MEEKER | After more than 20 years, the Fairfield Apartments have received a full exterior repainting, giving the housing complex a fresh, updated look.
They were built and painted in 1974 and were last painted in 2001. In between those two decades there was wear and weather that had left the buildings in need of maintenance. This past summer, the Fairfield Apartments board, in partnership with the Fairfield Center, secured funding to tackle the long overdue project.
“We weren’t sure if we would have enough to cover all of the buildings,” said the board’s president Judy Morgan. “Depending on the amount of the grant, we thought we might only be able to do one or two buildings. Thankfully, with support of the Fairfield Center and the board’s funds, we were able to repaint the entire complex.”
The five-member board handled the decision on colors. In 2001, the apartments were painted in the same shades used when the buildings were first built. This time, members wanted to make a change, but without straying too far from a conservative look.
“We didn’t want anything too bold or flashy,” Morgan explained. “The goal was to find something fresh, but still clean and timeless.”
The board had opted for a conservative color scheme, selecting slate blue with white trim. The five-member board reviewed multiple options before reaching an agreement on a color that would refresh the property while remaining understated and inviting. The project went out for bids, with the county and Fairfield Center helping oversee the process.
From start to finish it took a four-person crew to complete the project in just five days. The project went smoothly, with no major setbacks reported.
Morgan said she has already heard so many great responses from community members about the apartments’ refreshed appearance. Board members hope the repainting not only improves the appearance of the apartments but also enhances the experience for residents, creating a sense of pride and community.
Rio Blanco County Commissioner Doug Overton praised the project, highlighting its importance in the broader context of community housing.
“The Fairfield Apartments are a vital part of senior housing in the Meeker community, and the County is grateful for the work that went into this update,” Overton said. “As resources tighten, the County is committed to working with the Town and other stakeholders to ensure this vulnerable population continues to be well served. At the same time, we are actively reviewing and developing a comprehensive strategic plan to address all county infrastructure, with the goal of providing sustainable support for essential services and facilities into the future.”
With the project complete, the Fairfield Apartments now carry a renewed look that the board hopes will last for years to come. Attention will remain on upkeep as needed, but for the time being, the fresh exterior serves as both a practical improvement and a visible reminder of the community’s investment in the property.
