Heather Gardens is a community for senior living in Colorado with about 3,800 residents occupying more than 2,400 units.  Most of the units are owned by the residents, although some are available for lease.

Heather Gardens retirement community's “birth date” was January 23, 1973 when a Declaration of Condominium was filed with the Colorado Secretary of State by Environment Developers Inc. (EDI).  That organization was the early planner, developer and manager of the senior community.

For 14 years, Heather Gardens was home to earth movers, landscapers and construction crews, as well as residents, in a steadily growing complex.  In June, 1986, the last building--the 3-story Omega--was opened for occupancy and sod was laid on the last patch of bare ground.

Following provisions in the Declaration, EDI turned over control of the Heather Gardens Association (HGA) to the homeowners on January 23, 1983.  Since that date, the affairs of the association have been governed by a 9-member Board of Directors, elected annually by the property owners for a 3-year staggered term.

At that time, EDI retained ownership of the Golf Course, Community Center, Maintenance Shops, RV Lot and perimeter land.  In 1983, the home owners voted to form the Heather Gardens Metropolitan District (HGMD). $2.5 million in bonds were issued to finance the purchase from EDI of this land and properties.

Senior Community Board of Directors
HGMD has its own board of 5 elected directors.  All registered voters vote in HGMD elections.  Therefore, Heather Gardens has two governing bodies, whose relationship has been covered by a series of Management Agreements:

HGA, an association of individual unit owners, with management control over the community.

HGMD, a quasi-government of owners and other residents, holds title to the Golf Course, Community Center, Maintenance Shops, RV Lot and other common areas.

Senior Living at Heather Gardens
During HG’s first 10 years, population and number of units grew dramatically: 1,007 units established by 1978 and 2006 by 1983.  In 1987, with completion of the Omega Building, HG reached its current total of 2,426 units.  A 2006 census showed a population of 3,369 residents.

Since 1983 many improvements have been introduced, including the Linvale sidewalk, Administration office expansion, a Picnic Pavilion, a new maintenance facility, weatherproofing  of all high rise buildings, vinyl sidings and concrete tile roofs for Country Places, and improved lighting in common areas. Other improvements include new entrance signs and replacement of wooden pickets and rails on nine of twelve 6-story buildings.      

In 1990, the golf course well was redrilled, the ponds were relined, and the maintenance facility was built using funds from a $1.2 million bond issue.

Learn more about Heather Gardens, a Colorado retirement community:

Heather Gardens senior living statistics
Retirement Community foundation
Map of  Heather Gardens , a Colorado community