On July 17, Grovewood Community Development proudly opened the doors to Sapling Grove Apartments, a new mixed-income affordable housing community located at 10151 E. Jewell Ave. in Aurora.
This 4.11-acre development aims to address the pressing need for affordable housing in the area by offering over 130 modern, service-enriched multifamily housing units across two phases.
The recently completed phase I features 81 family units designed to provide safe and comfortable living spaces for working families.
Phase II will expand the community by adding an additional 50 units specifically for senior housing, ensuring support for diverse age demographics.
Executive Director of Grovewood Community Development, Jo Ellen Davidson, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “This grand opening is a celebration of creating affordable homes for Aurora citizens – now and for future generations.”
She highlighted the critical moment in which many families are struggling to maintain housing stability, reinforcing the notion that community collaboration can lead to successful outcomes in affordable housing solutions.
The newly built, energy-efficient building spans 86,553 square feet and consists of four stories, featuring one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans.
Residents will benefit from amenities like energy-efficient appliances, air conditioning, in-unit washers and dryers, spacious walk-in closets, and inclusive utility payment structures.
Furthermore, Sapling Grove is equipped with a variety of common spaces, including a fitness center, outdoor gathering areas with a large picnic zone, a modern playground, and artistic installations, all designed to foster community interaction.
A furnished rooftop patio and walking trails also grace the property, along with native landscaping that provides a natural aesthetic.
The building includes a public space dedicated to promoting health and wellness through an on-site Community Resource Center, which will offer valuable resources to the greater Aurora community.
Mayor Mike Coffman remarked, “It’s important that the people who work here can also afford to live here, and these 81 new units at Sapling Grove are a meaningful step forward in meeting that need for families in our city.”
He expressed the vision of creating a more inclusive Aurora, emphasizing that this initiative contributes to building strong bonds within the community.
Sapling Grove addresses the growing affordability gap in Aurora by catering to residents with incomes ranging from 30% to 80% of the Area Median Income.
A recent housing strategy report indicated a disparity in economic growth, with home values skyrocketing by 71% from 2010 to 2017 compared to a 36% increase in median renter income during the same period.
As a result, residents may require an income of over $50,000 to afford the average rent, placing additional pressure on those earning lower incomes.
Davidson reiterated Grovewood’s commitment to affordable housing, stating, “At Grovewood, we believe that affordable, safe, quality housing is foundational to the health and well-being of individuals and communities.”
She affirmed that the design of Sapling Grove was specifically focused on providing stability and dignity for working families.
The successful development of Sapling Grove was made possible through the collaboration of numerous partners, with funding sourced from 22 different organizations, including the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, and the Colorado Division of Housing, among others.
A significant grant from the Colorado Health Foundation further supported the outdoor recreation spaces and wellness initiatives on the property, underscoring the community’s cooperative effort to create meaningful solutions for housing challenges.
image source from：milehighcre
