SUPERIOR, Colo. — Five members of the Chavez family, who have spent the past five generations placing roots in Old Town Superior, lost their homes to the Marshall Fire. Their legacy has been ongoing for 70 years, originating from the time when the coal mines in Superior were still operating.
Elsie Chavez lost her home, along with her son Ted and sister Carmen.
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY
For the past 14 months, the family has been eagerly awaiting to return home. In January, the Chavez held a groundbreaking ceremony after learning they had land and building permits for Ted Chavez's property.
"I want to thank everybody for coming out. It’s hard for me to say anything but we appreciate all your help, especially our neighbors," said Elsie, the matriarch of the family.
The ceremony included a blessing of the land with the family digging the first of the shovels into the land that has been barren for the past year.
"This is a new chapter in our life. We’re breaking it loose and we are going after it," said Ted. "We will be back home and we will take our block back."
The family invited people from the Town of Superior to celebrate as well.
"Since the day after the fire, we have done everything to make sure that your family and every family could come back because you are this community. Every one of us is here because you are coming back," said Neal Shah, mayor pro-tem.
The groundbreaking ceremony signified the immediate installation of the foundation for Ted's modular home.
"I just can’t wait till everything is all done. This is better than a glimmer of light. Last time was just a little glimmer of light but now it’s just, our hopes are even higher now," said Elsie.
MODULAR HOME ARRIVES
Last week, Ted learned his modular home would arrive at his property in two parts. Delivered over the weekend, crews came on Monday to marry the two homes and place both pieces on the foundation.
"Like I tell my sister, this is our healing year. We are going to heal now and it’s going to be better for us," said Elsie.
Ted's modular home was the first to arrive. Carmen's will be next in a few weeks. Elsie's will be the last one.
"I am so excited dude, I can’t stand it. I couldn’t even sleep last night," said Ted while talking with his contractor.
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Ted chose a gray modular that spans about 1,800 square feet.
"It’s unbelievable. It’s like we are reaching the end of a goal, the first goal, even though I have three of them. So it’s still a lot of work to do," said Ted.
"I’m just happy for my son. He’s going to have his home and my sister is going to be next, and they want to come home and I want to come home. But as long as he’s happy, I haven’t seen him so happy for a long time," said Elsie.
The family hopes to have another party in July to celebrate the three houses and to mark their return to the neighborhood.
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