15961 E Colfax Avenue & 15978 E 16th Avenue

In an effort to increase affordable housing, the City of Aurora has issued its inaugural request for proposals (RFP) for housing development. The city is seeking submissions from eligible for-profit and nonprofit development partners to establish affordable housing projects on two City-owned properties, located at 15961 E. Colfax Avenue and 15978 E. 16th Avenue.

The two properties, acquired by the city in 2022 for little over $1.6M

Site Specifications

15961 E. Colfax Avenue: This lot spans approximately 1.47 acres (64,015 square feet) and is zoned as MU-C. The city anticipates a multi-family affordable housing development on this property, with over 75% of units classified as affordable.

15978 E. 16th Avenue: This lot spans approximately 1.41 acres(61,218 square feet) and is zoned MU-C. Like its counterpart, this property is earmarked for multi-family affordable housing, with a minimum of 75% affordable units.

Proposal Criteria

Developers should align their proposals with key project criteria, which encompass affordability, unit sizes, density, community service space, sustainability, creativity, capacity, partnerships, and housing model. The majority of the units must cater to households with incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI), and additional considerations will be given to projects serving households at 30% AMI or lower.

Proposals offering a mix of unit sizes, especially those with three or more bedrooms, maximizing unit density, providing community service space, incorporating sustainability certifications (e.g., LEED), and showcasing creativity in terms of green space, sustainability, public spaces, and design will be viewed favorably.

Developers must demonstrate their capacity to finance, construct, develop, and operate the project promptly to tackle the current housing crisis and indicate any potential collaborations with other entities. They should also show the success of diverse housing models in creating long-term housing stability.

Developer Responsibilities and Proposal Submission

Upon selection, the developer will be granted a License and Option to Lease Agreement for due diligence, with the responsibility to secure necessary approvals, permits, site plans, and financing for the construction.

Developers are required to submit one electronic copy of their proposal to the Real Property Services Division at hreynoso@auroragov.org. The submission deadline is set for 3:00 p.m. on August 18, 2023.

Before submitting a proposal, developers should familiarize themselves with all components of this RFP. Costs incurred during the preparation, submission, or presentation of any proposal will be borne solely by the developer.

"We have additional sites we are currently evaluating for future RFPs. Housing and Community Development staff is quick and effective on identifying and clearing available sites that are city owned or that we can purchase for land baking purposes." - Alicia Montoya, Manger of Housing and Community Development

Pre-Proposal Conference

A pre-proposal conference will be held on July 28, 2023, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Sand Creek Conference Room, Aurora Municipal Building. Though not obligatory, attendance is highly recommended.

The city will only consider proposals from developers that are established in an appropriate business, financially responsible, and equipped with the resources and ability to develop affordable housing on City-owned property professionally and expediently.

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The Affordable Housing RFP can be found on the City of Aurora's website here.

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