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2021 Mountain Plains NAHRO Awards
The Mountain Plains NAHRO Awards give recognition to the outstanding places, people, and programs affiliated with NAHRO agency members in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The awards recognize best practices among housing, redevelopment, and community agencies and provide a resource bank of best practice examples for NAHRO members. |
Congratulations to our 2021 Honorees!
Designed with People in Mind - Boulder Housing Partners
Glen Willow Apartments (Renovation) and Canopy at Red Oak Park (New Construction)
Pandemic Perseverance Award - Jeanette Hernandez, Director of Property Management & Compliance, Housing Connect
Pandemic Perseverance Award - Aurora Housing Authority Maintenance Team Maintenance Team
People’s Choice Award - Lori Pacheco, Director of Public Housing, Housing Connect
Designed with People in Mind - Boulder Housing Partners
Glen Willow Apartments (Renovation) and Canopy at Red Oak Park (New Construction)
Pandemic Perseverance Award - Jeanette Hernandez, Director of Property Management & Compliance, Housing Connect
Pandemic Perseverance Award - Aurora Housing Authority Maintenance Team Maintenance Team
People’s Choice Award - Lori Pacheco, Director of Public Housing, Housing Connect
Learn more about the winners below!
Designed with People in Mind Award
Presented to Boulder Housing Partners for Glen Willow Apartments (Renovation) and Canopy at Red Oak Park (New Construction)
Award goes to a PHA or PHA development partner to showcase innovation in the field of construction. Innovation includes improvements in processes, products or services. Nominees should demonstrate that they have the ability to adapt their processes and resources to suit each project and that their idea is replicable by others.
Glen Willow Apartments
Glen Willow houses 88 of Boulder’s most economically vulnerable residents, with the average area median income for residents at Glen Willow of 23%. The goal of the rehabilitation was to improve the property’s livability, functionality, and comfort for residents, as well as increase energy efficiency, and restore the asset’s value and marketability within the community. We wanted residents to feel proud to call Glen Willow their home.
Glen Willow is a 34-unit apartment complex located at 301-335 Pearl Street in a prime downtown Boulder location. The project substantially renovated the property with full interior and exterior upgrades to the buildings, site upgrades, a full landscaping overhaul with added raised garden beds and a new playground. Additionally, a new construction net-zero community center was built. We touched and improved every inch! The renovation was financed with 4% LIHTC/PAB. Residents were temporarily relocated for approximately 2.5 months to a vacant unit onsite. Rent was abated while they were relocated. Overall construction took approximately 12 months. Total investment per unit was $185K/unit.
Presented to Boulder Housing Partners for Glen Willow Apartments (Renovation) and Canopy at Red Oak Park (New Construction)
Award goes to a PHA or PHA development partner to showcase innovation in the field of construction. Innovation includes improvements in processes, products or services. Nominees should demonstrate that they have the ability to adapt their processes and resources to suit each project and that their idea is replicable by others.
Glen Willow Apartments
Glen Willow houses 88 of Boulder’s most economically vulnerable residents, with the average area median income for residents at Glen Willow of 23%. The goal of the rehabilitation was to improve the property’s livability, functionality, and comfort for residents, as well as increase energy efficiency, and restore the asset’s value and marketability within the community. We wanted residents to feel proud to call Glen Willow their home.
Glen Willow is a 34-unit apartment complex located at 301-335 Pearl Street in a prime downtown Boulder location. The project substantially renovated the property with full interior and exterior upgrades to the buildings, site upgrades, a full landscaping overhaul with added raised garden beds and a new playground. Additionally, a new construction net-zero community center was built. We touched and improved every inch! The renovation was financed with 4% LIHTC/PAB. Residents were temporarily relocated for approximately 2.5 months to a vacant unit onsite. Rent was abated while they were relocated. Overall construction took approximately 12 months. Total investment per unit was $185K/unit.
