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June 16, 2011
Metropolitan State University of Denver
Metro State partnership to support South Lincoln Homes redevelopment
Like a good neighbor, Metropolitan State College of Denver is committed to making a difference in communities just across the way.
Through the College’s Office of Sponsored Research and Programs (OSRP), various College departments and programs are poised to continue positively impacting the Denver community under a federal grant to revitalize South Lincoln Homes in the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Last month, the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) was awarded a $22 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for full funding of its 2010 HOPE VI South Lincoln Redevelopment Master Plan.
As one of the grant’s 25 partners, the College will be involved in the areas of family literacy, health and nutrition, aviation and art education, according to OSRP Director Gwendolyn Mami, who attended the official announcement ceremony in Denver on May 27.
“The OSRP has worked closely with DHA from the proposal’s inception in October 2010,” says Mami of the partnership that will exemplify the College‘s role as an urban land-grant institution. “Our role over the next six months will be to negotiate our specific programming and activities, with the goal of kicking them off in spring 2012.”
The master plan was developed and approved by the residents of South Lincoln Homes and community stakeholders. HOPE VI revitalization highlights include:
- Creation of vibrant, mixed-income, mixed-use transit oriented community with DHA as the master developer.
- Increase density from current 182 public housing units to 457 new multi-family housing units.
- High-standard design for sustainable, energy efficient buildings, infrastructure systems, including LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.
- Community amenities will include pedestrian-friendly walkways, bike-friendly streets, urban gardens, public arts program, early childhood center and open space that promote active healthy lifestyles.
- Adult-based education, job training and placement, youth employment opportunities and financial literacy.
- A phased redevelopment plan that significantly minimizes disruption or displacement to current residents.
Under the grant, the first year is designated for planning, the next four years for programming and the final year, 2018, is reserved for wrap-up reports, Mami says.
