To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
Prepared By:
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Elizzebeth (Lizze) Loomis, Division Manager, Community Development, Housing Stability Services, Community Resources
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presenter
Presenter: Elizzebeth Loomis, Division Manager, Community Development, Housing Stability Services, Community Resources
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Subject:
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12:50 PM *Participation Opportunity: Housing Colorado 2026 Design Charrettes Program
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Community Development and Housing Stability Services (CDHSS) staff is requesting approval from the Board of County Commissioners regarding the electronic submission of a participation application for the 2026 Design Charrettes Program through the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning, hosted by Housing Colorado, to support collaborative community planning and exploring redevelopment opportunities for 4857 South Broadway, Englewood CO 80113.
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Alignment with Strategic Plan: Economic Resilience and Stability - Support long-term economic resilience through responsible fiscal and investment strategies.
Background and Discussion: The Design Charrettes Program, established in 2010 by Housing Colorado and the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning, provides nonprofit housing developers, housing authorities, and municipalities with pro bono pre-development services to advance innovative and community-centered affordable housing opportunities. Through an intensive two- to two-and-a-half-day collaborative workshop, design professionals, graduate students, municipal partners, and development experts work together to create thoughtful concepts that reflect community priorities, support quality of life, and promote long-term housing solutions.
Arapahoe County staff is seeking approval to electronically submit a participation application for the 2026 Design Charrettes Program to explore the redevelopment potential of the County-owned property located at 4857 South Broadway, Englewood, Colorado 80113. The 0.95-acre site includes an 8,398-square-foot commercial building constructed in 1950, with a major addition completed in 1962, and is currently utilized as an Arapahoe County Public Health facility. The property is zoned MU-B-2, which supports a variety of future uses, including multifamily housing, limited group living, and other public and commercial uses.
With the planned relocation of Public Health services to Arapahoe County Plaza along Littleton Boulevard in the fourth quarter of 2026, the County is exploring opportunities to thoughtfully repurpose this site to better serve the community.
On February 17, 2026, the Board of County Commissioners authorized staff to move forward with a comprehensive feasibility analysis to evaluate potential housing opportunities, including environmental considerations, development costs, funding strategies, and anticipated community benefits.
Participation in the Design Charrettes Program will provide an opportunity to engage residents, the City of Englewood, housing partners, businesses, and community stakeholders in envisioning future redevelopment that advances the County’s housing goals and enhances quality of life. The redevelopment of this site has the potential to create new affordable and attainable housing opportunities for seniors, families, and households earning below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI), while supporting a diverse and inclusive community.
Additionally, the County’s participation may contribute towards future Proposition 123 affordable housing commitments for the 2027-2029 reporting period by creating additional affordable housing capacity that aligns with the County’s long-term housing strategies. If Arapahoe County is selected to participate in the 2026 Design Charrette Program, the County will be responsible for a $2,000 participation commitment to support the program.
Through thoughtful planning, community engagement, and strategic partnerships with the City of Englewood and other housing stakeholders, the County aims to transform an underutilized public asset into a resource that strengthens housing stability, community vitality, and overall quality of life.
Alternatives: The Board of County Commissioners may recommend alternatives to the recommendation listed above.
Fiscal Impact: If approved as presented, the fiscal impact to Arapahoe County will include staff time associated with preparing and submitting the participation application, coordinating with Housing Colorado and the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning, and supporting the Design Charrette process. Additionally, a $2,000 participation contribution will be provided from the Affordable Housing Development Grant - Predevelopment Activities Fund.
Alignment with Strategic Implementation Strategies: N/A
Staff Recommendation: CDHHS Staff recommend moving forward with the participation application as presented.
Concurrence: N/A