How Gabe Molnar Helped Broker One of Carbondale’s Most Transformational Deals
by ELLIMAN INSIDER TEAM
May 2026
Gabe Molnar, the Director of Colorado Commercial Real Estate for Douglas Elliman, recently pulled off a highly unusual deal in Carbondale, a small but increasingly popular town of 6,500 just 30 miles northwest of Aspen. Molnar describes this property right now as not much more than a collection of old industrial buildings but what his client, Jordan Sarick of Eastwood Developments, saw was a lot more, “He saw how Carbondale was growing and how this site could be a key part of this small town’s future”, notes Molnar.
For many, Carbondale is everything that Aspen was but is no longer. Located in the gorgeous Roaring Fork Valley, considerably down mountain and thus warmer, it has a lot going for it: new restaurants, a lively cultural scene, a healthy way of living, progressive politics, and affordability especially when compared to its high-flying neighbor. “It’s what Aspen used to be for many of those moving here”, notes Molnar, himself a 15-year resident. A dedicated family man, Molnar moved here from Denver 15 years ago, drawn to its hiking and skiing opportunities. He’d once lived in New York but now he’s able to pursue his passion for powder skiing.
The deal, one of the highest ever paid for a commercial property in the lower-Roaring Fork Valley, was four years in the making. Initially Molnar represented the seller, but when he relinquished that listing its potential lingered - the property and the potential it represented remained with him... So, he was thrilled to be approached by Sarick and together they were able to successfully complete the sale. Reflecting on the process, Molnar says, "it’s hard to make these sorts of deals happen especially when they involve imagining a future for a large site which comprises a significant portion of a whole town."
Eastwood Development’s Sarick confirms, “This acquisition represents a long-term investment in Carbondale,” acknowledging that much work on the site’s future remains. “Our focus at this early stage is on master planning — taking the time to understand the site, its history, and its relationship to the broader community. Any future vision will be guided by the town’s comprehensive planning framework and informed by thoughtful engagement as we explore what this property can become over time.”
Molnar proved to be the ideal agent. A graduate of the Design Studies program at the University of Colorado School of Architecture, a certified general commercial appraiser, and a commercial investor himself, he was able to discuss with Eastwood Developments ideas for this 12-acre site. “Their first priority is to re-envision the property given community needs”, he says, noting “they are experienced developers and have done this before.”
Eastwood sees the property as a natural extension of the existing community core, which means adding to its unique mix of light-industrial, residential, and creative elements. The official Carbondale Comprehensive Plan designates the property as part of ‘Downtown North’. As such, this area is intended to -pardon the development-ese’ “harmonize development with the scale and pattern of Downtown and result in a level of activity and number of residents that expand the existing downtown’s vitality. That translates into a small urban mix of homes and businesses that produces the type of jobs both in artisan shops and more industrial jobs that make Carbondale what it is.” It’s not going to be Aspen. No Chanel outlets here. But it’s going to be charming and authentically local.
Which is what Carbondale is all about. This is a small town that harbors the Powers Art Center as a well-designed gallery that attracts influential shows and whose cultural offerings extend to an art house cinema and a Friday evening gallery walk. The Crystal Theatre shows art films, and there are local productions from the Thunder River Theatre Company. But let’s not forget what the Roaring Fork Valley brings. A weekly rodeo in summer is held every Thursday night just east of downtown. Interestingly, its PR material notes that this is “a much more authentic experience than the one in Snowmass!” And typical of the rest of the state, there’s a lively and smart list of eateries, including the Carbondale Beer Works.
So what Eastwood Developments is talking about for its 12 acres just north of downtown has a blueprint. And in Molnar obviously a key insider. One who really knows this area. (He is currently selling the historic, 229 acre Flying Dog Ranch outside of Carbondale for $21.9 million.) In such a context, the type of deal they made seems nothing but smart.
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