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Historic Tammen Hall to Become Affordable Independent Senior Housing

Tammen Hall

DENVER – Saint Joseph Hospital today announced plans to redevelop historic Tammen Hall in partnership with project developer MGL Partners/Solvera Advisors, design-build partner The Neenan Company, and Saint Joseph’s parent organization, SCL Health. The building, located on the hospital’s campus at 1010 E 19th Avenue, will become affordable independent senior housing.

The repurposed Tammen Hall is scheduled for completion in early 2019. The 52,000-square-foot, eight-story facility will feature 49 one- and two-bedroom rental apartments for income-qualified seniors 62 years of age and older. The building is currently being listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service. St. Joseph Hospital recently sold the building to MGL Partners/Solvera Advisors.

“We are delighted to have identified a solution, as well as experienced development partners, to effectively reuse the space to meet a glaring need in our community – affordable living space for seniors on fixed incomes,” said Saint Joseph Hospital President Jameson Smith.

Originally built in 1930 as a nurse dormitory for Children’s Hospital, Tammen Hall was named after Harry Tammen, the first publisher of The Denver Post. The building was later converted to office space for Children’s Hospital until the hospital moved to the Fitzsimons Campus in Aurora in Oct. 2007. Designated as a local historic landmark in 2008, the exterior and internal renovations will comply with National Park Service standards. Among the spaces to be preserved are a theater and a community room that will be available for neighborhood meetings and events, along with the historic entry and foyer. A rooftop deck will be added where residents will enjoy mountain and city views.

“We’re thrilled to be contributing in this significant manner to Denver’s development,” said Kurt Frantz, development manager for MGL Partners. “There is a considerable need for housing that is not only designed specifically for seniors, but that is also affordable in Denver, one of the nation’s most competitive rental markets.”

SCL Health has committed to making a substantial investment to finance the redevelopment. Additionally, MGL Partners/Solvera Advisors has received an allocation of 4 percent Federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits, received a loan from the Denver Office of Economic Development, and the project is one of 12 selected statewide for State Low Income Housing Tax Credits from Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. The project will also receive support through State and Federal Historic Preservation Incentive Tax Credits.

“Just as we did when we rebuilt our new, world-class Saint Joseph Hospital, we will work closely with our neighbors here in Midtown to make sure they are informed and supportive of this project. We understand we have a role in ensuring this community is welcoming and vibrant –and redevelopment of Tammen is one more example of that commitment,” Smith added.

The Neenan Company completed a similar affordable housing renovation at Leadville’s Tabor Grand Hotel Apartments in 2015.

“It’s rewarding to provide affordable housing options that truly allow seniors to remain actively involved in Denver’s lively community,” said David Shigekane, president of The Neenan Company. “We are honored to be involved in such a meaningful project that is tied both to Denver’s history and its future.”

Image courtesy of Saint Joseph Hospital.

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