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Committee approves drafting and contracts for Lakewood Complex public–private redevelopment including affordable housing, childcare and artist studios
Summary
The committee approved multiple motions allowing the Department of Personnel and Administration to pursue redevelopment of state-owned Lakewood parcels through a public–private partnership, including use approvals and authorization to enter long-term ground leases and sale agreements (most motions passed 5–1).
The Bellamy Committee approved motions to advance a public–private partnership to redevelop state-owned parcels at the Lakewood Complex for affordable housing, a childcare facility and artist studios.
Presenters and developers returned to the committee to answer questions about the project’s design and operations. Bridal Lee Connors of Metro West Housing said the plan includes a community hub with a childcare facility that could accommodate "between 70 and 80 children," depending on age group and final design, and that Metro West would seek a qualified provider to operate the space and might rent the space at no charge to support operations.
Representatives asked whether an onsite daycare would be open to the surrounding neighborhood; a project representative confirmed the daycare would be open to the general public. The project team said it will partner with Elevation Community Land Trust and use a community land trust model—specifically a 99‑year renewable land lease with a shared-appreciation approach—to secure long-term affordability for deed‑restricted homes.
The committee clarified technical points: two of the roughly 75 homes are planned as licensed family childcare homes (a large license typically serves up to 12 children), and CHFA (Colorado Housing and Finance Authority) tables used in the proposal reflect per‑unit income and rent limits rather than per‑person amounts.
Bruce Eisenhower of the Department of Local Affairs described the mixed‑use approach as valuable for community continuity and said projects with onsite childcare receive extra scoring credit in DOLA’s programs. Committee members also discussed the 40 West Arts District’s demand for studio space; Metro West said the district would likely manage artist studios under a master lease.
On a series of motions, the committee approved: (1) use approval to redevelop Parcel 1 and a flex parcel for affordable housing, childcare and artist gallery/studio space; (2) authority for the Department of Personnel and Administration to enter long‑term ground leases and related contracts; (3) use approval for Parcel 2 and the adjacent Reed Street parcel for affordable/attainable housing and childcare; and (4) authorization to enter into contracts and sale agreements for Parcel 21900 Reed Street and the adjacent Reed Street parcel. Each of these motions passed by roll-call vote, with a typical result of 5 in favor and 1 opposed. The opposing vote was recorded for the member listed as Elton B. The committee concluded CDC business and adjourned.
The motions advance contract and sale authority steps but do not themselves finalize any sale prices, lease terms or construction contracts. Further negotiations and any legislative approvals required for funding or statutory changes will follow as the Department of Personnel and Administration and development partners proceed.
