Evergreen Real Estate Group has announced plans for a new 60-unit affordable housing community in Denver's Baker neighborhood. The project, named The Ford Apartments, will be located at 155 W. 5th Avenue on a site acquired from the Denver Health Hospital Campus. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026, with completion expected in the fall of 2027.
The six-story building will provide income-restricted apartments for households earning between 30% and 80% of the area median income (AMI). This development aims to address the critical need for affordable housing in one of Denver's most amenity-rich areas, particularly for employees of the nearby hospital.
Key Takeaways
- A 60-unit affordable apartment building, The Ford Apartments, is planned for Denver's Baker neighborhood.
- The project is developed by Evergreen Real Estate Group and targets households earning 30% to 80% of the AMI.
- The development is located on land from Denver Health and is named after Dr. Justina Ford, Colorado's first licensed Black female physician.
- Construction will start in early 2026 and is projected to finish by fall 2027.
Project Details and Community Focus
The Ford Apartments will be constructed on a parking lot adjacent to the Denver Health Hospital Campus, a major employment center in the city. The development's location is intended to provide convenient housing options for the hospital's workforce and other local residents.
"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," said Javonni Butler, vice president of development for Evergreen Real Estate Group. Butler highlighted the need for larger residences for families working at Denver Health.
The project is part of a larger effort to create a mixed-tenure housing campus. Evergreen is coordinating with Shanahan Development, which is planning a 70-unit for-sale affordable condominium project on an adjacent parcel. Both sites were acquired from Denver Health through the Elevation Community Land Trust, which will hold the ground leases for both developments.
A Tribute to a Medical Pioneer
The development's name honors Dr. Justina Ford, a significant figure in Colorado's history. Dr. Ford was the first Black woman licensed to practice medicine in the state and provided care to many Denver residents during her career in the early 20th century.
"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," Butler stated.
Who Was Dr. Justina Ford?
Dr. Justina Ford (1871-1952) was a medical pioneer in Denver. After being denied membership in the Colorado Medical Society because of her race and gender, she established a private practice in her home. Over her 50-year career, she delivered an estimated 7,000 babies and served a diverse patient base, often accepting goods and services as payment when patients could not afford to pay.
Unit Mix and Building Amenities
The Ford Apartments will offer a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. A significant portion of the apartments, one-third of the total, will be three-bedroom layouts to accommodate families, a housing type in short supply in the area.
All 60 residences will be equipped with modern, energy-efficient features. These include full Energy Star appliance packages, LED lighting, and low-flow plumbing fixtures. For durability and ease of maintenance, units will have vinyl plank flooring. Other features include in-unit laundry and step-in showers.
Building Features at a Glance
- Total Units: 60 income-restricted apartments
- On-Site Amenities: Community room, fitness center, co-working space, children's playroom, and secure bike storage.
- Parking: A surface lot with 48 free parking spaces, including EV charging stations.
- Support Services: An on-site office for the nonprofit Family Tree will provide supportive services to residents.
The building is designed to be all-electric and will incorporate high-efficiency HVAC systems. These sustainable features are part of the project's goal to achieve both Enterprise Green Communities and Zero Energy Ready Homes certifications, signifying a high standard of energy efficiency and environmental design.
Financing and Strategic Partnerships
The development of The Ford Apartments is made possible through a complex financing structure and collaboration between multiple organizations. Evergreen Real Estate Group secured a 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) award from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA), a key component of the funding.
According to the announcement, the financing package includes:
- $1,600,000 in federal 9% LIHTC.
- $650,000 in standard state tax credits.
- $78,000 in Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) credit from CHFA.
The project also utilizes CHFA permanent debt, which includes funds from the “Healthy Housing, Healthy Communities” initiative. This specific funding is targeted for projects that link healthcare and housing, making it a suitable fit for a development supporting the Denver Health workforce.
Denver Health's CEO, Donna Lynne, expressed support for the project. "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," she said. "We look forward to working with Evergreen to connect our employees with this exceptional new housing option."
Accessibility and Neighborhood Integration
The location at 155 W. 5th Avenue was chosen for its proximity to employment, public transit, and community amenities. The site is adjacent to an RTD Route 53 bus stop, providing direct connections to downtown Denver and other areas.
To encourage the use of public transportation, every resident of The Ford Apartments will receive an RTD transit pass. This initiative, combined with secure bike storage, promotes a walkable and transit-friendly lifestyle.
Residents will also have easy access to nearby parks like Sunken Gardens Park and the Cherry Creek Trail, which is part of a large network of green spaces. The neighborhood offers a variety of retail stores, restaurants, and recreational opportunities within walking distance.
The building's design, created by Meridian 105 Architecture, features a brick and metal exterior with clean lines and detailed texturing to complement the urban environment. Milender White will serve as the general contractor for the project.
This project is one of several affordable housing developments Evergreen is pursuing in Colorado. The company is also constructing the 60-unit Rifle Apartments in downtown Rifle and plans to break ground on a 170-unit project in Denver's Globeville neighborhood, which will include a new Denver Public Library branch and a community café.
