| 2026 Eagle Awards Nominees |
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Nominations for the 2026 Eagle Awards are CLOSED.
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Arapahoe County Board of County Commissioners Arapahoe County’s Board of County Commissioners is a regional leader in housing affordability and homelessness response. Since 2021, the five-member board has made bold, sustained investments in housing. More than $55 million across multiple funding streams are helping develop and preserve more than 700 affordable units while expanding services and advancing long-term housing stability for residents. DOLA's Proposition 123 Team (Ashley Weesner, Andrew Hensley, Dean Myron, Becky Brazell, Robyn DiFalco, Jason Schaefer, Jessica Rupe) DOLA’s seven-person Proposition 123 Community Support and Fast Track Teams are critical to ensuring affordable housing goals are met to benefit Coloradans statewide. For the first three-year funding cycle, this team enabled 217 local jurisdictions to commit to building or preserving 22,988 housing units. They also helped local governments implement this ahead of schedule, so Coloradans can see more affordable results sooner. Kristin Hyser Kristin Hyser is a recognized leader in the field of affordable housing. She has built a distinguished career in the public sector, with experience spanning public health, community development, economic development, and human services. The majority of her work has focused on advancing affordable housing initiatives. In Colorado, her professional experience includes roles with Jefferson County, the City of Boulder, and she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Broomfield Housing Alliance. Laurel Lutz Laurel Lutz is a trusted housing leader, Mayor Pro Tem of Grand Junction, and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Mesa County. With deep expertise in nonprofit leadership, policy, and advocacy, she bridges local government and affordable housing to advance equitable, community-driven solutions. Laurel’s collaborative approach and statewide impact make her an extraordinary champion for housing stability in Colorado. Michelle Gray A standout property manager known for exceptional leadership, compassion, and results, they consistently go above and beyond to support residents and staff. Their proactive approach, strong communication, and dedication to creating stable, thriving communities set them apart. They expertly balance operations with empathy, making a lasting impact on affordable housing and the people who call it home. Shelly Marquez Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) Organization: Colorado Department of Local Affairs Organization: The Fax Partnership Golden Girls Organization: Joseph Center The Joseph Center is providing a place for homeless families and individuals with children to attend during the day. Offering a safe and private environment. It supports all forms of recovery - MAT, NA, AA, harm reduction, and spiritual. It also supported families and friends who have been affected by addictions. The goal is to help achieve long term recovery.
Hinsdale County and Lake City Comprehensive Housing Strategy Organization: Town of Lake City and Hinsdale County Lake City and Hinsdale County built their first housing plan together — from scratch. Over 11 months, more than 30 working sessions, steering meetings, and public forums brought residents, elected officials, and local employers to the same table. The plan draws on best practices shaped to fit a small rural resort community, with steps that can start now and a framework that grows over time. Both jurisdictions adopted it jointly in February 2026. Housing Partners of Larimer Organization: Larimer County Housing Partners of Larimer (HPL) builds bridges between people and housing to create a stronger Larimer. We inspire local property owners to offer safe homes to neighbors regaining stability by providing up to $3,500 in risk mitigation, signing bonuses, and a dedicated liaison. Our extraordinary collective pairs these financial protections with wrap-around tenant services—ensuring owners run profitable rentals while holding the key to help someone come home. Ithaka's Family Transitional Housing Program Organization: Ithaka Housing Ithaka’s Family Transitional Housing Program is dedicated to helping families achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency by providing safe, stable transitional housing paired with case management. The program serves families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, offering them a secure place to live while they work toward goals established with their case manager. Ithaka's Men's Transitional Housing Program Organization: Ithaka Housing Ithaka has a 12-bedroom group home called the Shore House where they provide up to 18 months of stable housing and supportive case management to individual men experiencing homelessness, previously incarcerated, recovering from addiction, and help them on their journey. Every resident meets with their case manager that supports them in obtaining full-time, developing personal goals, building life skills, and creating a pathway toward long term stability and independence.
