Cole neighborhood site slated for apartments rezoned despite concern from neighbors

The Denver City Council Unanimously Approves Rezoning for Affordable Housing Project in Cole Neighborhood

The area around 35th Avenue and Gilpin Street is set to undergo a transformation as the Denver City Council recently voted unanimously to rezone a city block in the Cole neighborhood. The rezoning will pave the way for the construction of a 63-unit apartment complex that will provide affordable housing for individuals earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income.

The Urban Land Conservancy, which owns the site, will lease 2.3 acres to Medici Communities to develop the 4-story apartment complex at 1675 E. 35th Ave. The project aims to address the growing need for affordable housing in the neighborhood, which has been grappling with involuntary displacement and gentrification in recent years.

Despite some concerns raised by neighbors about the size of the apartment complex, the project was ultimately approved to move forward. The development was awarded $2.1 million in tax credits last November, securing its financing and allowing construction to begin later this year.

ULC’s spokeswoman, Andrea Burns, highlighted the potential benefits of the project for the community, emphasizing the positive impact it could have on the Tramway Nonprofit Center, neighboring households, and Wyatt Academy. The project is part of ULC’s larger efforts to address affordable housing needs in Denver, with other developments underway in different parts of the city.

Overall, the approval of the rezoning and the upcoming construction of the affordable housing project signal a step forward in addressing housing affordability challenges in the Cole neighborhood and beyond.