A Celebration of “Greening” Greenleaf Apartments

We’ve put together a community, not just an apartment complex.

—Jeffery Jones, Board member, Archway Housing & Services Inc

A pristine Colorado fall day, with a vast blue sky, a slight breeze and burnt orange trees, was the backdrop for Archway Housing & Services Inc ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the newly renovated Greenleaf Apartments. More than one year ago the agency pulled the apartment building out of foreclosure to create quality affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families.

As a first step, it connected with ICAST (International Center for Appropriate & Sustainable Technology) who then pulled in an array of partners. With collaboration and perseverance the group blossomed an updated, “green” complex that goes far beyond bricks and mortar.

When Archway board member Robinson Lapp had his turn at the podium he was quick to acknowledge Greenleaf’s Property Manager Quinteria Moss. “I have been here several times and I see what she does. She’s a really cool person. She’s incredibly caring toward the residents.”

Resident Graciano Pickering echoed the sentiment when he said, “Quinn’s office is always open and she listens.” Resident Dillion Parker put it succinctly when he said, “I love it here,” with a smile as bright as the day. Along with caring for people, the facility updates are about caring for resources. Regional Director of Region 8 for HUD Rick Garcia explained that because of the updates to the building and apartments each Greenleaf resident experiences a 20 percent savings in energy consumption. He also tipped his hat to ICAST as the only group in the west selected by HUD to receive specific funds for this type of project. “That is testament to their outstanding work,” relayed Garcia.

A shy, soft-spoken Graciano Pickering stepped up to the podium to thank the many people who worked together to make the renovations a reality. “We have a lot of families here and we appreciate this” in reference to the sturdy new play structure that is the centerpiece of the courtyard for the building.

Jeff Seifreid from Mile High Community Loan Fund acknowledged the agency’s accomplishments as he stated, “The track record of Archway is getting even more impressive.” Archway’s Executive Director Joyce Alms-Ransford graciously acknowledged how much of a “team effort” this project was and what an enormous difference it made in the lives of residents, now and in the future. “We were so, so pleased so many opportunities came together to make this a better place to live. Bringing new life to this community through all of the funding and support provided to the Greenleaf Apartments is what Archway Housing & Services wanted to accomplish.  Every family deserves to have a decent place to live and Archway Housing & Services is proud to have made this happen.”

Archway was strategic in making its first step to bring in ICAST. The non-profit develops and implements market-based solutions for the issues that plague underserved communities. ICAST projects promote a triple bottom line approach to community development through the creation of social enterprise, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Funders reported for the project include HUD, Colorado Division of Housing, Aurora Housing Authority/Metro East Partners, City of Aurora, Mile High Community Loan Fund, Citywide Banks and Colorado Health Foundation. The people behind the entities are Pat Coyle, Alison George, Alison O’Kelly, Meghen Duggins, Craig Maraschky, Elizabeth Gundlach-Neufeld, Aaron Gagne, Signy Mikita, Jeff Seifried, Sarah Archibald, Lisa Bloomquist, Kirk Higgins, Anne Lovett, Deb Neeley and Christopher Smith.

The Development Team and Supporters included Teresa Vaughn, Yvonne Monson, Susan Vaho, Justine Hernandez, Joyce Modrak, Quinteria Moss, Cinday Dean, Christina Wynne, Danny Rodriguez, Jeff Tamburello, Julien Swain, Sarah Batt, Mark Berry and Greg Price.  The project could not have been put together without the expertise of ICAST, Mountain View Construction, VTBS Architects and JHL Constructors.

Upgrades include the installation of new efficient appliances, lighting, HVAC systems, low flow faucets and low E glass windows. More improvements are planned to further update both the interior and exterior of the apartments.

After all the speeches one little resident chased a blue balloon blowing in the light breeze. Onlookers couldn’t help but smile. It may be a community under construction, so to speak, because there are still a few more tweaks to go to the property. But, to one little boy and his blue balloon, it’s a safe, loving home and it’s perfect. For many others, it’s a four-story sign of enormous care, collaboration and a model for future ventures.