The Hattie McDaniel, a new six-story, permanently affordable homeownership community developed by Shanahan Development in partnership with the Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT), is now complete.
Designed by KTGY, an award-winning design firm focused on architecture, interior design, branded environments and urban design, The Hattie McDaniel transforms a former RTD parking lot in the heart of the historic Five Points neighborhood into a context-sensitive, all-electric residential community that expands access to homeownership for households earning up to 80% of the area median income (approximately $72,000 per year for a one‑person household). Through ECLT’s community land trust model, the homes will remain permanently affordable for future generations.
Design Rooted in History, Community and Long-Term Affordability
KTGY’s design responds directly to the cultural and architectural character of Five Points, one of Denver’s most historic and culturally significant neighborhoods. The building’s massing, setbacks and materiality were shaped by the Five Points Historic Cultural District Design Guidelines and refined through a collaborative review process with the Historic Landmark Preservation Commission and the adjacent design review district.
Located on a prominent corner where a former RTD parking lot once interrupted the neighborhood’s walkable rhythm, the project restores a continuous street edge along Welton Street. The building’s upper floors are stepped back along Welton and 29th streets to respect the neighborhood’s traditional scale. A masonry facade, articulated cornices and varied material bands give the appearance of multiple buildings, reflecting the rhythm and character of its historic main street. The ground floor includes 4,000 square feet of commercial space, envisioned as a home for a local nonprofit that will provide community-serving programming.
“The Hattie McDaniel presented a unique opportunity to design a building that honors the legacy of Five Points while addressing Denver’s urgent need for permanently affordable homeownership,” said Kyle Millar, AIA, principal in KTGY’s Denver office. “Our team worked closely with the city, neighborhood groups and our development partners to create a design that fits seamlessly into its surroundings, supports family-sized homes and ensures long-term affordability through the community land trust model.”
A Building Designed for Families and Everyday Livability
The community offers for-sale one-, two- and three-bedroom homes, with 60% of the residences designed for families. Eighteen distinct floor plans range from approximately 550 to 1,200 square feet. To keep HOA dues low, the building includes only essential shared spaces: a lobby, package room and bike storage.
The building is 100% electric, aligning with the Denver Green Building Code and supporting long-term energy efficiency. KTGY designed for community, efficiency, and long-term sustainability and incorporated the Infinity structural system to streamline construction and deliver durable, low-maintenance homes.
“Affordability should never come at the expense of quality or livability,” Millar added. “Every design decision—from the stepped massing to the building’s efficient systems and materials—was made to support long-term performance, reduce operating costs and create a strong sense of place for residents.”
A Name and a Place with Deep Denver Roots
The community is named in honor of Hattie McDaniel, the iconic actress and singer. She broke barriers as the first African American to win an Academy Award in 1940 for her performance in Gone With the Wind. The development celebrates her legacy and her deep connection to Denver’s historic Five Points neighborhood. McDaniel, who attended Denver East High School, left an indelible mark on both Hollywood and her hometown. Her story endures as a testament to the strength of talent, community and the determination that defined her life.
A Public-Private Partnership Advancing Affordable Homeownership
The Hattie McDaniel is the result of collaboration among Denver’s public, private and nonprofit sectors. Shanahan Development led the project development, with Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT) providing the land trust model for permanent affordability. The Regional Transportation District (RTD) contributed the site, while the City and County of Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST), the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Division of Housing, and the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA) offered critical funding and support. AMG National Trust Bank served as the construction lender. KTGY translated this collective mission into a design that reconnects the site to its historic urban fabric and supports the city’s revitalization vision for Welton Street.
“Bridging a rich past with an evolving present, The Hattie McDaniel represents a meaningful step toward expanding access to high-quality housing in the heart of Denver’s Five Points community,” Millar said.
