Board approves development plan for Potter's House Church property

Development of the former Potter's House Church property within the Four Square Mile Neighborhood has cleared its first hurdle, as the Board of County Commissioners have approved a general development plan.

Commissioners voted unanimously for the development plan, which will allow Norris Design, on behalf of DHI Communities, to continue moving forward with the project at the former church site at 9495 E. Florida Ave. in unincorporated Arapahoe County.

Along with a five-acre park, the project includes 168 two-story paired homes and 345 apartment units that will be housed in three-story buildings on the 32-acre property. The paired homes will be sold, and the apartments will be rented.

"Right now, we absolutely need new homes," Commissioner Nancy Jackson said referring to the low inventory of homes for sale in the metro area. "The paired homes and the park are enhancements to this community."

Prior to the commissioner's May 24 public hearing, the applicant's project team met with residents numerous times to get feedback about the proposal and plan out the park. Norris Design has been working with the County's Open Spaces staff on park planning and design. Outreach has included open houses and community surveys. A final park design is available for review.

"The five-acre park is something we will cherish," said resident Mark Lampert. "The paired homes bring in an opportunity for new home ownership."

Not all neighboring citizens agreed, as they cited concerns over parking, increased traffic and a fondness for the church building.

Resident Angela May said she was a member of the church for 12 years and was baptized there before it relocated to Denver a few years ago. "I love the church," she said. "This property would be better served if the church was turned into a community center."

Moving forward, Norris Design will seek approval for a Specific Development Plan, as well as approvals to replace the existing building-mounted cellular antenna currently housed within the church structure.

Project officials said replacing the cellular antenna will be a priority once they get all the necessary approvals from the County. The Specific Development Plan will have to be approved by the Planning Commission. If this plan approved, the cellular antenna replacement would also be reviewed for approval by Planning. Additional information is available on our Major Planning Cases web page.

If the development receives these approvals, project officials have said that construction could start later this year and take about 30 months to complete. Demolition of the church structure is estimated to last two months.

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