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Canopy at Red Oak Park
Canopy and Red Oak Park are located on land in north-central Boulder that was formerly a mobile home park that was falling into disrepair. Boulder Housing Partners (BHP) worked closely with park residents on the design of Red Oak Park and they were offered a priority spot at the new development upon completion. Canopy at Red Oak Park is a 41-unit new construction project located at 2625-2653 Valmont Road and is the second phase of the award-winning Red Oak Park community. The property consists of four multifamily buildings ranging from seven to nine units each, and four stacked duplex buildings. Units range from one to three bedrooms and serve residents from 40-60% AMI. The larger multifamily buildings front the busier Valmont Road, while the duplex buildings step down to blend with the lower density character of the original Red Oak Park community. This multi-tiered approach allowed us to maximize density per the allowable zoning while creating an organic, community-centric design that integrated Canopy with Red Oak Park. Residents at Canopy enjoy balconies, in-unit washer/dryers, significant storage, solid surface kitchen countertops, and stainless-steel appliances. Rooftop solar panels provide power for the common areas and three tandem electric vehicle charging stations. The project was funded with 4% LIHTC/PAB paired with a state tax credit award. |
Both projects have separate financing, but by closing on the same day and with the same lender and investor, BHP achieved closing efficiencies. Click here to read the complete nomination!
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Pandemic Perseverance Award
Presented to Jeanette Hernandez, Director of Property Management & Compliance, Housing Connect Award(s) goes to individual, team or program that had the most positive impact on affordable housing residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Jeanette led her team at Housing Connect during the COVID-19 pandemic with great leadership, perseverance, problem-solving, a can-do-attitude, knowledge, wisdom and tenacity. In 2020, she was directly responsible for the lease-up of the HUB of Opportunity in Salt Lake County, leading the lease up of the property in a little over 60 days. And notably, after the first-year audit of the property, there were no findings...an incredible accomplishment during a very tumultuous time and with a high fear level from the general public. Jeanette has worked for Housing Connect for more than 11 years, creating a talented management and compliance team. She is also a Lt. Commander in the United States Navy. Her colleagues and community are thankful to have Jeanette’s leadership during COVID-19 and beyond! Click here to read the complete nomination! |
Pandemic Perseverance Award
Presented to Aurora Housing Authority Maintenance Team
Award(s) goes to individual, team or program that had the most positive impact on affordable housing residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aurora Housing Authority’s Maintenance Team are unsung heroes, led by manager Steven Romero, Lucio Banuelos, Jason Brewer, Jose Campos, Dennis Gordon, James Johnson, Christopher Meza, Wayne Thompson, and Larry Yoder.
Since March of 2020, the start of the pandemic, our maintenance team continued to provide crucial services to our affordable housing residents by answering the call to make repairs that could not wait. Their commitment to the job and to the residents has not gone unnoticed, including daily tasks such as snow removal. Since we live in Colorado, snowfalls, while appreciated in terms of the water it provides, and while their jobs require a certain set of skills that go beyond making repairs; they must also possess patience, understanding, and empathy as they provide services to a vulnerable population.
Many of the maintenance technicians have worked at AHA for 10 plus years. They know that behind each door and within the walls of each unit, they enter a sensitive and complex environment in which a sort of unintentional kinship develops over time. Maintenance techs require a certain set of skills that go beyond tools and repairs; it requires a nonjudgmental attitude, boundary setting, fairness, and empathy.
Click here to read the complete nomination!
Presented to Aurora Housing Authority Maintenance Team
Award(s) goes to individual, team or program that had the most positive impact on affordable housing residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Aurora Housing Authority’s Maintenance Team are unsung heroes, led by manager Steven Romero, Lucio Banuelos, Jason Brewer, Jose Campos, Dennis Gordon, James Johnson, Christopher Meza, Wayne Thompson, and Larry Yoder.
