At Quinn’s Junction, a three-acre plaza sits at the heart of Studio Crossing, the largest affordable housing project in Park City and proof that “affordable” and “aspirational” can come together beautifully. Family real estate developers Crandall Capital (Gary and Debbie Crandall along with sons Ryan and Matthew) funded the project privately with the dream of creating a small scale, mixed-use community within the region that they love. Every detail leans into a rich mix of housing types and community life, embracing the natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle of Park City. It’s been a labor of love for everyone involved. The Minds at Modern Out West Turning the vision of a dynamic mixed-use community into reality fell to architecture and design firm Modern Out West—a studio of friends and collaborators spread from Salt Lake City to Milan—guided by a simple idea: good work, great people. Founder Trent Smith calls their working philosophy “serious play,” trying and tinkering with design solutions before settling on one. For Studio Crossing, that meant exploring, talking with tradespeople, and testing how materials weathered over time and shaped the feel of the community. Staying small has kept the design team hands-on through construction—from defining and designing through development and delivery stages—and they’ve been co-creating the five-phase project with the Crandalls at every step. Planned future phases will expand available options, but Studio Crossing currently offers affordable housing over retail spaces and larger, market-rate three- or four-bedroom townhomes. Mining Gets Modern Smith describes the design language for Studio Crossing as an approachable “mining modern,” nodding to the heritage of Park City. The community is designed to look like it grew over time, gaining buildings the way a family gains generations. Each building fronts the plaza or the mountains beyond it (or both), so every resident can enjoy million-dollar views. Chosen for its durability and authenticity, the grounding material in the build is a brick sourced from Utah, with cool-toned stone, exposed steel, and rusticated metals in layers above it. The exterior color palette reads like it was lifted straight from the hills nearby—sage, weathered ochre, deep brown—so the buildings blend into the landscape instead of standing apart from it. Sustainability shaped much of the material list: low-emitting materials, drought-tolerant landscaping, planned e-bike sharing stations, and energy-efficient appliances in every kitchen. Quality was never overlooked in the name of affordability. “We believe it’s completely possible to build affordably while creating homes that feel as high-quality as market-rate,” Smith says. The luxury feel didn’t come only from finishes. It came from centering the resident’s experience and spending where it counts. The Difference is Daylight and Details Inside, ample natural light keeps every home feeling high-end. Every bedroom gets a window—even though code allows secondary bedrooms without them. Spaces are designed to support circadian rhythms, aligning windows with doorways so daylight carries room to room through what Smith calls “pathways filled by light.” And light isn’t the only detail that shines. The finishes in the homes are cozy and comfortable—perfect for all-season living. Townhomes offer spacious kitchens that pair white oak, slim-shaker cabinets with quartz countertops, designer range hoods, black hardware, and stainless appliances. Sleek corner fireplaces anchor the living room like “a candle in the corner,” to use Crandall’s terms. And in the bathrooms, softly textured tile meets ceramic flooring, marrying rustic charm with modern polish. Throughout the homes, walls are painted a soft off-white with warm undertones. Floors are manufactured hardwood in a European oak finish or textured loop-pile carpet in soft neutrals. It’s an ideal backdrop suitable for any style.  The Plaza and Beyond Outside, retail on the ground floor favors local businesses, putting restaurants, coffee, and gathering spots within walking distance. The central plaza offers plenty of seating, places for play, a babbling brook, firepit, and fountains for people to gather around. The grounds will also feature sculptures from local artist Malen Pierson, made from salvaged John Deere tractor parts, adding unique personality to the landscaping. Studio Crossing leans into the thing Park City does best: recreation. Bike trails, multi-use courts, and pocket parks are right out the front door. The Park City Sports Complex where Olympic athletes train is easily accessible across Kearns Blvd., Deer Valley is just around the bend, and Main Street only a short ride away. The community is designed to bring together young professionals, service workers, and ski-industry employees with families, seniors aging in place, and visitors staying in nightly rentals. It’s proof that people from all walks of life, neighbors who’d otherwise never cross paths, can connect through the shared love of Park City and surrounding areas. It’s purpose-built for common ground. See more in the 2026 Fall Home magazine The post Elevating  the Wasatch Back: Common Ground appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less