The Renaissance Veterans Apartments at Fitzsimons in Aurora is the recipient of a 2021 Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Award from the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTCC). The award recognizes nine outstanding affordable housing developments that have demonstrated impactful use of the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.
Presented annually, the Edson Awards honor Housing Credit developments that strengthen communities, improve resident opportunities and support economies in urban, suburban and rural areas across the country. This year, the awards coincide with Congress’ consideration of legislation that would make major investments in the nation’s housing infrastructure.
Completed in 2020, Renaissance Veterans Apartments at Fitzsimons provides 60 units of supportive housing for veterans and their immediate families experiencing or at-risk of homelessness. The four-story building has 56 one-bedroom units and four two-bedroom units with full kitchens and bathrooms. High ceilings and large windows in each unit and throughout the building create a sense of openness for residents. On-site amenities include case management, 24-hour reception, laundry facilities, TV room, computer lab, outdoor workout facility, dog run, walking path, kitchen, multi-purpose room, and community gathering spaces. It also uniquely features a medical exam room for on-site resident needs.
The project was developed by Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, designed by Studio Completiva and built by Alliance Construction Solutions.
“Affordable homes developed with the Housing Credit prove that an effective solution exists for the housing crisis that continues to impact communities and families nationwide,” said AHTCC Executive Director Emily Cadik. “This year we are awarding properties serving veterans, individuals suffering from opioid addiction, and low-income senior citizens, in addition to outstanding affordable housing preservation efforts and new construction built to meet the needs of surrounding communities. These are just a few examples of what the Housing Credit achieves every day to provide much-needed affordable housing.”
“The Edson Award winners this year demonstrate the flexibility of the Housing Credit to meet the needs of households and communities from Eagle River, Alaska, to Wichita Falls, Texas, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin,” said Matt Josephs, AHTCC board president and senior vice president for policy for the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. “As we continue to confront the impact of the pandemic, it is vital that tools like the Housing Credit are enhanced and strengthened, so that we can better address our national housing crisis that grows more urgent by the day.”
Since 1986, the Housing Credit has financed more than three million homes for low-income households, including formerly homeless individuals and families, people with disabilities, veterans of the armed forces, and senior citizens. Through public-private partnerships, the Housing Credit offers a proven track record of financing safe, modern and well-designed affordable homes in communities where they are needed most.
