A 1970s-era hotel building that has stood empty and then repurposed for years is finally changing hands permanently, locking in a critical safe haven for 205 families facing homelessness.
On December 14, 2023, the Denver City Council voted to acquire the property at 7525 E. Hampden Ave. (ZIP 80216) for $30.9 million, ending a lease arrangement that began just weeks prior. The acquisition transforms a temporary solution into a permanent asset for the city's effort to end street homelessness.
The site currently operates as the Tamarac Family Shelter, a facility that provides 205 units specifically for families with minor children. Under Mayor Mike Johnston's "All in Mile High" initiative, this shelter serves as a bridge, helping parents and children transition from the streets into permanent housing. The building, previously leased from Hampden Heart, LLC for $825,000 a month starting December 28, 2023, will now be owned outright by the city once the transaction closes by March 31, 2024.
The deal involves an Assignment and Amendment to a Purchase and Sale Agreement with East Hampden Hotel Fee, LLC and Hampden Heart, LLC. Councilmember Candi CdeBaca Torres, representing the district, championed the direct filing of the resolution. This move removes the uncertainty of a month-to-month lease, ensuring the shelter can continue its operations without the threat of eviction or rent hikes as it supports vulnerable residents in the region.
Residents wishing to review the full details of this acquisition or track the closing process can visit the Denver city portal at denver.legistar.com. The purchase marks a significant financial commitment to stabilizing the city's most vulnerable families in the long term.