Development Projects Honored:
Two housing development projects supported by Jefferson County Human Services’ Community Development division were recently honored at the 2019 Impact Awards of Urban Land Institute Colorado. Fruitdale Lofts and 5800 Alameda were honored among several high-caliber contestants.
Fruitdale Lofts in Wheat Ridge had been vacant since 2007. They have now been revitalized as 16 solar-powered, affordable lofts within a sustainable landscape of edible plants.
5800 Alameda in Lakewood is a project that rescued an abandoned eight-story office building as high-quality affordable housing that is 100 percent pre-leased with a wait-list of 3,500. Its success is changing the image of a blighted area of Lakewood and attracting new interest in business revitalization.
Both projects were supported with CDBG and HOME funds through Community Development. As these awards are not specific to housing, it is amazing to be well represented among a high caliber of contestants.
“The Impact Awards showcase the best work of Colorado’s developers, architects, builders and their teams to create great places,” said Tracy Huggins, executive director of the Denver Urban Renewal Authority and ULI Colorado chair, 2017-19. “These examples will inspire others to improve our communities by creating the best possible projects.”
Senior Needs:
Other suggestions around improving our communities are offered in an infographic developed by Aging Well in Jefferson County. The visual displays the gaps and needs of senior housing in Jeffco and is meant to educate in order to positively influence land usage, building decisions, and housing needs.
Not only can we can support seniors by addressing these housing needs, we can also encourage the contributions of older adults. By engaging and supporting all community members, we recognize that older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and lives.
Every May, our nation observes Older Americans Month. The 2019 theme, Connect, Create, Contribute, encourages older adults and their communities to:
• Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation.
• Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment.
• Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.
We encourage you to connect, create, and contribute for stronger and more diverse communities this May, and throughout the year. See many opportunities to connect, create, and contribute through the City of Lakewood.