Indy Street Flats Tops Out to Close 2018
We closed out 2018 by celebrating a milestone at Indy Street Flats. Construction crews topped out the structure, meaning that the last beam is in place atop Indy Street Flats. We're looking forward to continued progress and opening the apartment community later this year!
Celebrating the Fifty Eight Hundred Grand Opening
On October 9, we celebrated the Grand Opening of the Fifty Eight Hundred community at 5800 W. Alameda Ave.
The grand opening ceremony brought together the project's partners, Lakewood officials and community members to tour model units and amenities located in the first tower on the site—a long vacant, eight-story office building that was revitalized to hold 54 apartments.
​In total, the apartment community features seven studios, 46 one-bedroom, 78 two-bedroom and 21 three-bedroom apartments. A majority of the units will serve residents earning 60 percent of the area median income (AMI), with the remainder serving those who earn between 30 and 50 percent AMI.
Urban Land Recognizes CityScape at Belmar
Metro West Housing Solutions is honored to be recognized by the Urban Land Institute for its 130-unit senior community, CityScape at Belmar located at 500 S. Reed St. Built in 2015 and featuring the largest residential solar array in the state, CityScape has achieved LEED Platinum certification. Urban Land noted amenities including fitness and wellness rooms, raised community garden beds, as well as a courtyard that has an outdoor kitchen, a seating area, and a fire pit. Read the full article in Urban Land.
Trishaw Helps Seniors Feel the Wind in Their Hair
​The right to feel the wind in one's hair is the philosophy of Cycling Without Age, a global movement to get seniors back on bikes and out in the community. Metro West Housing Solutions recently got our seniors riding again as we welcomed our own trishaw -- and they love it. Read more about the impact of Cycling Without Age at the Residences at Creekside, a MWHS community.
Fifty Eight Hundred Construction Making Great Strides
​​Fifty Eight Hundred is "cementing" its status as a pedestrian-oriented development! Recently, the crew laid the sidewalks around the building. These wider sidewalks can accommodate more pedestrians and bicyclists, enhancing the appearance and functionality of this stretch along Alameda Avenue. They will also be home to a one-of-a-kind public art installation that will be unveiled later this year. Learn more about Fifty Eight Hundred here.
Bringing Home the Mission of Metro West Housing Solutions
Every home—and every person—has a story. That's why Metro West Housing Solutions launched Housing Matters, a blog that shines a spotlight on our amazing residents and the transformative work of the agency. In March, we learn how one MWHS resident was finally able to put a lifetime of dental problems and fear behind him. We also hear from a resident who's participation in the MWHS community gardens inspired her to become a first-time homebuyer—at 66!
'Topping off' Marks Milestone in Construction of Fifty Eight Hundred
A vacant 1980s-era office building is closer in its transformation to becoming an affordable home for Lakewood families. Fifty Eight Hundred will hold seven studios, 46 one-bedroom, 78 two-bedroom and 21 three-bedroom apartments in the existing eight-story office tower and a new, adjacent four-story building. This month, the construction crew "topped off" the new four-story tower, a builder's rite that means the framing has reached the top and roofing is beginning. Although there is still much work to be done, construction on the first tower is expected to wrap up in September, with completion of the second tower in December. Follow Fifty Eight Hundred updates here!
Construction of Fifty Eight Hundred Reaches Halfway Point
Feb. 1, 2018​
Fifty Eight Hundred is taking shape as construction reaches 50 percent completion. Recently, the development team inspected finishes in the model unit, which featured a spacious and modern layout with clean lines, accented with exposed finishes and plenty of natural light. Both buildings will be wonderful places to live as a result of working with such a detail-oriented construction company and a visionary architect. Fifty Eight Hundred is well-designed to meet the expectations of today's families--from a fitness center, to wi-fi, playground and grill areas. Fifty Eight Hundred's first tower is on pace to open in September, with the second tower to follow in November. Future residents can begin applying in spring! Check out more pictures of Fifty Eight Hundred here.
​If you've driven down Alameda recently, you may have seen some BIG changes happening to Fifty Eight Hundred's construction on a daily basis.
