East Colfax Community Collective could rescue apartments slated for closure in Aurora 

RESCUED BUILDINGS | East of Colfax in Aurora. (Photos/El Comercio de Colorado)

SEEKING TO PRESERVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AFTER SUCCESS WITH FIRST PROJECT 

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

The non-profit organization East Colfax Community Collective (EC3) has launched an innovative management model aimed at preserving affordable housing and improving living conditions in the eastern part of Colfax Avenue. This area has traditionally been affected by urban problems and is close to where Aurora recently closed an apartment complex, The Aspen Grove, for violations of health and safety codes.

However, EC3 has taken a positive turn by purchasing and restoring a 23-unit complex located on Xenia Street to combat resident displacement and stabilize rental prices. “We’re going to prove that one can own a building and provide dignified living conditions,” affirmed Brendan Greene, co-founder, and executive director of EC3.

EC3 is committed to investing in property improvements, working hand in hand with tenants so they have a say in decisions about apartment maintenance and improvements. This community management model, called MINT (Mixed Income Neighborhood Trust), was selected by EC3 members two years ago and is beginning to show its effectiveness.

Plans to acquire 100 apartments in 2025

Greene revealed that, in addition to the units already acquired, the plan is to purchase over 100 apartments next year, with the ambition of reaching 1,000 units in the next decade. “We want to be a force for good, lowering rent instead of raising it and creating a multicultural community,” Greene expressed. The context in which this project is being developed is key.

Near this first EC3 project, Aurora has begun the process to shut down two more apartment complexes in poor condition, such as Whispering Pines and The Edge of Lowry. These complexes are being targeted for closure because they represent a “criminal nuisance.” According to Greene, these types of closures result from a lack of accountability on the part of both property owners and local authorities.

BRENDAN GREENE| East Colfax Community Collective.

EC3 would consider rescuing complexes slated for closure on Colfax

“The city is not doing its job of holding owners accountable for failing to maintain properties. What this project gives us is the possibility to purchase buildings in poor condition, improve them, and turn them into dignified housing,” assured Greene. The executive and activist added that EC3 would consider taking over the complexes the city of Aurora might close in the area.

“We would be very willing to assess the situation, as long as there is investment from the city,” Greene affirmed. EC3’s approach has been to involve the community in property management. However, the success of the MINT model they’ve adopted will also largely depend on financial support to acquire and restore more properties at risk.

COMMUNITY| Migrant Htoo Paw.