Skip to content

Developing town of Little Colfax, North Dakota, embraces fresh project, focusing primarily on 'shouse' construction

In larger urban areas, the building of Shouses, also known as barndominiums, is often prohibited. However, developer Nathan Burseth has constructed Colfax Reserve, a unique development offering spacious plots tailored for the increasingly popular shop-house combinations.

Small town Colfax, N.D., embraces fresh advancements, specifically for the novel 'shouses'
Small town Colfax, N.D., embraces fresh advancements, specifically for the novel 'shouses'

Developing town of Little Colfax, North Dakota, embraces fresh project, focusing primarily on 'shouse' construction

In the heart of North Dakota, a unique development is taking shape. Colfax Reserve, an all-barndominium subdivision in Colfax, is the brainchild of developer Nathan Berseth, who also serves as the one-man Chamber of Commerce president of the city.

Barndominiums, a hybrid structure combining a large shop or work space with an open-concept living area, have gained popularity in recent years. Coined in the 1980s by Karl Nielsen, these structures offer flexibility in interior design, allowing for the addition of lofts and mezzanines.

Colfax Reserve, a three-phase project with 77 lots, is currently priced from $65,000 to $80,000 apiece. The development, located with commuter-friendly proximity to Fargo, Wahpeton, and Gwinner, benefits from North Dakota's $1,600 property tax credit.

The demand for barndominiums is so high that Thor Buildings, LLC could build them full-time. One such future barndominium owner is a young couple building their first home in Colfax Reserve. However, securing financing for a barndominium can be a challenge due to it not being a conventional build.

Nancy Kelly, a Realtor, is working on selling 20 large lots in Colfax Reserve. She, too, is planning to build a new barndominium on her farm. Nancy's family is frustrated with their cramped garage and sees a barndominium as a solution.

It's crucial to work with an experienced barndominium builder who handles all aspects of the build, from drywall to finish carpentry. Extras like sheetrocked ceilings and building vertical spaces can add significantly to the overall cost of a barndominium. It's also important to know whether the builder treats wooden support beams to prevent premature rot.

Barndominiums in Colfax Reserve must have brick or stone facades, residential doors, and windows. To ensure they look residential and not like a shop or business, they must adhere to covenants. Buyers in Colfax Reserve can build an additional outbuilding up to 1,000 feet.

Despite the misconception that barndominiums are less expensive than stick-built homes, most cost between $600,000 and $850,000. However, for those seeking a unique blend of functionality and style, Colfax Reserve offers an attractive and affordable solution.

Read also:

Latest