“Affordable housing” is an issue of concern not only in Colorado Springs, but also across America. And it is a topic being discussed widely: within the highest levels of government, within working families, and even within groups of friends gathered at social events. Colarelli Construction is excited to partner with a local nonprofit and school district to provide one more solution to this issue—affordable housing for educators.
Last year, nonprofit land developer and community builder We Fortify joined Colorado Springs Harrison School District 2 to envision and plan “Wendy’s Village,” a community of forty, 352-square-foot duplexes on a one-acre parcel at one of the district’s school grounds. The District administration’s goal is to attract educators by offering housing that costs about one-half of the average rent in Colorado Springs.
What is notable about the Wendy’s Village project is that—from the duplex concept to the inclusion of neighborhood spaces like a community center, an event space, and neighborhood raised garden beds—it is intentionally designed to build community amongst its residents.
Wendy’s Village is the third in a series of recent affordable housing projects that Colarelli Construction has been involved with in Colorado Springs.
Located in central Colorado Springs, Colarelli Construction is in the final stages of its work on Catholic Charities’ Helen Hunt Family Housing Project. Once complete, this converted 1902 elementary school will provide 24 multi-family residences to families on the edge of homelessness.
And last year Colarelli Construction completed work on the Sumner House at Draper Commons in the south-end of downtown. The Sumner House is a four-story affordable housing for-rent apartment building that offers 3 studio units, 72 one-bedroom units, and 20 two-bedroom units to those individuals and families making 30% — 60% of the area’s median income (AMI).