​The transformation of the previous building into a multi-family apartment community is well under way. The tower building is anticipated to be closed in by the end of November. The windows and exterior finishes are quickly going in. The foundation for the new addition, the west building, has been poured. Additionally, the core of the west building (the stair/elevator tower) is now topped out. Framing of the west building will commence the second week of November.
Keep an eye on Fifty Eight Hundred's construction progress LIVE here. Updates will continue to be posted on MWHS' website and on social media channels.
CityScape at Belmar wins Grand Award at the 2017 Multifamily Executive Awards Conference
MWHS' Deputy Executive Director/COO, Sabrina Pierre-Louis accepts Grand Award at 2017 MFE Conference in Las Vegas.
CitySape at Belmar has triple win with hip, affordable, sustainability.
This new, four-story (apartment community) gives seniors a bold, colorful, contemporary place to live with sustainable building solutions.
​Metro West Housing Solutions has helped revitalize and sustain neighborhoods and local businesses by building and managing mixed-use, high-quality, financially successful apartments and commercial properties.
- Multifamily Executive Magazine
Lamar's Outdoor Classroom receives national 2017 AISC Ideas2 Award
At MWHS, we strive to be innovative in all of our designs and developments, but it's not every day that one of these projects is recognized on a national level! The Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom, built in 2014 at Lamar Station Crossing, was the recipient of the 2017 Ideas2 Award from the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
AISC's Ideas2 Awards recognize projects where structural steel has been utilized in an innovative manner. The Outdoor Classroom was recognized alongside huge projects, including the Four World Trade Center in New York. The classroom, built in partnership with CU's Design Build Workshop, was constructed using concrete, steel and bricks. Security was paramount in the design and the structure is both transparent and graffiti-proof. The classroom is used by residents and the Two Creeks community for events and classes. It also has built in storage spaces to store Lamar's gardening supplies for the onsite community gardens.
One judge, David Allen of the U.S. District Court, said, "The steel structure is a creative solution to a difficult program requirement to provide both opacity and transparency simultaneously."
Charlie Carter, president of AISC, commented, "This design really draws you in. It's the site I wish we had every nice day back when I was in college and we would ask if we could hold the class outside."
The awards ceremony was held in the Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom with representatives from AISC, headquartered in Chicago, present to give the award.
Senior enjoy summer barbecues at MWHS' senior communities
CityScape at Belmar had its first summer barbecue on August 18 in the community courtyard. Residents enjoyed the grilled eats while live music played and staff raffled off resident gifts.
Neighbors and law enforcement enjoy National Night Out events
Metro West Housing Solutions is featured in national Affordable Housing News publication
​June 2017
MWHS has been featured in the nationally circulated Affordable Housing News (AHN) publication for its history as a housing authority and how the agency has become an active and beloved member of the community, providing "quality architecture" and sustainable practices.
Read all about MWHS' story and what's in the pipeline for future developments in AHN's article here.
CityScape at Belmar and Housing Choice Voucher Program both receive local awards in 2017
The City of Lakewood awards CityScape at Belmar the Sustainability Award.
MWHS' Housing Choice Voucher Program was awarded a Colorado/Mountain Plains NAHRO award.
Fifty Eight Hundred Ungroundbreaking was last look at Alameda tower before construction begins
At Fifty Eight Hundred's (un)Groundbreaking Ceremony, Metro West, partners and the community came together to celebrate the imminent transformation of the tower on Alameda into a beautiful, affordable multi-family campus. MWHS will begin construction on Fifty Eight Hundred in the coming week. With 152-units, Fifty Eight Hundred will house studios, 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments. The $34 million dollar development will open in 2018 to serve income limits between 30-60% AMI. The wait list is not yet open and prospective applicants can expect more updates regarding the wait list next year. View recent press here and here.
Fifty Eight Hundred would not be possible without the unwavering support of its partners. Thank you to Key Bank, JHL, Sprocket, City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, CHFA, First Bank, CDOH, EPA and Enterprise Community Partners.
Metro West receives Chairman's Choice Award from JeffCo Economic Development Corporation
Metro West Housing Solutions was incredibly honored to be chosen for Jefferson County Economic Development Council's 2016 Chairman's Choice Award.
