1799 Pennsylvania St. (Denver)

A Multi-Generational, Family-Centered, Service-Enriched Community:
The Redevelopment of 1799 Pennsylvania Street in Denver

Housing is integral to health and well-being. Despite this importance, housing costs have out-paced income and many communities throughout the state lack truly affordable housing options. Indeed, 89% of respondents to the 2024 Pulse Poll say that the cost of housing is an extremely serious or very serious problem, and we know that it disproportionately affects people of color and people living on low incomes.

This crisis calls for action. To address the critical need for affordable homes in our own neighborhood, The Colorado Health Foundation purchased the property across the street from our headquarters on Pennsylvania Street (1799 Pennsylvania Street - formerly Mountain States Employers Council). We aim to redevelop the property with community well-being at the heart of all decisions and in line with our mission and cornerstones.

To that end, we, along with our partner for this project Urban Ventures, LLC, have talked with individuals with lived experiences, staff from nonprofit social service organizations, representatives from neighborhood associations and from municipal and state housing agencies, and community developers. Overwhelmingly, these stakeholders have stressed the need for affordable and supportive family housing in central Denver.

Read a Summary of the Project to Learn More (PDF)

In response to this need, this land will be redeveloped into The Tapestry, a multi-generational, family-centered, service-enriched community that supports inclusivity, belonging and economic opportunity. Our vision for the development includes affordable family homes for rent and sale and affordable housing for seniors, along with services and supports for residents of every age such as:

• Resources for training, employment and entrepreneurship
• Financial education
• Physical, mental and dental health care
• Childcare and after-school programs
• Programs for teens and young adults
• Multi-generational outdoor spaces
• Education classes
• Spaces for cultural expression and community gathering
• Food access

The demolition of the structures previously on the site was completed in 2024. Gorman & Company has been selected as the primary developers for the first phase of the project. We hope for construction to begin in late 2025, which will consist of two buildings of affordable family homes for rent. As the site opens to residents, Hope Communities will manage the provision of the multi-generational supportive services. We will continue engaging community stakeholders to ensure neighbors are kept informed of the construction timeline.  

Once completed, the Foundation will not own or operate the buildings or associated programming at the site and will focus on ensuring that the site remains affordable for generations.  

Questions?

• Members of news media, please contact Taryn Fort at 303-953-3666 or David Proper at 303-953-3681
• Neighborhood organizations and other community stakeholders, please contact Susan Powers of Urban Ventures at 303-902-6615