During a work session held by the Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) on May 26, the board heard from Matt Ford and J.R. Ford, representing the Hott Fund, about a proposal for a new western showcase building to be located at the county fairgrounds.
Matt Ford explained that the proposal had already been approved by the Rodeo Grounds Management Committee and the Western Heritage Event Center (WHEC).
He noted that WHEC is the nonprofit group that owns a “big chunk” of land at the fairgrounds.
Matt Ford also noted that there is “no county investment” involved in this request, as the building will be built on WHEC land with a long-term lease and not owned by the county.
He also mentioned that more than $2 million has been invested by the Hott Fund in the fairgrounds since the joint fund was created.
Matt Ford explained the reason for coming to the BoCC is the joint use and development agreement between the county, WHEC and the Hott Fund that was developed in 2022, which requires county and WHEC approval for projects costing more than $50,000.
J.R. Ford provided information on the Hott Fund and how it was established, explaining that R.D. Hott was an “old time rancher” whose family has been in Archuleta County since the late 1800s.
J.R. Ford then explained that when R.D. Hott passed away, he left the WHEC estate to Archuleta County and left a group that includes J.R. Ford in control of the funds.
J.R. Ford highlighted again that the Hott Fund has put more than $2 million into the fairgrounds, indicating the new building will cost approximately $1.5 million.
He also noted that this will likely be the last building built at the fairgrounds.
Matt Ford explained that the “old west” buildings from Pagosa Junction were relocated to the fairgrounds, which includes an old Fort Lewis officer’s quarters, the Ruby Sisson schoolhouse, Gomez Store and two family cabins.
“So, this is kind of bringing all of that together to make that all flow seamlessly with the rest of the facilities out there,” he said in regard to the new building.
He also explained that the new building will feature an enclosed showcase area, with more than half of the building being an open dance hall suitable for different types of events, named after R.D. Hott’s longtime friend, Margie Long.
He noted there will be displays inside, along with restrooms to serve the building’s occupancy load, a covered patio and entrance.
J.R Ford mentioned that some money has been put away to help write the histories of approximately 15 families with historical ties to the area and their ranches.
He mentioned that the hope is to also incorporate history and artifacts from the Southern Ute and Jicarilla Apache tribes, and other surrounding areas, such as Chama, N.M.
Matt Ford noted that part of the reasoning for leaving the dance hall open instead of enclosing the area is to allow for a higher occupancy load and save on cost.
He noted that overhead heaters will be installed, and that some sort of retractable side wall paneling could be installed for when extra protection from the elements is needed.
Matt Ford noted that the ask from the county is for approval under the joint use agreement, and to have permit fees waived by the county.
Commissioner John Ranson expressed support of the project, staring, “What an amazing gift for the community.”
Commissioner Warren Brown also expressed support, noting this is the type of thing that R.D Hott likely envisioned.
“And to hold onto our roots to show everybody where we come from and where we are today, and I think this is a wonderful project,” Brown said.
County staff indicated that the request would be put on a future BoCC agenda for the commissioners to vote on at a meeting.
In a later interview, J.R. Ford indicated that the goal is to have the new building completed by the fall of 2027.
clayton@pagosasun.com
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