On Tuesday, Dec.12, Mayor Mike Johnston, City Councilman Kevin Flynn and development partners celebrated the groundbreaking of Ruby Vista, a 98-unit affordable housing community located directly across from Ruby Hill Park in Southwest Denver.
“We know just how critical affordable housing is in the city. We hear this need every single day,” said Mayor Johnston. “This represents a great step forward for our effort to make sure we can keep Denver as a place that the folks that live and work and serve Denver can still afford to make Denver their home.”
Developed by Gorman & Company, Ruby Vista will offer rental units ranging from one to four bedrooms. All units will be income-restricted for individuals at a range of low- and moderate-income levels, from 30-60% of the area median income (AMI).
“Creating a new, affordable housing community on an underutilized site supports the housing goals of the city and provides a housing option for the neighborhood. Not only will 98 new households have a place to call home that is aligned with their incomes, but they will also live across from a jewel of a park in south Denver. We are so excited to be a part of this investment into Ruby Hill,” Colorado Market President of Gorman & Company, Kimball Crangle said.
Located at 1901 S. Navajo St., the five-story complex will provide prime access to Ruby Hill Park amenities including a bike park, walking paths, free concerts at Levitt Pavilion, playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, and the Ruby Hill Community Garden. Winter also brings the Ruby Hill Railyard for the public to sled, ski, and snowboard in the heart of the city.
“Denver has a critical need for housing for families, and southwest Denver is where they are finding affordable options,” said City Councilman Kevin Flynn. “I don’t look at Ruby Vista as 98 new units, but with the large number of multi-bedroom apartments that will be here, I see it as more than 200 new bedrooms for working families with children.”
Ruby Vista is anticipated to open in the summer of 2025.
Utilizing Denver’s Affordable Housing Fund, the Department of Housing Stability is providing $4,410,000 in gap financing toward the project. Other public finance partners include the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Colorado Housing & Finance Authority, and Denver Housing Authority.
Ruby Vista is the latest city-supported affordable housing development to begin construction in Denver. A total of 2,131 affordable units that have received city financing are currently under construction at 29 sites throughout Denver. An additional 291 income-restricted units are in the planning stage. Learn more about this inventory at the Denver Affordable Housing Dashboard.