Shovels Up, Hard Hats Down
Catholic Charities Housing proudly announces that the Glenwood Springs City Council has given the green light to our new affordable housing initiative for senior residents – The Benedict, a 34-unit project catering to individuals aged 62 and older.
With 1,925 apartments in 34 locations across Northern Colorado, including three projects in the Roaring Fork Valley, Catholic Charities Housing is dedicated to addressing the housing needs of our communities.
The $23 million project features a four-story building that will be constructed on a half-acre lot at the intersection of Midland and 27th Street, just steps from the 27th street underpass and RFTA Bus Rapid Transit station. The project is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.
During the January 2024 City Council meeting, Patricia Leonetti, a 93-year-old resident, passionately pleaded for the facility’s construction, emphasizing its necessity in Glenwood Springs. Ellen Dole thanked the Catholic Charities Housing for recognizing the need for senior housing, echoing the sentiment that aging individuals prefer to remain in their familiar communities.
The Benedict addresses affordability with a focus on residents with varying income levels. Community Housing Requirements stipulate that 20% of the units should be resident-occupied with incomes restricted to 100% Area Median Income (AMI). The Benedict, however, goes further, proposing a 40-year restriction on units, limiting incomes between 30% and 80% AMI, resulting in monthly rents ranging from $550 to $1,500.
Justin Raddatz, Executive Director of Catholic Charities Housing, emphasized the project’s importance in serving vulnerable seniors on fixed incomes. “We have a great vision for this project,” said Raddatz. “We believe we’ll be able to serve this community by strengthening the support we all have for our seniors and giving them a comfortable, beautiful and affordable place to live. We’re eager to break ground and get the project underway.”
The Benedict is named after Fritz and Fabi Benedict who were dedicated and generous benefactors in the valley and bequeathed a generous gift to Catholic Charities Housing for a project like this. Mr. Benedict was part of the 10th Mountain Division, established the hut system in the area and was an understudy of Frank Lloyd Wright.
“I can’t think of a better place than the Benedict for seniors to live affordably and within the beauty of the valley.”