Nearly 300 people gathered to celebrate the Phase 1 completion in Lafayette.

Key Points:

• On Aug. 21, more than 300 people gathered to celebrate the completion of Phase 1 of Willoughby Corner.
• The Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) development has been eight years in the making, shaped by community input and strong partnerships at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Phase 1 includes 192 below-market-rate homes, substantial recreational and infrastructure improvements, and a state-of-the-art sustainable design.
• Phase 2 will include another 128 rental homes and the first permanently affordable homeownership opportunities from BCHA.
• To receive this information in another language, email HSCommunications@bouldercounty.gov or call 303-441-1268.

Boulder County, Colo. – The Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) celebrated the grand opening of Willoughby Corner Phase 1 on Thursday, Aug. 21. More than 300 community members, partners, and local leaders gathered for food, speeches, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Willoughby Corner is a dynamic example of how much we can achieve to address the Colorado housing crisis when we come together and focus on solutions,” said Boulder County Commissioner Marta Loachamin. “A home provides stability and wellness which are pivotal to good health, financial security, and opportunities. With the completion of the first phase of this project, we are celebrating 192 new affordable homes in Boulder County, as well as the generations of people who will become a part of the Willoughby community.”

“Willoughby Corner is the result of years of planning, persistence, and strong partnerships,” said Boulder County Housing Director and BCHA Executive Director Susana Lopez-Baker. “This community shows what’s possible when local, state, and federal partners work together toward a shared goal. I’m especially proud that we delivered the largest affordable housing development in Boulder County’s history while also setting a new standard for sustainability.”

Willoughby Corner – Phase 1

Located east of downtown Lafayette, Phase 1 of Willoughby Corner offers 192 affordable homes along with amenities such as a community center, gardens, a playground, a dog park, and pickleball courts. The development features $15 million worth of infrastructure improvements, including roads, utilities, public transit routes, and trail connections. The all-electric community uses geothermal and solar energy, making it Colorado's largest Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) development.

Eight years in the making, Willoughby Corner is the largest affordable housing development in Boulder County’s history. Planning began in 2017 and was guided by community voices through the East Lafayette Advisory Council (ELAC), Social Justice Ministries at Immaculate Conception Church, and a series of public planning meetings.

The $114 million project also relied on extensive partnerships with the City of Lafayette, Colorado Department of Local Affairs/Division of Housing, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, HB&A Architects (now RS&H), and Pinkard Construction, who completed the project under budget and ahead of schedule.

Future Development

Looking ahead, BCHA is already preparing for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of Willoughby Corner. The next development stages will add 128 more affordable rental homes, expanded park and community space, and, for the first time in BCHA’s history, permanently affordable for-sale homes. Once all phases are complete, Willoughby Corner will have a total of 400 homes.

While many families have already moved into Willoughby Corner, a limited number of homes remain available for people earning up to 60 percent of the Area Median Income ($61,320 a year for one person and $70,080 for two people). Learn more about Willoughby Corner by visiting WilloughbyCorner.org.

About the Boulder County Housing Authority

The Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA) provides affordable housing in Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, Nederland, Erie, and unincorporated areas of Boulder County. BCHA works with many partners to increase the number of affordable homes in these communities. The agency focuses on sustainability, innovation, and strong support for residents. Its goal is for every Boulder County resident to have access to safe, affordable housing. Learn more by visiting boco.org/BCHA.

Front row, from left: Colorado Division of Housing Director Alison George; Boulder County Housing Director and Boulder County Housing Authority Executive Director Susana Lopez-Baker; Lafayette City Council Member Nicole Samson; Boulder County Commissioner Marta Loachamin; Boulder County Commissioner Ashley Stolzmann; Lafayette Mayor Pro Tem Brian Wong; Lafayette City Council Member Saul Tapia-Vega; Lafayette City Council Member Crystal Gallegos.

Back row, from left: Louisville Mayor Chris Leh; Erie Town Manager Malcolm Fleming.

Photo courtesy of Pinkard Construction.