As Jeffco EDC seeks to encourage primary job growth and new capital investment in Jefferson county, MWHS is proud to be recognized as an agency that significantly contributes to the economic vitality of Jefferson County and its citizens. As Jefferson County has expanded and grown, so has Metro West Housing Solutions. Once a cautious housing authority, MWHS is now a multi-faceted developer, property manager, and supportive services provider.
​Known in the community as a partner, neighbor and friend, MWHS develops, owns and manages some of the most modern, beautiful and award winning apartment buildings in the area. As affordable housing continues to be in great demand, Metro West continues to create vibrant communities meeting the needs of its beloved community and residents.
CityScape at Belmar receives 2016 Architecture and Design Award from Senior Housing News
​Jan. 23, 2017
Senior Housing News (SHN) honored CityScape, new senior apartments in Lakewood's downtown, with the Affordable Housing Award in its national 2016 Architecture & Design competition. SHN Awards recognize excellence by celebrating projects that improve the lives of seniors through innovative design. CityScape at Belmar, a mixed-income community, opened in November of 2015 and is now fully leased. Read SHN's feature article here.
"The architectural aspects of the structure are what made the community stand out among other affordable communities. The design is very contemporary. From the materials and colors on the exterior and the interior—no one would ever think it was a senior living building. The design makes the building blend in as part of the neighborhood rather than looking like a tired senior apartment building."
​- Elisabeth Borden, SHN Awards judge and principal of The Highland Group, Inc.
CityScape at Belmar wins the People's Choice Award at Housing NOW!
At the 2016 Housing Colorado NOW Conference, MWHS' newest senior development, CityScape at Belmar, was awarded the People's Choice Award.
The People's Choice Award is decided by votes from the housing community to honor the most deserving candidate in affordable housing right now in Colorado. Thank you to all who voted for our apartment community and to the many individuals who made CityScape possible. We hope that you have a chance to check out the beautiful and colorful senior campus in the heart of Belmar!
MWHS celebrates National Senior Appreciation Day with summer BBQs
​Residences at Creekside and Willow Glen Senior Residences hosted summer barbecues with hot eats and cool prizes for the vibrant seniors that live in the apartment communities. Both events had entertainment and live music that had employees and residents alike on their feet and dancing! MWHS knows that its older adult residents are such an important part of the community and are consistently giving back and getting involved in the neighborhood and beyond. We appreciate you!
National Night Out event united local communities and police for fun and safety
Every year, neighborhoods across the country gather their communities and resources to throw parties celebrating togetherness, safety and efforts against crime. On National Night Out (NNO), smiles and laughter resonate throughout the nation as adults and children alike play games and socialize with their neighbors and local law enforcement. MWHS hosts and co-hosts events at its apartment communities and nearby venues throughout Lakewood and Denver.
Lamar Station Crossing receives national recognition
​Lamar Station Crossing has been awarded the National Tax Credit Excellence Award in the Metropolitan Housing category for this year's Charles L. Edson Tax Credit Excellence Awards competition. As a transit-oriented, mixed-income development, Lamar serves as a national model for affordable housing. MWHS Executive Director
Tami J. Fischer, along with Brendalee Connors and Ryan Lunsford, received the award at the 22nd Annual Charles L. Edson Awards held at the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, June 7, 2016. Congressman Ed Perlmutter of Colorado's District 7 presented the award stating, "Lamar Station is the ultimate goal in affordable housing." Read more about the Charles L. Edson Awards on Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition's website.
CityScape takes home CoNAHRO's Affordable Housing Design Award at 2016 Conference
Pictured (left to right): Carl Musso, Brendalee Connors, Lori Rosendahl, Ryan McCaw and Ryan Lunsford.
​May 13, 2016
At Colorado NAHRO's 80s Prom-themed Awards Banquet, MWHS was proud to accept the Affordable Housing Design Award for its newest senior housing community, CityScape at Belmar. In addition to enjoying professional enrichment at the annual conference, held in Vail this year, many staff members led sessions and sat on panels related to their expertise.
Residents enjoyed creating art and participating in on-site events to celebrate Earth Day
Children enjoyed after school Earth Day painting of flower pots to prepare for future flower potting.
