The Denver City Council voted Monday to loan $750,000 to Mile High Ministries for safety improvements at Joshua Station, a former motel that now provides housing for 35 homeless families.
Once the Spa Motor Inn, the property urgently needs repairs to its second-floor walkway and six exterior stairwells. A city memo described the elevated walkway as deteriorating, with rusted supports, cracked concrete, and weakened masonry. “Joshua Station is in urgent need of safety repairs,” the memo warned.
As part of the loan agreement, Mile High must reserve 30 units for families earning no more than 30% of Denver’s area median income (about $27,400 for one person). The remaining five units will go to families earning 50% or less of AMI (about $45,560).
Concerns about shelter safety have been heightened after a child fell from a window at Tamarac Family Shelter, operated by the Salvation Army. The child is expected to survive, officials said.
A Second Chance for Families
Mile High Ministries bought and repurposed the motel in 2001 to provide affordable housing with wraparound services aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness. “Families at Joshua Station are typically comprised of two to four children and a single mom,” the memo noted. Many face trauma from homelessness, domestic violence, or addiction, along with extreme poverty.
On its website, Mile High explained its motivation for acquiring the property: “It often broke our hearts to see families with children staying in East Colfax motels—surrounded by drug and sex trade in their hallways and parking lots—when they had a place to stay at all.”
Affordable Senior Housing
The council also approved $1.05 million in funding to support Kappa Tower III, a 30-unit affordable senior housing project at 9020 E. Northfield Blvd. The development will include 12 units for those making 50% or less of AMI, and nine units each for households earning below 40% AMI and 30% AMI.
Apartment Community Going Affordable
In addition, the council agreed to loan $7.5 million to convert the Korsakov and Da Vinci Apartments at 1625 and 1675 S. Birch St. into long-term affordable housing.
The twin 12-story buildings in the Virginia Vale neighborhood contain 194 units and are currently 91% occupied. Once converted, apartments will be reserved for tenants earning between 40% and 50% of AMI.
The project includes 119 surface parking spots and 147 underground spaces, available for rent by tenants. Most apartments are one-bedroom units (68%), with two-bedroom units making up the rest (32%). A covenant will ensure rents remain affordable for at least 60 years.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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