By Chynna Cowart
The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), through the Division of Housing’s State Housing Board, has voted on and awarded more than $24 million in funding to bring more affordable housing options to Coloradans across the state.
To meet the challenges of a rapidly changing population, the State of Colorado aims to provide a continuum of housing choices for households with different needs and Area Median Incomes (AMI), and for those seeking housing accompanied by supportive services.
Here are a few of the funded projects.
Casa De Los Arcos ($981,250)
This project incorporates the refinance and rehabilitation of Casa De Los Arcos, a 16-unit senior housing development built in 1978 and located in Pagosa Springs.
The rehabilitation budget includes replacement of exterior siding, replacement of flooring and cabinets, repairs to walls and ceilings, interior painting, upgrade of appliances and necessary upgrades to mechanical, plumbing and heating systems.
Once updated, the property will consist of 15 one-bedroom units and 1 two-bedroom unit.
River Walk Affordable Housing ($675,000)
The Home Trust of Ouray County has been awarded $675,000 for the acquisition of land to eventually construct 12 rental units in Ouray.
The proposed unit mix is 4 one-bedroom and one-bath units, and 8 two-bedroom and two-bath units. Among the proposed units, six are at 60% AMI and six are at 80% AMI. Approximately 1,050 square feet will be allocated to the two-bedroom units, while 600 square feet will be allocated to the one-bedroom units. In addition to having backyards along the river, these units will be in close proximity to a walking path into town.
Ralston Gardens ($2.55 million)
Mile High Development and Brinshore Development are requesting funds for the construction of Ralston Gardens Apartments, a 102-unit family project located in Arvada’s “Ralston Valley”.
The area is at the center of a strong single-family housing area and an established retail area that will provide residents with pedestrian access to employment and shopping centers.
The rental units at Ralston Gardens will accommodate households between 30% and 70% of Area Median Income (AMI). There will be 66 one-bedroom units, 32 two-bedroom units, and four three-bedroom units.
A naturally reflective “cool roof” will be on this four-story building, which will have a slab on grade foundation and Type 5 wood frame construction. Two elevators and two stair cores will serve the building.
Wintergreen Ridge ($2.35M)
Wintergreen Ridge is a 47-unit affordable housing development that will be built in Keystone, Colorado by Gorman & Company.
It will consist of one, two, and three-bedroom permanently affordable rental units serving individuals and families earning 30%-60% of Area Median Income (AMI).
The 6.178-acre Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) site is served by a Keystone Resort Shuttle (0.1 miles) and a countywide bus stop (0.2 miles) and is within 0.5 to 6 miles of major employers and county services. The site accesses an extensive network of pedestrian and bike paths that connect to points throughout the county.
This housing development will also sit adjacent to another 196-unit mixed-income development, Village at Wintergreen, which was completed in 2020.
Brush Village ($2.9 million)
This new construction multifamily development will provide 45 apartments for households at 30%, 50% and 60% AMI.
The unit mix is 29 one-bedrooms and 16 two-bedrooms. This will be the first tax credit development in Brush in nearly 30 years. This will also be the first development that provides affordable rentals specific to the 30% and 50% AMI demographic in Morgan County.
There are one-bedroom and two-bedroom units available, ranging from 615 SF to 916 SF. They will include 9’ ceilings, in-unit washer/dryer along with wall air conditioning, blinds, high-speed internet hook-ups, a ceiling fan, coat closet, pantry, refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, disposal, and microwave.
Colorado faces significant challenges with providing affordable housing. We continue to attract new residents and jobs, but with this growth has come ever-increasing housing prices.
“Our vision is that all Coloradans have an affordable, safe and secure home. This is a lofty vision, but we are doing our best to have the needed impact for our communities throughout the state. I am excited to see these new homes serve Coloradans,” said Alison George, Director of Colorado’s Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs.
As the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) continues to collaborate with a multitude of partners around the state, we remain focused on providing safe, secure, and affordable housing to the Coloradans we serve. For complete information on Housing Board grant approvals, visit cdola.colorado.gov/state-housing-board.