Urban Land Conservancy (ULC), a Denver-based nonprofit real estate organization, and Pinkard Construction, a Lakewood-based general contractor, broke ground on The Irving at Mile High Vista on May 29, featuring remarks by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.
The Irving at Mile High Vista features 102 affordable apartments (studios and one-, two- and three-bedrooms), serving households making 20-80% of the area median income (AMI). The Irving will be built on West Colfax at Irving Street, in the West Colfax neighborhood. It is one of the first developments to use Prop 123 affordable housing financing approved by voters in 2022.
“Affordable housing is not just about providing shelter; it’s about creating a Denver where the people who serve, work and live in this city have a fair chance to thrive,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “The Irving represents our city and partners’ dedication and commitment to creating inclusive neighborhoods where residents of all backgrounds can call home.”
In a departure from many affordable housing developments, The Irving will use renewable energy, and highly efficient heat pumps for heating and cooling, as well as a rooftop solar array — all to support a cleaner, more sustainable environment inside and out. The project is expected to meet or exceed National Green Building Standards (NGBS). Other climate-friendly features include energy-efficient appliances and lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures, water-efficient landscaping and electric vehicle charging stations.
In 2011, Urban Land Conservancy purchased the 2-acre site where the Denver Public Library’s Rodolfo “Corky” Gonzales Branch and Del Norte’s affordable Avondale Apartments are located today. The Irving is the third and final parcel at Mile High Vista to be developed.
“The Irving is the culmination of the community’s long-term vision for Mile High Vista, a mixed-use development that offers affordable housing and library services,” said Sarah Harman, senior vice president of real estate at ULC. “Because of the ongoing displacement of longtime residents in the West Colfax neighborhood, we believe it’s more important than ever to deliver affordable housing here.”
The building was designed by Studio Completiva and will be built by Pinkard Construction. Construction is expected to be complete by mid-2025.
“We are thrilled to partner with ULC on this important project that will provide much-needed affordable housing for Denver residents,” said Tony Burke, president of Pinkard Construction. “We share their vision of creating equitable and sustainable communities through quality construction.”
