May 25th, 2022, Boulder, CO
Housing Colorado awarded Milender White (MW), Boulder Housing Partners (BHP) and Coburn Architects the 2022 Housing Colorado Eagle Award for 30PRL. Through innovation, collaboration, teamwork, and shared values this team of partners and stakeholders was able to build an affordable housing development that is truly having a significant impact on the community it serves in Boulder, Colorado.
Established in 1990, the Eagle Award represents one of the highest achievements within the Colorado affordable housing sector. This prestigious award honors individuals, agencies, projects, and programs that soar to new heights in their work to ensure safe, fair, affordable housing for all Coloradans. Winners are chosen by an industry-diverse selection committee.
30PRL was selected as an Eagle Award winner for Project or Place. Nominees were evaluated and award winners were chosen based on incorporating a variety of stakeholder interests, resident-focused design, positive impact on the community, unique challenges overcome, innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity.
30PRL is a mixed-use, permanently affordable community centrally located in the Boulder Junction neighborhood in Boulder, Colorado. The project features 120 apartments within walking distance to shopping, restaurants, regional transit, public spaces, and miles of iconic bike paths. The project includes 30 units for households earning less than 30% of AMI through the provision of 30 project-based vouchers provided by Boulder Housing Partners and the Division of Housing of the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. The remaining 90 units serve a variety of income levels from 30% – 60% AMI with a range of unit types available. Residents also benefit from an exceptionally sustainable building that results in lower utility bills and enhances the community’s affordability. The project provides nearly $1.3MM in annual rent savings to residents.
The community serves two special populations through innovative partnerships with local non-profits. Twenty units in 30PRL’s Bluebell building are set-aside as part of a neuro-inclusive independent living program that provides housing to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with services provided by The Ramble Collective. Additionally, 10 units are set aside to house formerly homeless residents with services provided by Boulder Shelter for the Homeless.
30PRL now stands as a testament to progressive affordable housing design — a design that not only provides residents with an attractive, safe place to live but also with a leg up, whether that’s the ability to save money to purchase a home, live in a high-performing school district or simply have stable housing. The prime location offers easy access to transportation, with Eco Passes for all residents, grocery stores within walking distance, and on-site job training for residents with developmental disabilities. All these outcomes for stakeholders were part of the vision and mission of the partners who collaborated and worked symbiotically to yield such successful results.
“Nothing on the outside or inside suggests these units are deeply affordable,” says Peter Weber of Coburn, who describes the invisibility of affordability as one of the project’s greatest assets. Coburn was the architect on the project.
“The intent is for there not to be a distinction between affordable housing design and just good multi-family design,” states Laura Sheinbaum, BHP’s Director of Real Estate Development.
Multiple stakeholder involvement and extensive planning achieved the project’s housing goals. 30PRL is more than an affordable place to live. In addition to the housing impact for future residents, 30PRL hosts an art walk featuring murals, sculptures, and outdoor community spaces. The art pieces were selected by committee members to enhance the exterior pedestrian spaces for local enjoyment and welcome the community to 30PRL. The community is in an ideal place for affordable housing, right in the middle of Boulder Junction, a pedestrian-oriented district with regional transit connections and public spaces.
Milender White is a full-service real estate company dedicated to delivering outstanding results on every project, unsurpassed service to clients, and superb career opportunities – with a total commitment to safety, quality, and integrity. We proudly deliver award-winning commercial and residential projects based on proven systems, advanced technology, and cutting-edge design development. MW takes pride in building inclusive projects that meet the needs of the city, and it strives to become part of the fabric of the communities in which it develops. MW is part of the Graham Group of Companies, headquartered in Calgary, AB. Together as One Graham, we provide our clients with a fully-integrated service offering that creates certainty and peace of mind throughout the entire project life cycle. Visit us at www.milenderwhite.com.
Founded in 1966, Boulder Housing Partners (BHP) is the housing authority for the City of Boulder. We build, own, and manage affordable housing for low and moderate income residents and we are committed to fostering a healthy sense of community in every property we develop. https://boulderhousing.org/
Coburn creates great places for people, communities, life, and for work. They develop, design, and build. By providing all three disciplines under one roof, Coburn offers both an effective and innovative model that ultimately helps clients save time and money.
Coburn celebrates vision and has consistently pioneered environmentally sound methods since our founding in 1985. The result? Healthy and productive places that connect people and sustain the earth. Our portfolio includes new homes and renovations, residential developments, affordable housing, commercial buildings, tenant finish, urban infill, and mixed-use urban centers. All are planned, designed, or built with the end-user in mind. https://coburnpartners.com/
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