Metro West Housing Solutions'
Click to view
CityScape at Belmar, senior apartment community, celebrates grand opening
The Belmar community finally welcomes its first affordable housing in CityScape at Belmar, a mixed-income senior apartment community. With 130-units, CityScape is a LEED Platinum building with the largest solar array of any residential building on the western slope. On Thanksgiving day, CityScape welcomed its first residents and since then, all affordable units, making up 70% of total units, have been leased with only a few market-rate 1- or 2-bedroom apartments remaining. The 4-story building boasts underground parking, LakewoodRides pick-up and on-site resident services, leasing and maintenance. The rooftop deck will host one of the two community gardens, the second in the courtyard. The residents also have two community rooms, a wellness room and fitness center.
The Grand Opening party was held on Friday, Dec. 11 for a large group of partners, industry friends and Belmar neighbors. Guests enjoyed catered hors d'oeuvres, local brews and wine while George Valuck, MWHS board chair, played the piano. Tours allowed the guests to peruse open and staged units, as well as the rooftop patio and other common areas.
This affordable apartment community would not be possible without the assistance and funding of MWHS' partners: CHFA, First Bank, Enterprise Community Partners, HUD, Department of Local Affairs, City of Lakewood and Jefferson County.
View Time Lapse video of CityScape's construction here!
Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom receives National Award of Excellence!
​Board Chair, George Valuck (middle-left), and Board Member, Sandy Maben (middle-right), accepted award at NAHRO's National Conference in Los Angeles.
The Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom at Lamar Station Crossing Apartments is one of our most unique projects and MWHS could not be more proud to accept NAHRO's 2015 Award of Excellence. NAHRO (National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials) is integral to the housing industry and it is such an honor to receive their national recognition. The stunning architectural design is what makes this structure so dynamic and beautiful. Graduate students studying Architecture at UC Denver designed and built the outdoor classroom as their capstone project.
MWHS gives back to Lakewood with Food Bank, flu shots and Adopt-a-Street clean-up
Through rain and shine, MWHS employees were all over Lakewood distributing food with Food Bank of the Rockies, administering free flu shots with St. Anthony's Hospital and picking up trash along the agency's Adopt A Street which runs from 10th Avenue to 20th Avenue along Pierce Street.
RMCAD students team up with Creekside senior residents to winterize their community gardens
A sunny October day provided a pleasant setting for the necessary winterizing of the community garden beds at Creekside Apartments. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) sent over student volunteers to assist the senior residents in preparing their well-loved gardens for the long winter sleep. Afterwards, students and residents enjoyed a chili potluck complete with pie and cider!
Our 2014 Annual Report has been published:
More Than A Roof
Lamar Station Crossing is awarded a Phoenix Award at the National Brownfields Conference
We are are so proud to have received the Phoenix award for Lamar Station Crossing. Our very own Ryan McCaw accepted the Phoenix Award at the 2015 Brownsfields Conference in Chicago, IL on Thursday, September 3. This award is especially significant as it honors outstanding brownfield projects from each of the 10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regions.
Lamar Station Crossing received the Region 8 Phoenix Award for its transformation of a contaminated brownfield site to a bright, innovative apartment community. When MWHS purchased the 5-acre brownfield site, it was contaminated with petroleum, grease matter, and asbestos. Now, Lamar Station Crossing stands proud in the Two Creeks Neighborhood as the first development along the West Rail Line with a beautiful outdoor classroom, community garden and so much more to come with Phase II.
Ride the West Rail Line through Lakewood and see Lamar Station Crossing for yourself!
Residences at Creekside hosts an a fun, sunny BBQ to celebrate National Senior Citizens Day
2015 National Night Out was a great success in Denver, Lakewood
On one night every year, neighborhoods across the country gather their communities and resources to throw parties celebrating togetherness, safety and efforts against crime. On National Night Out (NNO), tension is suspended as smiles and laughter resonate throughout the nation. MWHS looks forward to NNO every year and participates in events throughout Lakewood and Denver.
Bob Sandridge, MWHS board member, celebrates 30 years with CHFA!
Board Members Sandy Maben and Bob Sandridge at CityScape's Ground Breaking event.
