Denver Trades Affordable Homes for Sidewalks and Trees in West Colfax

By Robert Davis

Denver City Council approved a redevelopment project on Monday night that trades affordable housing in the West Colfax neighborhood for two multimodal sidewalks and two tree lawns. 

Local developer Arrow Capital will purchase three single-family homes along the 1600 block of N. Sheridan Blvd. to build a five-building complex that provides 60 rental units consisting of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. The building will stand up to three stories in height, or 45 feet tall, and provides 50 parking spaces. 

Before the August 9 City Council meeting, Community Planning and Development (CPD) confirmed to the  Denver VOICE that the developers are required to pay Denver’s linkage fee, but that total payment is dependent upon the final market value of the units. Arrow is not required to provide any income-restricted units for the project. 

In the redevelopment application, Arrow argued that they are “unable to commit to the Agreement to Build Affordable Units due to [the] required major infrastructure improvement cost and minimized density provided to respect the adjacent community.” 

According to the application, the project will instead provide sidewalks around the block, including a multi-modal sidewalk running south along 17th Ave. Currently, the street has a dirt walkway that can be difficult to traverse during rain or snow events.  

The project will also include two eight-foot-wide tree lawns to provide a buffer between the new residences and the busy corridor. 

Two years ago, City Council rejected the same project by a 10-2 margin. At the time, the body received numerous letters of opposition to the project from residents who argued against the building’s height and allotted parking spaces.

This time, the body unanimously approved the project. Ahead of the vote, City Council received just one letter opposing the project. 

Councilwoman Amanda Sandoval (District 1) who represents the area, commended the new property owners for their “extensive public outreach” before bringing the project back to Council. 

Matt Chiodini, the owner and architect for the project, told City Council that the project will offer homes "at a lower price point” because they will be smaller units. Doing so will help address the “missing middle” housing that is needed in the community, he added.