Path to Homeownership Housing Resources of Western Colorado’s Path to Homeownership creates an integrated and supportive program that addresses the common barriers to homeownership for modest income households. The path integrates outreach, employer partnerships, education, credit building, savings and debt support, matched savings grants, down payment assistance loans, affordable housing development, and post purchase support toward the goal of creating homeowners with excellent prospects for long term success. Multifamily Energy Efficiency Program Organization: Energy Outreach Colorado Organization: Volunteers of America Colorado VOA Colorado’s Theodora Family Hotel is trauma informed program for families and Veterans experiencing homelessness to rest their heads and transform their lives out of homelessness permanently. Guests have private rooms and onsite critical time intervention support services consisting of housing navigation, case management, employment resources, benefit assistance and more. This also includes connection to internal programing such as early childhood education and affordable housing resources. Thistle ROC - Roaring Fork ROC (Resident Owned Communities) Acquisition Project Organization: Thistle Community Housing & Western Regional Housing Coalition Thistle Community Housing and WMRHC partnered to permanently preserve 139 homes for ~500 residents: 90% Hispanic, most earning below 80% AMI in one of Colorado's most expensive housing markets. Facing displacement when their parks were listed for sale, residents formed cooperatives to purchase the land beneath their homes for $42M. Through an unprecedented regional coalition of lenders, governments, and donors, these communities now own their future. United Neighbors/Vecinos Unidos (UN/VU) Organization: United Neighbors/Vecinos Unidos (UN/VU) WellPower Rental Assistance Team Organization: WellPower The WellPower Rental Assistance Team is an exceptional partner in housing stability for residents exiting chronic homelessness. Serving individuals with extremely low incomes and disabling conditions, they go beyond traditional voucher administration with a service-centered approach. On-site office hours, proactive communication, staff training, and strong resident advocacy create a responsive system that prevents housing crises and helps residents maintain long-term stability. Ascent at Hover Crossing Developer: Longmont Housing Authority and Pennrose Architect: Van Meter Williams and Pollack Contractor: Deneuve Construction Services The Ascent at Hover Crossing, a partnership between the Longmont Housing Authority and Pennrose, creates a cohesive “campus” that integrates housing, amenities, and childcare in a high-opportunity Longmont neighborhood. The community offers 75 apartments to households at or below 30% Area Median Income (AMI) and up to 80% AMI. Ascent showcases 1, 2, 3 and 4-bedrooms apartments, a community center, and a three classroom Early Childhood Education Center operated by local non profit, Our Center. Belmar Groves Developer: Metro West Housing Solutions Architect: Studio 646 Architecture Contractor: Calcon Constructors Belmar Groves revitalized a 1970s, 118-unit Lakewood community with modern, accessible apartments and upgraded amenities. Interior and exterior renovations, new community spaces, and improved streetscape connections create a welcoming, inclusive neighborhood. A mix of 30–50% AMI units expands affordability, giving residents a place they’re proud to call home. Bentley Commons Phase II Developer: GPR Properties Architect: Way Architects, P.C. Contractor: Palace Construction Bentley Commons is a transformative redevelopment in Colorado Springs, where three nonprofit housing leaders revitalized a long-vacant property into a vibrant affordable housing community. Phase II adds 168 one-to-three-bedroom homes for families earning 30–60% of Area Median Income, with 25 units reserved for Veterans. With on-site services, community spaces, and trail access, Bentley Commons delivers stability, connection, and opportunity.