Bob Sandridge, Real Estate Services Administrator, celebrated 30 years at Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA). Bob has served on MWHS' Board since 2001 and has been a Chair for seven years, currently serving as Vice Chair.
In CHFA's recent newsletter, he was interviewed for his feature article and was quoted saying, "I have a drive to help others and make things better. I can make a difference here," said Bob. "That's what we're all here for: to be on the cutting edge of housing and development to help those less fortunate."
Bob was also recognized for his work here at MWHS, of which he said: "I am proud of the achievements MWHS has accomplished and thankful for the opportunity it has given me, to give back to my community."
CityScape progresses with solar array installation to become largest residential array in region
MWHS takes home Award of Excellence for Lamar Station Crossing!
Colorado NAHRO held their 2015 conference: Breaking New Ground last week in Pueblo, Colorado. MWHS was proud to accept the Award of Excellence for Lamar Station Crossing. MWHS Executive Director, Tami Fischer, hosted the awards ceremony in conclusion of her final hours as Colorado NAHRO President and has passed the baton to the most capable Lori Rosendahl of GJHA. MWHS will continue to have an active role in Colorado NAHRO, an organization vital to affordable housing in Colorado.
Red Rock Pointe on Alameda will be mixed-income apartments
"As one project wraps up in Belmar, a Lakewood developer [Metro West Housing Solutions] is scooting east down Alameda Avenue."
- Business Den article
Denver Post reports on MWHS' efforts in metro Denver's affordable housing shortage
The Denver Post reported on the critical need for affordable housing in Lakewood and featured Metro West Housing Solutions' newest development projects as examples of how this high demand should be met and how truly urgent the affordable housing shortage is. Read more.
Active Stairwell at Lamar Station Crossing goes live with healthy results
"For [artist, Laura Phelps Rogers], it was a chance to create an installation that people can experience in a new way.
'People are able to interpret it and enter the work — and what better place than a stairwell?' she said. 'I think the idea behind this will challenge the way people look at stairwells in the future.'"
-Lakewood Sentinel article
Lamar Station Crossing has achieved LEED Gold status
"Lamar Station Crossing, an affordable housing TOD (Transportation Oriented Development) project in Lakewood, Colorado, is worth its weight in Gold – and Silver. The 110 unit, 109,000 square foot multi-family development attained USGBC LEED Gold status for new construction this winter, in the wake of being the first USGBC LEED ND (Neighborhood Development) project in the state of Colorado and the Rocky Mountain Region."
-Humphries Poli Architects
LIHTC Tax Credit is making news nationally; MWHS is featured by local sources
Housing groups ask congress to extend credits
Lakewood Sentinel Article
Affordable Housing Needs Low Income Housing Tax Credit
Lakewood Connect Article
New Bi-Partisan Legislation will Reduce Burden on Fixed-Income Tenants
MWHS stands with ACTION in letter to Congress to strengthen the Housing Credit
Lamar Station Crossing wins 2014 People's Choice Award
At the 2014 Housing Colorado NOW Conference, Lamar Station Crossing was awarded the People's Choice Award. This award is decided by votes from the housing community to honor the most deserving candidate who is producing cutting-edge work in the affordable housing field. Thank you to all who voted for us and the many individuals who made Lamar Station Crossing possible.
CoNAHRO honors Congressman Ed Perlmutter as the 2014 Legislator of the Year
Colorado NAHRO held their Legislator of the Year event at Lamar Station Crossing on Monday, October 6th. Tami Fischer, Executive Director/CEO of MWHS and President of CoNAHRO, presented the award to Congressman Ed Perlmutter for his work and advocacy in the affordable housing community. The event was well attended and included remarks from Lakewood Mayor Bob Murphy and Ricky Garcia, Regional Administrator of HUD. MWHS and Colorado NAHRO are proud to support Congressman Perlmutter and look forward to the positive changes and progress that will occur in affordable housing with his support and enthusiasm.
The event was featured in Congressman Perlmutter's newsletter, More than Four Walls and NAHRO's blog, NAHRO On the Hill.
Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom receives architectural design accolades
The Two Creeks outdoor classroom at Lamar Station Crossing has been featured by designboom, a prominent digital architecture and design magazine. The classroom was erected in collaboration with CU Denver grad students to create a sustainable, shared space for outdoor education.
Click HERE to read the designboom article.
Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom debuted at Lamar Station Crossing
On Tuesday, September 23rd at Lamar Station Crossing, the community gathered to experience the Two Creeks Outdoor Classroom. Science Matters did a special presentation and our Artist-in-Residence, Ryan Mathews, displayed her community-collaborated upcycled sculpture. Families from Head Start and members of the Two Creeks Neighborhood Organization were in attendance as well as MWHS residents and local neighbors of Lamar Station Crossing.
Our 2013 Annual Report has been published:
All Aboard at Lamar Station Crossing
Click on the image to view full document
"What Home Means to Me" 2014 Colorado NAHRO poster contest
MWHS sponsored our own residents again this year and they were winners! Alejandro won 2nd place at the K-5 level and Arianna won 3rd place at the Middle School level. Both will go on to compete on a national level. CoNAHRO has all of the entries and winners posted here. Stay tuned for the national poster contest results.
Arianna, Age 14 - 3rd Place winner at Middle School level
Alejandro, Age 10 - 2nd Place winner at K-5 level
"America's Night Out Against Crime"
National Night Out (NNO) was Tuesday, August 5th. MWHS participated in six events throughout Lakewood and Denver to celebrate crime prevention successes while encouraging neighborhood camaraderie and awareness.
CityScape Ground Breaking!
MWHS was excited to break ground with our newest property, CityScape at Belmar, last Thursday, July 10th at Valkarie Gallery. CityScape at Belmar will be a community for seniors and offer mixed-rate units. This property will be the first in Belmar to have age-restricted housing, as well as affordable housing. The Ground Breaking went swimmingly, with a lovely spread from Whole Foods and beverages by Mile High Wine and Spirits. A special shout-out to the Alameda Gateway Community Association for providing the refreshments, and to a group of Residents at Creekside West that provided hand painted vases to help us decorate for the event! CityScape at Belmar is expected to open late-Fall of 2015. There is much excitement surrounding this property by the Belmar community, prospective tenants and MWHS. Keep an eye on our CityScape page for updates.
High class living
Metro West breaks ground on CityScape at Belmar.
Read the July 17, 2014, Lakewood Sentinel Article.
MWHS Celebrates 40 Years!
On June 10, 1974, the City of Lakewood's Mayor and City Council signed a resolution that created the Housing Authority of the City of Lakewood. Shortly after that, the organization purchased its first 33 units. Today, MWHS has 12 developments; Belmont Manor, Belmar Groves, Cedar Gardens
and Cedar Avenue, Residences at Creekside, Creekside West, Maplewood, Willow Glen, Villas at Sloan's Lake, Los Altos De Alameda, Paloma Villas, Marston Pointe, Lamar Station Crossing and a 13th one on the way, Cityscape at Belmar scheduled open in late 2015. MWHS also currently hold
1,411 authorized Section 8 Vouchers. Together with our residential units, we provide affordable housing to approximately 6000 residents, and offer a wide variety of self-sufficiency resources.
According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development, an estimated 12 million renter and homeowner households now pay more than 50 percent of their annual incomes for housing. A family with one full-time worker earning the minimum wage cannot afford the local fair-market rent for a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the United States.
We recognize the need for affordable housing in Lakewood, Colorado, and the Nation as much or more than we did 40 years ago. MWHS is proud of the work we've accomplished in the last 40 years and looks forward to continuing our work to deliver affordable housing that breaks all the stereotypes about low-income housing. Many thanks to those that have assisted us in our mission along the way!
Lamar Station Crossing is a 2014 Lakewood Sustainability Award Recipient
On April 28, Lamar Station Crossing was presented and proud to except, a 2014 Lakewood Community Sustainability Award from the City of Lakewood. This award is presented to individuals or groups for projects and initiatives that promote a more sustainable Lakewood community. Projects range from new construction or a remodel of existing buildings, ecological restoration, new transportation enhancements or community-based food initiatives. For more information on the award, please visit the City's page here: lakewood.org/SustainabilityAwards.
