Denver Housing Authority (DHA) recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Sun Valley's third and final phase, a decade-long redevelopment initiative to transform Denver's most historically diverse and impoverished neighborhoods.
Supported by a large HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, DHA’s Sun Valley development includes seven buildings, going beyond housing to enhance infrastructure, food systems, and community spaces such as Riverfront Park. With a commitment to mixed-income communities and inclusivity, the development features three distinct multifamily housing buildings—Joli, Sol, and Flo—offering a range of amenities, including a food hall and market. Led by strategic partners, including Shaw Builders, OZ Architecture, I-Kota, Studio 646 Architecture, and Pinkard Construction, the redevelopment is set for completion in 2025. Through an exhaustive outreach and engagement process, community members anticipate positive change, emphasizing the resilience and unity of Sun Valley residents throughout the neighborhood’s revitalization. Additionally, DHA has plans for ongoing community engagement, environmental cleanup efforts, and further development in Sun Valley, reflecting a comprehensive approach to neighborhood transformation.
The development aims to keep and reflect the historical diversity while serving a much larger population in its new form. In total, the entire DHA Sun Valley redevelopment replaces 333 units of public housing with a total of 940 new, mixed units that will have the capacity to serve upwards of 2,500 residents.
Sun Valley Block 3
As the first block in the redevelopment of Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood, the Block 3 project, in many ways, sets the stage for the future transformation of this culturally rich community. Block 3 by OZ is noteworthy for integrating public and semi-public open spaces that connect a new riverfront park with the balance of this unique neighborhood, providing 358 affordable housing units catered to families and seniors.
OZ has partnered with DHA to provide complete architectural services for blocks two and three. The entirety of Block 3 is now under construction, with a targeted completion date in 2025.
Sun Valley Block 3 – Phase 1 - Joli
The Joli Building in the Block 3 development comprises 133 residential units, encompassing 183,000 SF, spread across eight stories, catering to families with up to 4-bedroom options, including some multi-story ground-level units. One of its standout features is a rooftop community garden, providing a green space for residents to grow food and connect with and enjoy the outdoors. Additionally, this development phase fosters local entrepreneurship by housing the 7,000-square-foot "Sun Valley Food Hub," hosting five food vendors and a shared commissary kitchen, promoting startup businesses in the area.
Included in Phase 1 is a 220-stall, three-story above-ground parking garage designed to serve the Block 3 community. This free-standing garage is fully wrapped by the various residential developments on this block, ensuring convenient and ample parking space for the residents while reducing the need for surface lots.
Sun Valley Block 3 - Phase 2 - Flo
Flo is a 12-story building with 212 units, encompassing 188,300 SF, specifically designed as a community targeting individuals aged 62+ and disabled individuals aged 18+. This building will create an active adult community catering to their needs and preferences. The units available are one and two-bedroom options, and the development includes various amenity spaces to support the residents' lifestyle and activities.
Sun Valley Block 3 – Phase 3 - Townhomes
Phase 3 consists of 13 townhomes encompassing 20,000 SF. Each townhome is three stories and wraps around the centrally located parking garage with direct ground-level access to an adjacent community courtyard and green space.
Stay tuned to OZ Insights and social media for progress on our DHA Sun Valley work!
hello@ozarch.com
303-861-5704
3003 Larimer Street
Denver, CO 80205