Interview with Bruce Shugart of The Porches in Steamboat Springs

As one of the co-developers of The Porches in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Bruce Shugart brings more than 40 years of custom home building and commercial development experience to the project. Bruce serves as co-principal and manager of Structural Associates, where he oversees all aspects of The Porches as well as projects in a variety of other mountain communities in the Rocky Mountain region including Aspen, Glenwood Springs and Vail. His unique development philosophy embraces quality of service and product while maintaining value and a strong commitment to teamwork. What is it that  you do exactly?

I am a developer of The Porches in Steamboat Springs, a unique upscale community offering whole ownership as well as fractions in its Private Residence Club. Situated at the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, The Porches combines the best in personal service with the comfort of spaciously elegant luxury residences built with meticulous planning and a quality of craftsmanship never before found in the area. My job profile entails attending many meetings regarding current and future development and master planning; researching new developments and plots of land; overseeing daily operational business. I also sneak in time to fly – I’m a pilot – and travel with my wife, Jan.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

As a third generation builder and contractor, I haven’t really known much different. I love living in the Rocky Mountains and my job allows me to soak in every favorable aspect of mountain living. I also love the people I work with, both at Structural Associates and The Porches, as well as our owners.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Hotel de la Gavina on the Costa Brava in Spain. It is in the Catalonia Region north of Barcelona near Girona. L’Olmo, a locanda in Terra Di Siena, Italy. An old country house between Rome and Florence in the Southern Tuscany Region. LeBear on Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor, Michigan. Fabulous beaches and stunning blue water.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A small winery/vineyard north of Verona in the Veneto region of Italy. The family hosted us for a seven course lunch paired with wines from their vineyards. The mother, father and one of the sons prepared all the savory food and served us. The other son, who spoke little English, sat with us and explained the regional cuisines we were eating and the accompanying wines. We received an entire lesson on grape growing and wine making. It was an intimate and unforgettable experience.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

My wife and I are looking forward to a trip to the Istria Peninsula in Croatia.      

Thanks, Bruce.   That property in Tuscany looks to be quite a find… I’ve made a mental note!