The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) celebrated the next phase of community revitalization at the Mariposa development on West 10th Ave. and Navajo St. on April 10. Festivities began with an opening ceremony with local dignitaries Ismael Guerrero, DHA’s Executive Director, Congresswoman Diana DeGette, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock, Rick García Dir. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Region VIII, Denver City Councilwoman Judy Montero, Lloyd “Skip” Brown, DBE/SBE Compliance Officer with the Regional Transportation District (RTD) and EPA Regional Dir. Jim Martin.
Phase II construction will begin immediately and is scheduled for completion next summer. Work includes major infrastructure improvements on West 10th Ave, which will become the neighborhood’s central promenade, and a plaza for community gatherings, markets and festivals. Four new mixed-income, mixed-use buildings totaling 93 residential units will be built to LEED Gold standards, including rooftop solar panels. The residential units will be 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedroom apartments and townhomes. The area will be graced by a dramatic sculpture by prominent local artist Emanuel Martínez.
“We’ll officially start construction on four new buildings and a central plaza while welcoming new arts, education and culinary tenants,” said Guerrero. “Mariposa is becoming the creative urban community we’ve all envisioned.”


The first building on West 10th Ave. and Navajo St. will include a 6,000 square-foot, ground floor space for a youth media studio in partnership with Flobots.org, a nonprofit organization. The award-winning group is fundraising for the $2.75 million state-of-the-art space, which will also include an indoor/outdoor performance venue, digital design studio and space for poetry, music and youth leadership workshops.

“This sustainable, transit-oriented project is a true example of how public-private partnerships can be leveraged to create jobs and long-term solutions for local communities,” said Rep. DeGette. “I’m so proud that this ...