Since March of 2020, the start of the pandemic, our maintenance team continued to provide crucial services to our affordable housing residents by answering the call to make repairs that could not wait. Their commitment to the job and to the residents has not gone unnoticed, including daily tasks such as snow removal. Since we live in Colorado, snowfalls, while appreciated in terms of the water it provides, and while their jobs require a certain set of skills that go beyond making repairs; they must also possess patience, understanding, and empathy as they provide services to a vulnerable population.
Many of the maintenance technicians have worked at AHA for 10 plus years. They know that behind each door and within the walls of each unit, they enter a sensitive and complex environment in which a sort of unintentional kinship develops over time. Maintenance techs require a certain set of skills that go beyond tools and repairs; it requires a nonjudgmental attitude, boundary setting, fairness, and empathy.
Click here to read the complete nomination!
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People’s Choice Award
Presented to Lori Pacheco, Director of Public Housing, Housing Connect Award goes to a residential service staff member, property manager, or general housing professional, for being an outstanding employee, having a humble attitude and a willingness to learn and teach. This award goes to someone who is able to contribute to the common good of the team, organization, and the business. This may include doing tasks that sometimes fall outside of their job description. It also means being enthusiastic, reliable and committed. This person should excel in both performance of their job duties and in contributing to a healthy organizational culture. Lori Pacheco has been with Housing Connect for more than 27 years, and in that time has had a significant impact on her team, agency and the community and people she serves. Encompassing all of the traits of great leadership - patience, humility, grace, knowledge, wisdom and kindness - she challenges her team to be their very best. Lori is always learning and thinking of a better way to serve and has been a mentor to many on her team, while always looking for a better way to serve the organization through new processes and efficiencies. In short, her impact can be felt across a generation of people she has mentored and helped. Click here to read the complete nomination! |
Previous Award Winners:
2017 YES! In My Backyard Awards
Congratulations to the 2017 Award Winners. The presentation of the awards took place at the Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 24 at the Vail Marriott.
Community Development
Douglas County Senior Initiative, Douglas County Community Development, Community and Resource Services, Douglas County, Colorado
Housing Choice Voucher
Bridges to Opportunity, Arvada Housing Authority and the Arvada Community Food Bank, Arvada, Colorado
MWHS’ Housing Choice Voucher Program, Metro West Housing Solutions, Lakewood, Colorado
South Towaoc Supportive Housing, Colorado Division of Housing, Ute Mountain Housing Authority, and the Denver Regional HUD Office, Colorado
Homelessness
FHRA Medical Respite Program, Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Fargo, North Dakota
Professional Development
The Use of Infographics in Messaging, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Rehab
Project Renovate, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Resident Services
Internet Inclusivity, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Congratulations to the 2017 Award Winners. The presentation of the awards took place at the Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, May 24 at the Vail Marriott.
Community Development
Douglas County Senior Initiative, Douglas County Community Development, Community and Resource Services, Douglas County, Colorado
Housing Choice Voucher
Bridges to Opportunity, Arvada Housing Authority and the Arvada Community Food Bank, Arvada, Colorado
MWHS’ Housing Choice Voucher Program, Metro West Housing Solutions, Lakewood, Colorado
South Towaoc Supportive Housing, Colorado Division of Housing, Ute Mountain Housing Authority, and the Denver Regional HUD Office, Colorado
Homelessness
FHRA Medical Respite Program, Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Fargo, North Dakota
Professional Development
The Use of Infographics in Messaging, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Rehab
Project Renovate, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Resident Services
Internet Inclusivity, Boulder Housing Partners, Boulder, Colorado
Utah 2016 Award Winners
AGENCY PUBLICATION
San Miguel Regional Housing Authority, Colorado- Resource Guide
Metro West Housing Solutions, Colorado- Annual Report
Colorado Springs Housing Authority, Colorado- Employee Monthly Newsletter
PROGRAM INNOVATION- ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS
Eagle County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Colorado- Affordable Housing Map
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- INNOVATION
Affordable Housing Solutions, South Dakota- Highland Five Homes
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- DESIGN
Metro West Housing Solutions, Colorado- CityScape at Belmar
CHAMPION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Utah County Housing Authority, Utah
Utah NAHRO President, Shelli Glines (far left) and Mountain Plains NAHRO President, Dianne Hovdestad (far right) presenting awards.
