Urban Land Conservancy opens 102-unit housing in west Denver

DENVER — Urban Land Conservancy marked the opening of The Irving at Mile High Vista, a 102-unit affordable housing development in Denver’s West Colfax neighborhood.

The project, located at 3270 W. Colfax Ave., will serve households earning 20% to 80% of the area median income. Affordability will be restricted for at least 99 years through the Urban Land Conservancy’s community land trust model.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and state housing officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with project partners. The Irving is among the first housing developments in Colorado funded through Proposition 123, a voter-approved initiative that provides dedicated funding for affordable housing.

The development is located next to the Denver Public Library’s Corky Gonzales Branch, providing residents with access to nearby public services and resources.

The Irving is an all-electric multifamily property with rooftop solar and was built to exceed National Green Building Standards. Apartments include heat pump heating and cooling, ENERGY STAR-rated appliances and lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, water-efficient landscaping and on-site electric vehicle charging.

The project was designed by Studio Completiva Inc. and constructed by Pinkard Construction.

Urban Land Conservancy said the development is its first ground-up affordable housing project. The nonprofit acquired the two-acre West Colfax site in 2010 and held the land for future affordable housing use as displacement pressures increased in the corridor.

Colorado faces an estimated housing shortage of more than 100,000 homes, according to state data. Housing advocates say developments supported by public funding and nonprofit ownership help address long-term affordability.

Founded in 2003, Urban Land Conservancy has invested in more than 50 properties across the Denver metro area using community land trusts, land banking and nonprofit leasing models to preserve affordability and limit displacement.