Archway Communities and the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) have announced a partnership to develop affordable and supportive housing on the Mosaic Community Campus in Park Hill. Two former dormitories, Triangolo and Gaebe Halls, part of the former Johnson and Wales campus, will be preserved and rehabilitated to create approximately 58 affordable rental homes with supportive services for individuals and families exiting homelessness and housing instability.
In 2021, DHA partnered with Urban Land Conservancy and Denver Public Schools to acquire the former Johnson and Wales campus with the goal of repurposing it for K-12 education, affordable housing, food-based businesses, and other community-serving uses. DHA acquired the “South Campus” property using $10.9 million in funding through its DHA Delivers for Denver (D3) Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) partnership with the City of Denver. D3 PSH funds support the property acquisitions on which future development partners, like Archway, will create, own, and manage affordable housing.
As part of this partnership, Archway will acquire the buildings and DHA will ensure permanent affordability through a long-term ground lease on the land. Consistent with the D3 PSH program requirements, at least 40% of the renovated apartments in Triangolo and Gaebe Halls will be supportive housing utilizing vouchers and providing services for individuals and families exiting homelessness. Archway intends to submit a 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application in 2026 to finance the project, with the goal of beginning renovations in early 2027.
“In today’s economic climate, finding affordable housing has become a significant challenge for many Denver families. That’s why I’m thrilled to see new affordable homes and wrap-around services for individuals and families coming to Park Hill—a neighborhood rich in history and heart,” said Denver City Councilwoman Shontel Lewis (District 8). “This project is more than just new construction; it’s a meaningful step toward housing justice and a more inclusive future for our city.”
Since 2019, the D3 Program has supported the creation of 1,709 newly-constructed or renovated rental housing opportunities throughout Denver that serve households earning a maximum of 80% of the local Area Median Income (AMI) (in 2025, approximately $75,000 annual income for a 2-person household). 395 of those units are permanently income-restricted for very low-income households earning less than 30% of AMI (in 2025, approximately $33,000 annual income for a 2-person household).
This project is the second phase of affordable housing development at the Mosaic Community Campus by Archway Communities, with the first 154 affordable homes fully leased after opening in fall 2024. Phase I received an Eagle Award from Housing Colorado, History Colorado’s Governor’s Award and the 2025 Mayor’s Design Award in the Affordability category. The work has also been recognized as a finalist in Impact100 and NAIOP Colorado Awards of Achievement. Several grants have been awarded to Archway to develop and sustain the supportive services on the campus, such as food security.
“The Mosaic Community has breathed new life into the historic campus by preserving and repurposing former dormitories to meet today’s affordable housing needs,” said Laura Brudzynzki, CEO of Archway Communities. “Partnerships make the campus thrive and we are excited to be working closely with the Denver Housing Authority to bring another approximately 58 affordable homes with supportive services to this community.”
“Our partnership with Archway Communities reaffirms DHA’s commitment to dignity, stability, and opportunity, delivering Permanent Supportive Housing that changes lives and strengthens our community. With this investment, Mosaic Campus preserves history and delivers real solutions for the people we proudly serve,” says Joaquín Cintrón Vega, CEO of DHA.