AGENCY PUBLICATION
San Miguel Regional Housing Authority, Colorado- Resource Guide
Metro West Housing Solutions, Colorado- Annual Report
Colorado Springs Housing Authority, Colorado- Employee Monthly Newsletter
PROGRAM INNOVATION- ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS
Eagle County Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Colorado- Affordable Housing Map
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- INNOVATION
Affordable Housing Solutions, South Dakota- Highland Five Homes
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- DESIGN
Metro West Housing Solutions, Colorado- CityScape at Belmar
CHAMPION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Utah County Housing Authority, Utah
Utah NAHRO President, Shelli Glines (far left) and Mountain Plains NAHRO President, Dianne Hovdestad (far right) presenting awards.
2015 Award Winners
AGENCY PUBLICATION
Denver Housing Authority- "Living Green" Energy Management Program
Metro West Housing Solutions- Infographic
Burleigh County Housing Authority- Resident Newsletter
PROGRAM INNOVATION- ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS
Bozeman HRDC IX- Self-Sufficiency Matrix
City of Billings- Metro Vista Project-Downtown Resource Map and Notepad
PROGRAM INNOVATION- RESIDENT AND CLIENT PROGRAMS
Bozeman HRDC IX- Community Shower Program
Burleigh County Housing Authority- Advisory Council Social
Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission- Voucher Extravaganza
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- INNOVATION
Flathead Valley Habitat for Humanity- 5th Street Homes
First Interstate Bank- Aspen Place Apartments
Boulder Housing Partners- 1175 Lee Hill
Loveland Housing Authority- The Green Homes for Life Enrichment at Mirasol
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- DESIGN
Metro West Housing Solutions- Two Creeks Outside Classroom
Fort Collins Housing Authority- Redtail Ponds Permanent Supportive Housing
City of Arvada- Memorial Neighborhood Park Revitalization Project
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- ENERGY AND GREEN BUILDING
Denver Housing Authority- Self-Managed Energy Performance Contract
CHAMPION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
HRDC IX- Bozeman
AGENCY PUBLICATION
Denver Housing Authority- "Living Green" Energy Management Program
Metro West Housing Solutions- Infographic
Burleigh County Housing Authority- Resident Newsletter
PROGRAM INNOVATION- ADMINISTRATIVE PROGRAMS
Bozeman HRDC IX- Self-Sufficiency Matrix
City of Billings- Metro Vista Project-Downtown Resource Map and Notepad
PROGRAM INNOVATION- RESIDENT AND CLIENT PROGRAMS
Bozeman HRDC IX- Community Shower Program
Burleigh County Housing Authority- Advisory Council Social
Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment Commission- Voucher Extravaganza
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- INNOVATION
Flathead Valley Habitat for Humanity- 5th Street Homes
First Interstate Bank- Aspen Place Apartments
Boulder Housing Partners- 1175 Lee Hill
Loveland Housing Authority- The Green Homes for Life Enrichment at Mirasol
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- DESIGN
Metro West Housing Solutions- Two Creeks Outside Classroom
Fort Collins Housing Authority- Redtail Ponds Permanent Supportive Housing
City of Arvada- Memorial Neighborhood Park Revitalization Project
AFFORDABLE HOUSING- ENERGY AND GREEN BUILDING
Denver Housing Authority- Self-Managed Energy Performance Contract
CHAMPION OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING
HRDC IX- Bozeman
NAHRO President, Preston Prince; NAHRO CEO, Saul Ramirez; and Montana Board of Housing Division Administrator, Bruce Brensdahl (left to right) are the awards presenters.