Lamar Station Crossing Featured in Lakewood Sentinel
Lamar Station Crossing was recently LEED ND Silver certified and featured in the Lakewood Sentinel. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is the world's foremost rating system for design, development, and operation of buildings and communities. This is MWHS' third LEED certified building. Click here to read full article.
Creekside West's 3rd Anniversary
On March 19, Creekside West celebrated its 3rd anniversary. All residents were invited to celebrate with pasta, salad, and an array of desserts. Creekside West is one of MWHS' first energy-efficient communities and a trail-blazer in the field. We are proud of Creekside West, and look forward to many more anniversaries!
Lamar Station Crossing Grand Opening
The long-awaited Lamar Station Crossing is officially open! The brand-new, energy efficient building held a Grand Opening on January 10. Partners and dignitaries from around the state came to celebrate the project's opening. Guests toured the Live/Work units, regular units and the community space. The event displayed art from a LSC resident, live music, and refreshments and beverages from local businesses. The 110-unit building has solar panels built into the roof, that will be allotted to residents, cutting their bills in half. For more information on Lamar Station Crossing, including application procedures, please visit the Lamar Station Crossing page.
Lakewood's Lamar Station Crossing chugs toward January opening
November 5, 2013: Lakewood's first new residential development spawned by the W Line is on pace to open in January, right next door to the station on Lamar Street.
Leasing has begun for Lamar Station Crossing, a 110-unit apartment complex south of the train tracks between Harlan and Lamar streets.
The response has been good so far, and the project's developer, Metro West Housing Solutions, said it hopes to have the building at capacity by opening day. Units are a mix of income-restricted and market-rate housing..
Read more: Lakewood's Lamar Station Crossing chugs toward January opening by Emilie Rusch- The Denver Post
Halloween at Creekside
For Halloween this year, Creekside property management and resident services put together a fun and spooky Halloween lunch for Creekside residents. A costume contest was held, for both residents and dogs, as well as a catered lunch for everyone in attendance. The Halloween-dressed community center had a full dance floor, eyeball and spider punch, a photo booth, and endless sweets.
Four categories of prizes were given to residents for costumes, with a few honorable mentions. The fun continued through late afternoon, with some family members joining for the celebration. Check out the some of the pictures of the festive celebration.
2013 Colorado NAHRO Poster Contest
As part of NAHRO's Housing America campaign, a poster contest is held each year for children residing in affordable housing and community developments owned or administered by NAHRO member agencies. Posters reflect the national theme of "What Home Means to Me."
This year, MWHS sent in one of their own resident's, Arianna Valdez, age 13, to be submitted into the Middle School (6th-8th grade) finals. Among the 28 submissions sent in from around the state in the Middle School age category, Arianna's poster won first place. She received a $100 saving bond from Colorado NAHRO, as well as her poster presented as a winning example until next year's competition. Colorado NAHRO also awarded 8 other MWHS resident submissions with gift cards, for their outstanding artwork. Her poster was also recognized as an Honorable Mention at the National NAHRO level. Below is her winning poster. Congratulations to Arianna, and good work to all participants!
Veteran's Green Project 1 Year Celebration
On September 23, MWHS and partners celebrated the first year of the successful Veterans' Housing Program at Belmar Groves. This program funded housing for 13 previously homeless veterans, a newly renovated Community Resource Center, handicap accessible sidewalks, two American With Disabilities Act-compliant apartments, a better, larger maintenance facility, and energy-efficiency enhancements in all the apartments. The newly renovated Community Resource Center includes additional large event/education spaces, a small conference room, a computer lad and career development zone, and new private offices for small group and one-on-one service provision. Speakers at the event included Representative Ed Permutter, HUD Region 8 Administrator Rick Garcia, MWHS CEO/Executive Director Tami Fischer, and representatives from the VA and Jefferson County. The guest were invited to check out the newly renovated space, with before-and-after pictures on display.
Read full article here: http://issuu.com/coloradocommunitymedia/docs/lakewood_sentinel_1010/1
CityScape at Belmar
We are very excited to announce that our latest housing community has acquired financing and will break ground next year! CityScape at Belmar will offer the only age-restricted and affordably-priced housing options that will ever be built in Belmar. As always, we'll push the envelope with bold architecture and cutting-edge sustainability. Anticipated completion is the end of 2015 - more info here. Check back for updates on this exciting project!