Developer: Ulysses Development Group Architect: Ebersoldt + Associates Architecture (e+a) Contractor: Legacy Construction Services, LLC Eagle Villas is a 120‑unit affordable multifamily community in Colorado’s Vail Valley. Acquired by UDG in June 2024 as affordability protections were set to expire, the property was preserved as affordable for 60 years and saved from market‑rate conversion. A $10M rehabilitation improved homes for residents earning 45–80% AMI, preventing displacement of 120+ families. Completed in March 2026, the project also created a roadmap for future efforts to preserve affordable housing with few resources. Heartside Hill Developer: Care Communities Architect: Alm2s Contractor: Palace Construction Heart of the Rockies Church donated 9 acres of vacant land to address the need for affordable housing. In partnership with CARE Communities, Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, and L’Arche Northern Colorado, the site was developed into a vibrant, inclusive community which includes 72 apartments, 9 single-family homes, and 2 shared homes for individuals with and without developmental disabilities, all centered around a community hub with open space, gardens and gathering areas. Holly38 Developer: Delwest Development Corporation Architect: Santulan Architecture Contractor: Crossland Construction Company Holly38 transformed a former Metro Taxi lot into 253 modern, income-restricted apartments ranging from one-bedroom to four-bedroom townhomes with attached garages, serving families earning 30%–80% AMI. Built amid post-COVID construction volatility and rising interest rates, the project pioneered income averaging and secured $8.3M through ARPA/HOME and $3.5M in 4% federal tax credits. Creative stakeholder collaboration and bold financing turned exceptional obstacles into a beautiful community. Hunt Family Housing Developer: Andy Barton, President and CEO, Catholic Charities of Central Colorado Springs Architect: Compass TDG Architecture LLC Contractor: Colarelli Construction The 120-year-old Helen Hunt Elementary School now houses 24 transitional living units for parents and children exiting homelessness as part of a full-services campus for Catholic Charities families. The $9 million adaptive reuse project retained as much of the old school as possible. These historic elements convey a sense of permanence for those getting a place to live - possible for the first time. Resident families must qualify as extremely low income under federal government definitions. Jacoby Meadows Senior Apartments Developer: Loveland Housing Authority Architect: WORKSHOP8 Contractor: Pinkard Construction Launchpad Developer: Cohen-Esrey Architect: Shopworks Architecture Contractor: Brinkman Constructors Los Altos Developer: Columbia Ventures Architect: Shopworks Architecture Contractor: I-Kota Marshall Street Landing Developer: BlueLine Development, Marshall Homes LLP Architect: Shopworks Architecture Contractor: Deneuve Construction Services, Inc. Marshall St. Landing is an 85-unit affordable housing community for individuals and families experiencing homelessness with incomes below the 30% area median income. BlueLine Development and Family Tree partnered together on the development and Family Tree is the lead service provider. Since 1976, Family Tree has served the metro area by providing services aimed at overcoming the interconnected issues of child abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness to promote safety, healing and stability. Nellies Neighborhood Developer: Summit County Government Housing Department Architect: Design Path Studio Contractor: Summit Homes Construction Nellies Neighborhood consists of 14 new units which are constructed models of the County’s ADU Stock Plan program, including 1 & 2 bedroom units, all with first floor garages. The project also included remodeling the existing cabin on the site. All 14 new units and the existing cabin have a permanent deed restriction on them that limits the appreciation to 2% per year. Each new unit is Net Zero Energy Ready and comes with solar panels. The units were priced between 95% and 121% AMI. Overlook Apartment Renovation Developer: Maiker Housing Partners Architect: WORKSHOP8 Contractor: Palace Construction Rally Flats Developer: Boulder Housing Partners Architect: Coburn Architecture Contractor: Milender White Residences at Willow Park Developer: Aurora Housing Authority Architect: Studio 646 Architecture Contractor: Alliance Construction Solutions The Residences at Willow Park represent a notable achievement in both the preservation and expansion of affordable rental housing in Colorado. Located in Aurora, the project combines the rehabilitation of 64 existing and the addition of 22 new construction apartments to revitalize an aging property while expanding its capacity to serve low-income families. These 86 high-quality, deeply affordable, homes provide excellent access to transit, schools, health care, and employment centers. Residences on Acoma Developer: Residences on Acoma LLLP Architect: Shopworks Architecture Contractor: Calcon Constructors Residences on Acoma is a 128-unit, mixed-income development created in partnership by Second Chance Center and BlueLine Development, with WellPower delivering on-site supportive services. The community includes 60 supportive housing units for households earning 0–30% AMI and 68 units for households earning up to 60% AMI. Robust amenity space supports resident success, including space for SCC’s apprenticeship program and offices for behavioral health care and case management through WellPower. Rock Creek Housing Project Developer: Mark Garcia, Town of Ignacio Architect: Clearheart Designs Contractor: Canyon Construction Company Sapling Grove Apartments Developer: Grovewood Community Development Architect: Santulan Architecture Contractor: B.C. Builders Sapling Grove Apartments is an 81-unit family housing community in Aurora built on a heritage site held by the same family since the 1950s. One-, two-, and three-bedroom homes affordable to households earning 30–80% AMI serve diverse household types. The community features biophilic design, natural materials, large windows, family-sized layouts, outdoor play spaces, and an onsite Community Resource Center connected to a nature park with walking trails. Architect: Studio 646 Architecture Contractor: I-Kota Sol Apartments and Townhomes is a transformational affordable housing development at the heart of Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood. Designed around Denver Housing Authority’s Healthy Living Initiative, Sol integrates housing, wellness, education, and economic opportunity. Active outdoor spaces, community amenities, and innovative live-work units promote health, inclusion, and long-term stability, setting a new standard for equitable, community-centered affordable housing.
