The empty 0.69-acre lot at 1901 S. Navajo Street in the Westwood neighborhood has sat dormant since selling for $750,000 in 2018, but a new financial lifeline promises to break ground on a major affordable housing project.
Denver City Council has officially adopted a $4.41 million loan agreement with developer 1900 South, LLC, clearing the path for the construction of "Ruby Vista," a 98-unit residential complex designed to serve low-income residents in Council District 2.
The funding is the critical catalyst needed to transform the 30,012-square-foot parcel into a mixed-income community. Under the approved plan, the development will feature 97 income-restricted units, ensuring that a vast majority of the new apartments remain affordable to Denver families earning below the area median income. This specific financial instrument is a city tool used to bridge the gap between construction costs and the lower rents required for affordable housing.
This approval aligns with a broader citywide push to densify underutilized lots in established neighborhoods while preserving affordability. The site, located just south of the Westwood commercial corridor, represents a strategic infill opportunity. By utilizing a vacant lot rather than demolishing existing structures, the project aims to add density without displacing current residents, a common friction point in Denver's rapid growth.
With the loan now adopted, 1900 South, LLC can move forward with finalizing architectural plans and securing construction financing. Residents and neighbors can track the project's progress and access the full legislative details through the Denver city portal.