Aurora Housing Authority outlines pipeline of affordable and supportive housing projects
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Summary
Aurora Housing Authority leaders presented a portfolio of projects including a 43‑unit permanent supportive housing building with project‑based vouchers, redevelopment of two Section 8 properties, and several proposed mixed‑income developments supported by ARPA, HOME and private activity bond allocations.
The Aurora Housing Authority on Wednesday briefed the City Council on a multi‑project development pipeline intended to add and preserve affordable housing across Aurora, including a new permanent supportive housing building expected to open in 2026.
The presentation, led by Executive Director Steve Blackstock and Director of Housing Development Martin Petroff, detailed projects under construction and in planning, funding sources and timelines for completion. Authority staff emphasized partnerships with the city, federal programs and private developers to produce deeply affordable units and supportive services.
The authority is building Sanctuary on Potomac, a 43‑unit permanent supportive housing project adjacent to the Potomac Medical Campus that will use project‑based Section 8 vouchers administered by the Aurora Housing Authority. Martin Petroff said the building will provide on‑site mental health and recovery services and 24‑hour staffing; he said construction is under way and the project is anticipated to be complete in August 2026. City staff earlier told the council that the city committed $1 million in ARPA funds to predevelopment expenses for the site.
The authority also described ongoing work to rehabilitate and expand the Residence at Willow Park. Staff said the property—originally 68 units—has been undergoing an acquisition‑rehab that includes construction of an additional building that will add units; staff said the renovation phases are ongoing and a grand opening is likely in January 2026. Petroff described the rehab as including full replacement of systems and appliances and bringing first‑floor ADA units back into code compliance.
On pipeline projects, staff discussed Stanley 98, a proposed 75‑unit family development targeting incomes at roughly 30–60% of area median income. The city provided land support and more than $2.6 million in HOME funds, and the housing authority allocated 10 project‑based vouchers to the site. If low‑income housing tax credits are awarded in November, Petroff said the team hopes to break ground next summer and complete construction in 2027.
Staff also described conceptual work on Walden Phase 2 (roughly a 60‑unit concept), a Windler site east of E‑470 on a 4.5‑acre parcel for future development, and an acquisition‑rehab of Trolley Park (38 units) expected to be planned for 2026. Petroff said some parcels were the subject of a voluntary design charrette organized by Housing Colorado.
Blackstock acknowledged questions from council members about funding uncertainty tied to litigation over state ballot measures. “We certainly don't know if we're impacted,” Blackstock said, adding that “from what we're seeing, all the agencies are funding as usual” and that awards already made generally remain secure. He and Petroff said they were watching state and federal budget developments and moving projects forward where possible to limit exposure to future changes.
The authority also summarized how it uses special limited partnership agreements, low‑income housing tax credits and private activity bond allocations to achieve deeper affordability. Staff listed recent bond allocations to local projects and noted several special limited partnerships the authority has entered to achieve property tax exemptions and waived planning fees for developments serving households at or below 80% of AMI.
Council members asked technical questions about the difference between tenant‑based and project‑based vouchers; Petroff explained that with project‑based vouchers “if you leave the property, the voucher stays with the project” and a new qualifying tenant can occupy the unit with the subsidy. No formal action was taken; the presentation was provided for information and council discussion.
The Aurora Housing Authority presenters included Sarah Pulliam (City of Aurora manager of housing and community development), Steve Blackstock (executive director, Aurora Housing Authority) and Martin Petroff (director of housing development, Aurora Housing Authority).