Architect: Chris Carvell/Carvell Architecture Contractor: Alliance Construction Solutions SP Crossing Apartments is a 60-unit affordable housing community in Commerce City delivering quality homes to working families at attainable rents. Developed through a strong public-private partnership with Brinshore Development and the Urban Land Conservancy, it stands out for its collaborative execution, thoughtful design, and rapid lease-up—demonstrating how aligned partners can successfully deliver impactful, scalable housing solutions.
Developer: High Plains Housing Development Corp. Architect: WORKSHOP8 Contractor: KCI Construction StarRise Apartments is a permanent supportive housing (PSH) community that demonstrates how PSH projects can go right! The first PSH project serving this part of the state, StarRise Apartments, is a partial adaptive reuse leveraging historic buildings to create a sense of place and communal space outside downtown Greeley. StarRise shows that with careful planning, management, and incredible teamwork, PSH communities can be nourishing to their residents and operationally robust.
Developer: Catholic Charities Housing Architect: Shopworks Architecture Contractor: FCI Constructors, Inc. The Benedict Apartments is a 34-unit affordable community in Glenwood Springs, CO that serves older adults that are 55+ years old. The building was designed to support older adults to age in place, and has some of the most stunning views in the town. The development was made possible by a generous donation from the Benedict family who left funds specifically to support affordable housing, in partnership with many public and private entities. Local support ensured the success of this project.
Developer: Urban Land Conservancy Architect: Studio Completiva, Inc. Contractor: Pinkard Construction Company The Irving at Mile High Vista delivers 102 permanently affordable apartments in Denver’s West Colfax neighborhood through Urban Land Conservancy’s community land trust model. Serving households earning 20–80% AMI, the all-electric development exceeded CHFA sustainability requirements and was among the first projects to leverage Proposition 123 funding. Located along the Colfax transit corridor, the project provides equitable access to housing, transportation, and community resources.
The Landing Developer: The Matthews House Architect: Shopworks Architecture Contractor: Adolfson & Peterson The Landing is Northern Colorado’s first and only overnight shelter for unaccompanied minors and transition-age youth (15–20), and the only licensed youth shelter north of Denver. It serves up to 20 youth nightly, providing meals, mental health support, daily essentials, and community. The project is a partnership between Thompson School District and The Matthews House.
Developer: MGL Partners Architect: Santulan Architecture Contractor: B.C. Builders, LLC The St. Stephen has 50 units developed by MGL Partners in collaboration with St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church. It serves seniors, 62+, who make between 30% and 60% of the Area Median Income. It sits adjacent to St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church in the Central Park neighborhood and is surrounded by an established single-family neighborhood and charter school, with low-volume traffic streets making it a quiet yet stimulating environment for seniors.
Developer: Volunteers of America Colorado Architect: Shopworks Architecture Contractor: Calcon Constructors The Theodora Family Hotel is a transformative development to address the urgent needs of families and veterans experiencing homelessness. Located on the former site of the aging Aristocrat Motor Motel—Theodora reimagines what transitional housing for families and veterans can be. The building offers 60 rooms which can house up to 150 people each night. In addition, it includes a safe playground for kids, dining room, gathering spaces, and offices so services can be offered onsite. |
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