DENVER, CO — Nearly two years after a fire damaged the former Liberty House Apartments in Denver's West Colfax neighborhood, new redevelopment plans have been submitted to the City and County of Denver, proposing to replace the vacant building with a modern affordable housing community.
Current Exterior of Liberty House
Located at 1500 Hooker Street, just south of West Colfax Avenue and east of Empower Field at Mile High, the property was previously home to a three-story, 46-unit income-restricted apartment building operated by the Atlantis Community Foundation. The building had been vacant since spring 2024 following financial and operational challenges, and redevelopment plans were already being explored before a fire broke out on January 3, 2025.
The fire prompted a response from the Denver Fire Department after flames spread through portions of the vacant structure. Although the building was supposed to be unoccupied, one individual was discovered inside and transported to a hospital for treatment related to smoke inhalation. The incident added another challenge to the property's already uncertain future.
Now, the project is moving forward under the name Liberty House, with a new concept plan submitted on November 2, 2026, outlining a four-story affordable housing development containing 64 apartments.
The latest proposal represents an increase from earlier plans that called for approximately 62 to 63 residences. According to the updated application, all 64 apartments would be income-restricted, serving households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income, with no market-rate units proposed.
Rendering of Liberty House Exterior Remodel | Sourced from Urban Land Conservancy
In December 2025, Urban Land Conservancy (ULC) acquired the property with support from a $2.45 million Proposition 123 land-banking award, helping secure the site for long-term affordable housing. Through ULC's community land trust model, the property is intended to remain affordable for 99 years. The redevelopment is being advanced by Atlantis Community Housing and Medici Communities, with plans to replace the existing structure with a residential community designed to accommodate individuals and households facing barriers to affordable housing, including people with disabilities.
Earlier project details outlined six two-bedroom apartments designed to accommodate live-in aides for residents with significant support needs. The development also incorporates universal and trauma-informed design principles intended to improve accessibility, safety, and comfort for residents. The redevelopment was previously estimated to cost approximately $23.3 million, although an updated construction budget has not been confirmed for the newly submitted proposal.
Renderings of Liberty House showcase a contemporary residential building featuring light-colored exterior materials, contrasting architectural elements, large windows, and landscaped areas surrounding the property.
The development is also expected to include shared community spaces, resident gathering areas, and on-site support services. Earlier plans identified a rooftop deck, community garden, and partnerships with ServiceSource and REVEL to provide services to residents, along with RTD transit passes.
The latest ground-floor plans provide additional details about the proposed building layout, including residential units, administrative offices, meeting rooms, a resident lounge, flexible amenity spaces, and bicycle storage. The site plan also identifies approximately 31 parking spaces, including spaces planned to accommodate electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Rendering of Liberty House Remodeled Entrance | Sourced from Urban Land Conservancy
According to the development schedule submitted with the latest application, the project anticipates a second round of concept review in August 2027, followed by additional development submissions later that year and in early 2028. These dates remain preliminary and are subject to the city's review process, financing, and additional approvals.
If approved and constructed, Liberty House would bring affordable housing back to a property that has remained vacant for more than two years, replacing the former 46-unit apartment building with a larger residential community while preserving long-term affordability in the West Colfax neighborhood.
Development Team:
Developer: Atlantis Community Housing and Medici Communities
Property Owner: Urban Land Conservancy
Architect: Shopworks Architecture
General Contractor: B.C. Builders, LLC
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
6 minute read • New plans propose replacing the fire-damaged Liberty House Apartments at 1500 Hooker Street with 64 affordable homes in Denver's West Colfax neighborhood.