Archway Communities Rolls Out Phase Two of Mosaic Community Campus Affordable Housing Development

Archway Communities in Lakewood, Colo., announced in August that it has teamed up with the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) to begin the second phase of its successful Mosaic Community Campus in Denver.

Phase one of the project opened late last year, and all of its 154 affordable homes are fully leased. For phase two, two former dormitories, Triangolo and Gaebe Halls on the former Johnson and Wales campus, will be preserved and rehabilitated to create approximately 58 affordable rental homes with supportive services for individuals and families exiting homelessness and housing instability.

“The Mosaic Community has breathed new life into the historic campus by preserving and

repurposing former dormitories to meet today’s affordable housing needs,” said Laura Brudzynzki, CEO of Archway Communities. “Partnerships make the campus thrive and we are excited to be working closely with the Denver Housing Authority to bring another approximately 58 affordable homes with supportive services to this community.”

“Our partnership with Archway Communities reaffirms DHA’s commitment to dignity, stability, and opportunity, delivering Permanent Supportive Housing that changes lives and strengthens our community,” said Joaquín Cintrón Vega, CEO of DHA. “With this investment, Mosaic Campus preserves history and delivers real solutions for the people we proudly serve.”

In 2021, DHA partnered with Urban Land Conservancy and Denver Public Schools to acquire the former Johnson and Wales campus with the goal of repurposing it for K-12 education, affordable housing, food-based businesses, and other community-serving uses. DHA acquired the “South Campus” property using $10.9 million in funding through its DHA Delivers for Denver (D3) Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) partnership with the City of Denver. D3 PSH funds support the property acquisitions on which future development partners, like Archway, will create, own, and manage affordable housing.

As part of this partnership, Archway will acquire the buildings, and DHA will ensure permanent affordability through a long-term ground lease on the land. Consistent with the D3 PSH program requirements, at least 40 percent of the renovated apartments in Triangolo and Gaebe Halls will be supportive housing utilizing vouchers and providing services for individuals and families exiting homelessness. Archway intends to submit a 9 percent Low-Income Housing Tax Credit application in 2026 to finance the project, with the goal of beginning renovations in early 2027.

“In today’s economic climate, finding affordable housing has become a significant challenge for many Denver families. That’s why I’m thrilled to see new affordable homes and wrap-around services for individuals and families coming to Park Hill—a neighborhood rich in history and heart,” said Denver City Councilwoman Shontel Lewis (District 8). “This project is more than just new construction; it’s a meaningful step toward housing justice and a more inclusive future for our city.”

Phase I of the Mosaic Community Campus received an Eagle Award from Housing Colorado, History Colorado’s Governor’s Award and the 2025 Mayor’s Design Award in the Affordability category. The work has also been recognized as a finalist in Impact100 and NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association Colorado Awards of Achievement. Several grants have been awarded to Archway to develop and sustain the supportive services on the campus, such as food security.