Denver is facing a housing affordability crisis that continues to impact residents from all walks of life. As the cost of living rises and housing supply struggles to keep up with demand, many families, individuals, and especially vulnerable populations are finding it harder to secure stable, affordable homes.
One promising solution gaining traction in Denver and across the country is adaptive reuse: the transformation of existing buildings into new, affordable residential spaces. This approach not only expands housing options but does so in a way that’s often faster, more sustainable, and deeply connected to community needs.
A standout example of this strategy in action is the Denver Veterans Village, a project demonstrating how adaptive reuse can make a meaningful impact in addressing affordable housing Denver challenges.
Understanding Denver’s Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver’s growth has been remarkable over the past decade, with an influx of new residents drawn by jobs, culture, and lifestyle. Yet this growth has also strained the city’s housing market. Rent and home prices have climbed, outpacing wages for many residents and pushing lower- and moderate-income households toward the margins.
Meanwhile, traditional new construction projects can be time-consuming and costly, often struggling to deliver affordable units at the scale needed to make a significant dent in the problem. These realities have compelled city leaders, developers, and community organizations to explore alternative models that can produce housing more efficiently and equitably.
What Is Adaptive Reuse?
Adaptive reuse refers to the process of repurposing existing structures for new uses that differ from their original design. Rather than demolishing an older or underutilized building, developers transform these spaces into something new, often with updated interiors, modern amenities, and a refreshed purpose.
In the context of housing, this might mean converting former hotels, office buildings, or industrial spaces into residential units. Adaptive reuse can be highly beneficial, preserving the character and bones of a building while reducing the environmental and financial costs associated with new construction.
This approach aligns with broader sustainable development principles by minimizing material waste, lowering carbon emissions tied to demolition and construction, and breathing new life into structures that might otherwise sit vacant or underused.
For cities like Denver, where real estate is at a premium, adaptive reuse unlocks opportunities to expand housing stock without continually pushing into new land or adding to urban sprawl.
Denver Veterans Village: A Model of Purpose-Driven Adaptive Reuse
One of the most inspiring examples of adaptive reuse supporting affordable housing in Denver is the Denver Veterans Village project. This initiative, a collaboration between Global Construction and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, is converting a former hotel into a vibrant community dedicated to housing veterans.
Situated along South Colorado Boulevard, the project will transform each room of the former hotel into studio-style apartments—creating over 100 affordable, single-occupancy units tailored to the needs of U.S. veterans. But this project goes beyond bricks and mortar.
By integrating on-site services such as job training, education assistance, mental health care, and behavioral support, Denver Veterans Village offers a holistic environment where residents can not only secure housing but also build stability and independence.
Residents will pay no more than a percentage of their income toward rent, making these units financially accessible. The inclusion of comprehensive support services directly on campus ensures that veterans have access to the tools and care they need to thrive long term—whether pursuing employment, accessing healthcare, or connecting with community resources.
The project began construction in late 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2026, illustrating how smart adaptive reuse can produce quality affordable housing relatively quickly while meeting the specific needs of a community subset who have served our country.
