To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
Prepared By:
prepared
Nancy Sonnenfeld, Community Development Administrator, Community Resources
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presenter
Presenter: Elizzebeth Loomis, Division Manager, Community Development, Housing Stability Services, Community Resources
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Subject:
title
2:35 PM *Housing Colorado 2026 Design Charrette Presentation
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this meeting is to provide the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) with an update on the 2026 Design Charrette Program and an opportunity for participating graduate students to present the outcomes of their work for the property located at 4857 South Broadway in Englewood, Colorado.
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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: Conducted in partnership with the City of Englewood and the University of Colorado Denver, the Design Charrette represents a collaborative effort to explore innovative redevelopment opportunities that align with shared community priorities and affordable housing goals. The session will highlight proposed design concepts, potential redevelopment opportunities, and recommendations that support Arapahoe County's and the City of Englewood's shared vision for the future use of the property. The BOCC will also have an opportunity to review the students' findings, engage in discussion, and consider how the outcomes may inform future planning, development strategies, and potential redevelopment of the property.
The Design Charrette Program, established in 2010 through a partnership between 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 planning and design services to advance innovative, sustainable, and community-focused affordable housing opportunities.
Through an intensive two-day collaborative workshop, design professionals, graduate students, municipal representatives, and housing development experts collaborate to explore creative redevelopment concepts and identify opportunities for affordable housing. The process emphasizes community priorities, thoughtful design, improved quality of life, and long-term housing solutions that respond to local needs.
On July 28, 2026, the Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) authorized Community Development and Housing Stability Services (CDHSS) staff to proceed with the Design Charrette Program application and participation process.
The outcomes of the Design Charrette provide valuable insight into potential redevelopment opportunities and serve as a foundation for evaluating future uses of the property. These conceptual recommendations support the County's broader affordable housing goals, encourage strategic use of County-owned assets, and promote sustainable, community-centered development that enhances the quality of life for Arapahoe County residents.
Alternatives: This session is informational only. No Board action is being requested at this time.
Fiscal Impact: There are no financial considerations associated with this informational presentation at this time.
Alignment with Strategic Implementation Strategies: N/A
Staff Recommendation: N/A
Concurrence: N/A