Pinkard Construction, a leading affordable housing contractor, has broken ground on Willoughby Corner, a 400-unit affordable housing development in Lafayette. The project is a collaboration between the Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA), the City of Lafayette, Pinkard Construction, Norris Design, and HB&A Architects.
Colorado Lieutenant Governor, Dianne Primavera, noted in her remarks at the ceremony that Willoughby Corner will be the largest net-zero-ready affordable housing development in Colorado when complete. The buildings will utilize solar and geothermal technology and incorporate highly energy-efficient building designs and materials.
The first homes, 63 affordable ADA-accessible apartments for adults aged 55 and over, will be ready for move-in as early as fall 2024. The first phase also includes 129 affordable multifamily homes and a community center.
“We are here to celebrate this amazing, whole neighborhood of affordable housing, with community gardens, a transit mobility hub with bus access, car sharing, and [electric vehicle] charging,” said Norrie Boyd, director of BCHA. “We will have walking trails and electric, built for the future buildings, all designed with trauma-informed design, so everyone feels welcome in their homes here.”
“It’s amazing to work with Pinkard Construction; every individual puts their heart and soul into this project,” said Molly Chiang, senior developer with BCHA. “They have been with us since the very early days of design, and they have been able to guide the whole team and get us to where we are now.”
The project is made possible through the City of Lafayette’s financial support with nearly $1.5 million in fee waivers for the first phases of the project, the $3.1 million purchase of the land, and $5.3 million in grants for Willoughby’s water rights. Willoughby Corner is also possible because of Boulder County Commissioners’ help with funding. Over the past year, Commissioners have added nearly $13 million in county and American Rescue Plan Act funds to help ensure Willoughby Corner can continue to advance through financing and approvals processes and that construction on its first phase can begin on time.
“Willoughby Corner is a shining example of what can be accomplished when we work together to address the affordable housing crisis,” said Pinkard President Tony Burke. “I’m proud of the work that Pinkard has done to keep this project on track despite a global pandemic, materials shortages, and cost escalations that have derailed so many projects.”
Willoughby Corner’s affordable homes will serve generations of families, individuals, older adults, and the workforce earning at or below 60 percent of the Area’s Median Income. For example, for a family of three, this amounts to a maximum annual income of $71,760 (2023 HUD).
Construction on the first phase of Willoughby Corner is expected to be completed in Q3 2024.
