The Irving Opens on West Colfax as Denver’s Newest Permanently Affordable Housing Community
DENVER, CO – A new permanently affordable housing development officially opens Thursday in Denver’s West Colfax neighborhood, marking a milestone for nonprofit-led housing delivery and the early rollout of Proposition 123-funded projects.
Rendering Provided by Urban Land Conservancy
Known as The Irving at Mile High Vista, the all-electric apartment community at 3270 West Colfax Avenue was developed by Urban Land Conservancy and serves households earning between 20 percent and 80 percent of Area Median Income. Affordability at the project is guaranteed for at least 99 years through ULC’s community land trust model.
The Irving is ULC’s first ground-up affordable housing development and among the first projects in Colorado to break ground and open using Proposition 123 funding. The statewide ballot measure, approved by voters in 2022, created new revenue streams to accelerate affordable housing construction.
City and state leaders are scheduled to attend Thursday’s ribbon cutting, including Mayor Mike Johnston, representatives from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority.
Beyond affordability, the project emphasizes long-term sustainability and resident stability. The building is fully electric and designed to be highly energy efficient, incorporating rooftop solar and high-efficiency heat pump systems intended to reduce energy use and operating costs over time.
The development also integrates universal, trauma-informed, and biophilic design principles, with a focus on accessibility, comfort, and well-being for residents of all ages and abilities.
Strategically located next to the Denver Public Library’s Corky Gonzales Branch, The Irving places housing alongside educational resources and essential services, reinforcing the project’s goal of long-term neighborhood stability rather than short-term affordability.
Denver continues to face a significant housing shortage, with city and state estimates pointing to a deficit of more than 100,000 homes across the metro area. Projects like The Irving highlight how nonprofit ownership, public investment, and permanent affordability tools can work together to deliver housing that remains affordable for generations.
Following the ribbon cutting, project partners will lead building tours as residents begin moving into the new community.
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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