Urban Land Conservancy (ULC), a Denver-based nonprofit that preserves, develops, and invests in affordable community-serving real estate, today celebrated the ribbon-cutting and grand opening of The Irving at Mile High Vista, a new 102-unit affordable, all-electric multifamily community in Denver’s West Colfax neighborhood. The event brought together Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, state housing leaders and project partners to mark a major milestone in the delivery of long-term affordable housing for Denver residents.
Located at 3270 W Colfax Ave., The Irving will serve households earning 20%–80% of Area Median Income (AMI), with affordability guaranteed for at least 99 years through ULC’s community land trust. The new community reflects ULC’s mission-driven approach to development, which prioritizes long-term affordability, resident well-being and neighborhood stability.
“The Irving is where affordability meets sustainability,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “This is exactly the kind of project that Proposition 123 was designed to support, and exactly what we need more of to ensure everyone who lives and works in Denver can afford to stay in Denver.”
The project is among the first developments funded through Proposition 123, a voter-approved statewide initiative that provides dedicated funding to support affordable housing across Colorado. Now open next to the Denver Public Library’s Corky Gonzales Branch, The Irving’s location connects its residents to educational resources and essential services that support stability and opportunity.
Designed by Studio Completiva, Inc., with construction led by Pinkard Construction, The Irving is an all-electric, highly energy-efficient community with rooftop solar, and includes amenities not typically found in affordable housing. Built to exceed National Green Building Standards (NGBS), the apartments feature 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 Irving further incorporates universal, trauma-informed and biophilic design principles, creating homes that are accessible, comfortable and supportive for residents of all ages and abilities.
“At a time when many Denverites are being priced out of the neighborhoods they call home, The Irving shows what is possible when public investment, nonprofit stewardship and community-centered design come together to create housing that lasts,” said Sarah Harman, senior vice president of real estate at Urban Land Conservancy. “By pairing permanent affordability with energy-efficient design and access to community resources like the Denver Public Library, this development will support long-term stability for residents and the surrounding community for generations to come.”
Colorado continues to face one of the most severe housing shortages in the country, with an estimated shortfall of more than 100,000 homes. Developments like The Irving highlight the role of public investment, nonprofit leadership and collaborative partnerships in addressing the crisis with sustainable solutions.
The Irving is Urban Land Conservancy’s first ground-up affordable housing development, shaped by more than a decade of intentional land stewardship. ULC acquired the two-acre West Colfax site in 2010 to address growing housing needs amid accelerating displacement, holding the land long-term to align it with public investment and mission-driven partners. The result is much-needed housing that reflects neighborhood priorities and delivers lasting community benefit.
Since 2003, ULC has invested in more than 50 properties across the Denver metro area, using tools such as community land trusts, land banking, and nonprofit leasing to prevent displacement and preserve affordability in neighborhoods most affected by rising real estate costs.
To learn more about The Irving and opportunities with ULC, visit: urbanlandc.org.