Spotlight On Lakewood
The September 2013 Mayor's Spotlight On Lakewood features an interview with the Mayor and our Executive Director, Tami Fischer, on our Lamar Station Crossing Development. Check it out here!
Lamar Station Crossing is right on schedule to open in January 2014
The construction team is busy finalizing exterior details and beginning to finish apartments inside the building. Solar panels were also recently installed onto the roof of the building. If you haven't already joined the waiting list, there's still time! Click HERE to fill out a waiting list card, and secure your spot on the waiting list. The official leasing application will be ready in October 2013.
Go here to see more pictures and get more information on the property.
New MWHS Website - Live August 1, 2013
Thank you for visiting our new website! MWHS is dedicated to keeping information/news on this site current so that you have the information you need. We welcome your feedback and questions - please send us a message via email, Facebook or Twitter. Check back frequently for more information!
2012 Annual Report (July 2013)
Our 2012 Annual Report has been published - check it out!
annual_report_2012_web.pdf
Colorado NAHRO Tours Creekside
On Friday, July 19, NAHRO held it's Annual Summer Conference in Denver. A sold out Housing and Community Development Tours first stop was our Residences at Creekside Property. After a brief look at the property and a lot of great feedback, the tour group moved to our Lamar Station Development underway before heading into Denver. We were pleased to bring colleagues from all around the nation, Canada and even South Africa to our property!
Lamar Station Crossing Waiting List Opens June 10
The new Lamar Station Crossing apartments have a scheduled January opening, but interested apartment seekers will have the chance to get on the waiting list for the complex starting June 10.
The Lamar Station Crossing is a housing project by Metro West Housing Solutions (MWHS), which will be the first apartment community constructed along the W Rail Line. The site is south of the rail line between Lamar and Harlan streets.
MWHS Executive Director Elected as CoNAHRO President! (May 2013)
Our very own Executive Director/CEO, Tami Fischer, was recently elected Colorado NAHRO's President. Colorado NAHRO is a state chapter of the Mountain Plains Regional Council of NAHRO which is one of eight regional councils that comprise the membership of national NAHRO. It represents individuals' interests at the state and regional level, with HUD and other public interest groups. Tami will be taking on state and national level responsibilities with the new role. Some of the state-level tasks include overseeing activities of Board members and Vice President, preparing the annual report for membership, approves all operating budget payments prior to disbursement, among many others. On a national scale, the position's responsibilities include taking the lead in making arrangements for meeting with chapter's congressional delegation during the National Legislative Conference, helping the regional president with national duties, reviews and comments on the proposed annual schedule of national training events in chapter area, and promoting membership in National NAHRO, among many others.
This is an honorable position and MWHS is proud to claim our Executive Director & CEO as CoNAHRO President; congratulation Tami!
RTD's W light rail line builds steam toward a late-April opening
Light-rail trains are rolling through Lakewood, and officials with the Regional Transportation District said the frequency will increase in the final weeks before the W Line opens to the public.
MWHS receives MetLife award and celebrates with Residents!
(Sept 2012)
2012 - 1st Time Home Buyer Program
For a limited time, MWHS and the Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) are offering first-time homebuyers mortgage assistance loans,
pre- and post-purchase counseling, connections to outside resources, and more for select homes in Lakewood. Click here to learn more.
March 2012 - Artist Input
We are seeking input from artists, students, and prospective renters to help influence design of the new apartment community by the Lamar Street
light rail station to open in 2013. Click here to learn more!
Maplewood Community Garden
Maplewood Apartments was awarded a grant from Colorado Garden Show, Inc. to develop a community garden! Metro West Housing used this grant and with additional support from Denver Urban Gardens, Home Depot, and the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, transformed an unused parking lot into a community garden. The garden includes raised beds, direct water access, prominent signage, storage, and sitting areas and is now open in time for spring 2012 planting. Please click here to see a Press Release and pictures of the new community garden at Maplewood Apartments!