Kestrel Housing

In 2013, Boulder County bought the 13-acre Alkonis property in Louisville. The property is now called Kestrel. It sits just northwest of Highway 42 and South Boulder Road. It was the last empty piece of land in the area. The county chose it to create a lively neighborhood center that adds to Louisville’s historic downtown.

Kestrel has 200 affordable homes for people of all ages:

129 townhomes open to people of all ages
71 apartments for people ages 55 and older

Kestrel homes are for households that earn 60% or less of the area median income (AMI). AMI is the middle income for the area.

We designed Kestrel to meet the need for affordable housing today and to last for future generations. Kestrel uses energy wisely and goes 50% beyond the required energy standards. It also has:

Natural areas and green space
Connections to regional trails
Creative play areas for kids
A modern community building

Property managers work on site. Like other Boulder County Housing Authority properties, Kestrel also has staff who connect residents with services and support.

Community Outreach

Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) and our design team held several community meetings in Louisville and Lafayette. At these meetings, people shared their hopes, expectations, and concerns about the project. We also held small group meetings with older adults, artists, and families.

We heard a clear need for affordable housing, which means homes that cost less than usual market prices. Community members asked for:

Medium-sized buildings, not high-rises
A neighborhood that is easy to walk
Art
Community gardens

We used these ideas to guide our site plan and building design.

BCHA kept meeting with the community as we worked through the design, city approvals, and funding for the housing.

Answers to Common Questions

Where is Kestrel?

Kestrel is at 1215 S. Kestrel Lane in Louisville. Many places are close by:

Within a quarter mile: Two grocery stores, banks, gas stations, medical offices, and shops
Half a mile south: Historic downtown Louisville, with a library, city offices, a cultural center, restaurants, shops, and a seasonal farmers market
Within 1.5 miles: Schools from preschool through high school
Nearby: The Louisville Recreation and Senior Center, a health clinic 1 mile away that offers medical care in English and Spanish, and two full-service hospitals within 3 miles

How many homes does Kestrel have, and who can live there?

Kestrel has 200 homes for people of all ages. There are two types of buildings:

Townhomes: 129 homes in 17 buildings, open to people of all ages. There are 61 one-bedroom, 38 two-bedroom, and 30 three-bedroom townhomes.
Apartments: 71 homes in one three-story building, for people ages 55 and older. There are 46 one-bedroom and 25 two-bedroom apartments.

Are utilities included in the rent?

Included in rent:

Heat
Electricity
Water
Trash, recycling, and compost

Not included in rent:

Phone
Internet
Cable or streaming TV

Why is rent higher than I expected for affordable housing?

Most of the money to build Kestrel came from the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program. This federal program helps housing authorities and developers build homes that rent for less than market prices. Kestrel homes are for households that earn 60% or less of the area median income (AMI). AMI is the middle income for the area.

Kestrel rents are lower than market rents, but they are a set amount. They are not based on your income. If you have a Housing Choice Voucher, the voucher will pay part of your rent. Some other Boulder County Housing Authority properties have lower rents because they use different funding with different rules.

Kestrel can also save you money in other ways:

Utilities are included. This can save you $175 to $250 a month, depending on the size of your home.
The security deposit is low. It is $200 to $300. Many private landlords ask for first and last month’s rent, plus a deposit equal to one month’s rent, before you move in.
You get a free transit pass. Every resident gets an RTD EcoPass for unlimited bus and train rides, including to and from the airport. The pass also comes with the Guaranteed Ride Home program. It gives you a free taxi ride home from work if you get sick, have an emergency, or your schedule changes.

I have a Section 8 housing voucher. Can I use that at Kestrel?

Yes. Kestrel accepts Housing Choice Vouchers, also called Section 8 vouchers. You can use your voucher to help pay your rent.

What amenities do the units have?

Carpet, vinyl, and wood-look laminate floors
Energy-efficient electric stove, dishwasher, and refrigerator
Washer and dryer in each home
Air conditioning
Geothermal heating and cooling, which uses heat from the ground
Ceiling fans
Thermostats you can set on a schedule
Paint, carpet, and cabinets with few or no chemicals that can affect air quality
Coat and linen closets
Blinds
Roof decks on many townhomes