and operating safe, decent, and affordable hous- ing through a portfolio of more than 13,000 units. The organization provides affordable housing to more than 26,000 very low, low and middle-in- come individuals representing over 12,000 fami- lies. “This is the final phase of our plan to revitalize the Sun Valley neighborhood,” Joshua Crawley, Interim Chief Executive Officer said. “DHA has completed Phases 1 and 2, and with Phase 3 we will have leveraged a $30M Choice Neighbor- hoods Implementation grant, awarded by HUD in 2016, into over $375M of new development replacing the 333 obsolete public housing units of Sun Valley homes with 759 residential units across six multifamily buildings serving residents earning between 20%-100% of the area median income (AMI).” Sun Valley’s new affordable housing is geared towards both individuals and families with unique layouts designed to fit any lifestyle. They offer an array of amenities including fitness areas, com- munity kitchens, lounge areas, playgrounds and even a basketball court on a rooftop deck over- looking the city. Thrive, which opened earlier this year, is located at 2660 West Holden Place. It is a community created for individuals and families and sits just steps from the Lakewood Dry Gulch and South Platte River regional trails in the heart of the Sun Valley neighborhood. GreenHaus also opened earlier this year, is a building created for families along 13th Avenue. GreenHaus has a range of bedroom types from one-bedroom units to five-bedroom units, including 11 townhomes. The building includes affordable and market-rate units. Eventually, the Sun Valley neighborhood will be connected by light rail, pedestrian walk- ways, and bike paths to make commuting from Downtown to Sun Valley easy. Sun Valley residents now have a food option close to home. Decatur Fresh is a grocery store that has opened on the ground floor of DHA’s Gateway South building. A food incubator project will also open in Joli, part of the Phase 3 redevel- opment. It is designed to provide education to residents of the community who are interested in exploring entrepreneurial career paths.
Denver Housing Authority is Welcoming Families to Sun Valley The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) , Denver City Council President Jamie Torres and other strategic partners broke ground on Phase 3 of the Sun Valley neighborhood late last year and are now building the final phase to revitalize Sun Valley, a geographically central Denver neighbor- hood which was once home to some of the city’s most vulnerable residents. Driving down Federal Boulevard south of Colfax Avenue, new buildings have popped up to re- place the 333 obsolete public housing units of Sun Valley homes. DHA is approaching the end of a decade-long redevelopment which includes affordable housing for one of the most diverse communities in Denver, with residents who speak more than 35 languages, Decatur Fresh (grocery store), a food incubator, community gardens and a riverfront park. “We are proud to celebrate the transformational revitalization underway in Sun Valley, providing housing stability and economic opportunity for current and future generations,” Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said. “All Denverites deserve to live in the city they serve with attainable, afford- able housing, and this game-changing effort is delivering the type of innovative, mixed-income community where everyone can thrive.” DHA has been creating vibrant communities and sustainable neighborhoods since 1938 serving the residents of Denver by developing, owning, By NICOLE JILES DHA staff and community partners break ground for Phase 3 of the Sun Valley neighborhood on November 2, 2023. (Photo: DHA)
18 The Acumen
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