and offer a deep dive into the intricacies of mountain life, adrenaline sports, and our natural world.

MARCH 11TH

Four Corners Voices: Stories, Poetry, Essays LIVE READING

Maria's Bookstore Located 960 Main Avenue Durango, CO 81301 | 6:00 PM

Maria’s Bookstore is hosting an author event with live readings from local contributing writers of the Four Corners Voices: Stories, Poetry, Essays anthology. Published by Four Corners Writers based in Cortez, Colorado, this anthology is a glimpse into the wonders of our region with stories from the place we call home.

MARCH 26TH

Bombargo’s Stay Groovy Tour!

Animas City Theater, 128 E College Dr, Durango, CO 81301 | 8:00 PM

Animas City Theater is excited to welcome Bombargo to the stage for their Stay Groovy Tour! With a ‘good time guarantee’ boogie down to some stellar beats and double-brother harmonies. Bombargo is a Canadian-based band that drops a vibrant splash of soul over their distinct ‘pop vintage’ sound.