Denver is moving quickly to tackle housing challenges, and a new affordable rental community is set to break ground near the Denver Health Hospital Campus. Evergreen Real Estate Group has purchased land near the Denver Health Hospital Campus to develop a new affordable rental community in response to growing demand.
Highlights
- The Ford Apartments will be a 60-unit community by Evergreen Real Estate Group.
- 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) is received for the project.
- It is expected to start in early 2026, and completion is slated for fall 2027.
The Ford Apartments: An Affordable Housing Community
Evergreen Real Estate Group has purchased land and secured financing to develop The Ford Apartments, a 60-unit income-restricted rental community in Baker’s neighborhood in Denver. The Chicago-based developer received a 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) offered by the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority and is scheduled to start construction in early 2026.
CHFA is providing permanent financing, including ‘Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities’ funds, to support both healthcare and housing initiatives.
The six-story building at 155 W. 5th Ave. will rise on a former parking lot near the Denver Health Hospital Campus, one of the city’s largest employment centers. The project will primarily provide housing for healthcare workers.
“The Baker neighborhood is one of the most amenity-rich and dense neighborhoods of Denver, and the area has a critical need for affordable housing, particularly for the Denver Health workforce, many of whom have families and need larger residences,” said Javonni Butler, vice president of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. “We’re honored to work with Denver Health, an institution older than the state of Colorado, to acquire this site and bring our shared vision for this new housing to life.”
“Denver Health recognizes the critical need for affordable housing in the community and is proud to be able to have a role in bringing new options to the neighborhood, giving new opportunities for neighbors and our employees,” said Donna Lynne, Denver Health CEO.
Meridian 105 Architecture is designing the building, with Milender White as the general contractor. The brick-and-metal-clad design will feature modern lines and detailed facades. This project pays tribute to Dr. Justina Ford, the first licensed physician in Colorado. Family Tree, a nonprofit organization, will operate an on-site office to provide support and resources for residents.
Project Details of Housing Complex for Healthcare Workers
Set for completion in fall 2027, the development will offer one, two, and three-bedroom options for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income. Residents will have access to a variety of amenities and nearby conveniences, including:
- Proximity to the Regional Transportation District (RTD) bus routes.
- Residents will be provided with the RTD transit pass.
- Retail, restaurants, and recreation options like Sunken Gardens Park and the Cherry Creek Trail are nearby.
- Apartments fitted with Energy Star appliances, in-unit laundry, step-in showers, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing.
- Community room, fitness center, coworking space, children’s playroom, and secure bike storage.
- 48 parking spaces.
- High-efficiency HVAC systems and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in the parking structure.
Evergreen is also advancing other affordable housing efforts across Colorado, including Rifle Apartments in downtown Rifle, set to finish later this year, and a 170-unit development in Denver’s Globeville neighborhood that will include a new library branch and community cafe.
Evergreen is also collaborating with Shanahan Development, which is constructing a 70-unit affordable condo next to The Ford Apartments.
