LAKEWOOD, Colo. — In 2022, Lakewood has an additional 65 units of affordable housing that
are now home to hard-working families and individuals.
In early December, Metro West Housing Solutions (MWHS) celebrated the completion of Lamar
Station Crossing Phase II, a new build which houses 65 studio through three-bedroom
apartments affordably priced for Lakewood households earning between 20 and 80% of the
Area Median Income (AMI). The early December timing of its opening truly gave new meaning
to “home for the holidays.”
Lamar Station Crossing Phase II completes MWHS’ Lamar Station Crossing Campus, the first
phase of which was completed in 2014. Lamar Station Crossing was the first multi-family
development in its corridor, taking advantage of RTD’s brand new W Line and an existing Head
Start program neighboring the property. Lamar Station Crossing turned out to be a trendsetter:
since the opening of Phase I, the stretch of Lamar along the W Line has seen multiple
multi-family market rate and affordable developments open as Colfax Avenue continues its
renaissance.
Phase II builds on the unprecedented success of award-winning Phase I, utilizing the
pre-existing community space and capitalizing on even more outdoor community space with
the addition of more community gardens and access to Lamar Station Crossing’s innovative
outdoor classroom. It continues MWHS’ tradition of constant innovation by becoming the first
affordable housing development in Colorado to be designated Zero Energy Ready Homes. With
units priced at the 20% AMI level, it offers a deeper level of affordability than most Low Income
Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) developments are able to provide.
Phase II was also constructed entirely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tami Fischer, CEO of
Metro West Housing Solutions, praised the project’s partners and collaborative effort: “From
presenting in front of CHFA to apply for Tax Credits to construction, lease up, and move in, the
entire team had to collaborate to ensure not only an on-time opening, but a safe environment
for crews, employees, and residents at both phases. The team wasn’t afraid to pivot, and
always kept our end goal in mind: provide beautiful, high-quality affordable housing for those in
Lakewood who need it most.”
Lamar Station Crossing Phase II was built as a public-private partnership with Tax Credit Equity
provided by FirstBank. Tax Credits were awarded by CHFA, and additional funding was provided
by our partners at the City of Lakewood, Jefferson County, and Colorado Division of Housing.
Other partners on the project include Calcon Constructors, Energetics, Enterprise Community
Partners, Ivy Street Design, Modern Century Design Studio, and Ratio Architects.
