Fletcher Gardens Apartments Renovated, Rededicated
AHA celebrated the year-long $2.3 million renovation of the 93-unit Fletcher Gardens senior apartments with a rededication ceremony and open house in early December 2006. The eight-story 
building at 1401 Emporia St. in Aurora has provided affordable housing to low-income seniors since 1978.
Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer praised the revitalization efforts of the Aurora Housing Authority, and told the residents and many guests gathered for the event that “the people here deserve to live in an upgraded and beautified home.”
Fletcher Gardens resident Lois Keener complimented the dedication and friendliness of the AHA construction staff, who performed most of the renovations. Ms. Keener also commented on the new 
colorful façade, “I’m proud to call this new arts district landmark my home.” She added the most exciting part about the renovation is the new common space for resident activities.
Financing for the project was made possible by City of Aurora Private Activity Bonds, and the allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits from the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority. US Bank did a private placement of the bonds, which provided reduced interest loans for the renovation and the permanent debt. Apollo Housing Capital was the equity investor who purchased the tax credits.
Originally opened in December 1978, the property was still functional, but “tired.” The year-long renovation project included interior, exterior and system renovations. The new façade was painted in vibrant colors, complementing other nearby East Colfax Avenue community revitalization projects.
Individual air conditioning units and new energy efficient windows were installed in each unit, plus new carpeting, paint and light fixtures. Kitchen renovations included new cabinets, flooring and appliances, while bathrooms were also updated with new flooring, vanities, light fixtures, and tiled tub enclosures. Common areas were upgraded with new furniture, carpeting, paint and artwork. The updated community room now has a new kitchen and access to a secured outdoor patio area. A computer lab and hair styling salon are among new amenities for the residents. Parikh Stevens Architects provided design expertise in the renovations.
Nearly 200 residents, guests, and dignitaries attended the rededication ceremonies, including representatives from CHFA, US Bank, Apollo Capital, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of Aurora, and the AHA Board of Commissioners. Two of the founding AHA Commissioners--Sister Michael Mary Eagan and Mr. Agnar Swanson--were present at the initial dedication 28 years earlier and fondly recalled the original opening of the Fletcher Garden apartments.
Fletcher Gardens was one of six development projects for the AHA in 2006 – a significant achievement noted by AHA Executive Director Preston Prince. These six developments, all of which are public-private partnerships made possible with the allocation of Low Income Housing Tax Credits, comprise 472 units of affordable and sustainable housing in Aurora.
To qualify for an apartment at Fletcher Gardens, applicants must be 62 years or older and earn at or below 50% of the Area Median Income. (In Aurora, the AMI is $25,100 for a single individual.) The majority of Fletcher Gardens residents have incomes below 30% of the AMI. Through rental assistance provided by HUD, residents pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent; with the remainder subsidized by HUD.
For information about the financing and renovation of Fletcher Gardens, contact Elizabeth Gundlach Neufeld at 720-251-2075. For information on unit rentals, contact Kristi Smith at 303-343-8490.