Grovewood Community Development Celebrates Opening of Sapling Grove Affordable Apartments in Aurora
Sapling Grove provides affordable homes with supportive amenities, fostering health and community.
AURORA, Colorado (July 17, 2025) – Grovewood Community Development, a values-driven provider of affordable housing in south metro Denver, along with Santulan Architecture and general contractor, BC Builders recently celebrated the grand opening of Sapling Grove Apartments, a mixed-income affordable housing community in Aurora. The 4.11-acre site, located at 10151 E. Jewell Ave., will provide over 130 new, modern, affordable service-enriched multifamily housing units, delivered in two phases. The just-completed phase I includes 81 family units. Future development of phase II will provide 50 units of senior housing.
“This grand opening is a celebration of creating affordable homes for Aurora citizens – now and for future generations,” said Jo Ellen Davidson, Executive Director of Grovewood Community Development. “In a moment when so many individuals and families are being priced out of housing stability, Sapling Grove demonstrates that the creation of safe, quality, and affordable housing is possible through community collaboration and expertise. Housing affordability is a foundation for strengthening individuals and families and the communities they call home.”
The 86,553-square-foot, four-story energy-efficient building offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans featuring energy-efficient appliances, air conditioning, in-unit washer and dryer, spacious walk-in closets, and paid utilities. The thoughtfully designed amenity spaces include a fitness center, outdoor community gathering spaces with a large, covered picnic area, a modern playground, vibrant public art installations, a furnished rooftop patio, walking trails, and an open space with native landscaping. The building also has a dedicated public space that will provide the greater community access to resources for health and wellness through an on-site Community Resource Center.
“It’s important that the people who work here can also afford to live here, and these 81 new units at Sapling Grove are a meaningful step forward in meeting that need for families in our city,” said Mayor Mike Coffman. “Together, we are building a more inclusive Aurora: one home, one neighbor, and one legacy at a time.”
Sapling Grove helps to address Aurora’s growing affordability gap by offering high-quality, service-enriched housing to residents with incomes ranging between 30% and 80% of Area Median Income. According to data from the City of Aurora’s most recently completed Housing Strategy report, home values increased by 71% between 2010 and 2017 and median renter income increased by just 36% over the same period. With that data in mind, an income of more than $50,000 would be required to afford the average rent—about $10,000 higher than the median renter income.
“At Grovewood, we believe that affordable, safe, quality housing is foundational to the health and well-being of individuals and communities,” said Davidson. “Sapling Grove was designed with working families in mind, providing affordability alongside stability and dignity. As housing challenges grow more urgent, we’re committed to developing communities that offer real solutions with a lasting impact.”
Partnership and collaboration were key to developing Sapling Grove. Project funding was provided by 22 funding sources, including the City of Aurora, Arapahoe County, the Colorado Division of Housing, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, Impact Development Fund, Grow America, Sugar Creek Capital, the Aurora Housing Authority, and others. A significant grant from the Colorado Health Foundation helped make possible the property’s outdoor recreation spaces and on-site wellness initiatives.
Grovewood Community Development remains committed to expanding access to quality, affordable housing opportunities across South Metro Denver. To learn more about Grovewood Community Development and its affordable housing projects, please visit grovewoodcommunitydevelopment.org.
About Grovewood Community Development: Founded in 1995, Grovewood Community Development is a mission-driven affordable housing partner in South Metro Denver creating infrastructure for people of modest means and challenging circumstances to thrive. Grovewood believes that everyone deserves access to a safe and stable place to call home as housing is foundational to human health and wellbeing. As proven community builders with decades of experience successfully navigating the complexities of affordable housing, Grovewood develops and operates affordable housing through strong public and private partnerships. Today, we operate ten affordable housing communities that serve hundreds of residents in South Metro Denver–from working families and seniors to individuals with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and/or substance disorder. Learn more about Grovewood Community Development at grovewoodcommunitydevelopment.org.
