City Cast Denver logo
November 22, 2022

Is a Housing Solution Hiding in Colfax’s Many Old Motels?

City Cast Denver

Is a Housing Solution Hiding in Colfax’s Many Old Motels?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Everyone knows Denver’s got a housing shortage — but so many proposed fixes seem too expensive, too controversial, or just too out of reach. So what if we took some of the city’s existing structures and turned them into, well, places for people to live? That’s what Monica Martinez and The Fax Partnership decided to do when they bought two dilapidated old motels on East Colfax. These vestiges of a time when Route 40 was a tourism paradise have since become makeshift affordable housing — but Monica hopes her organization can bring stability, upgrades, and eventually, more housing to these properties. Monica joins host Bree Davies to explain why, as executive director of an East Colfax-centered non-profit, she chose to take on the housing crisis, one motel at a time. 


Bree also mentioned this Denverite report on Denver Rescue Mission. 

 

For the latest affordable housing developments and other news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866


As of this writing, we are (were?) still on Twitter: @citycastdenver


Leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (720) 500-5418‬


Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:


Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
September 29

Glendale’s Failed Nightlife Promises, New Live Music Venue in Cap Hill, and Duck Liver on the Ballot

The historically counter-cultural strip of 13th Avenue in Capitol Hill will be home to a concert venue once again! After all the drama an...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 28

Who Is Funding This Year’s Conservative-Backed Ballot Initiatives?

Ballots are hitting mailboxes soon and the campaign money is flowing. But where is it coming from and where is it going? In his investiga...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 27

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Denver

What’s a seemingly small project in Denver that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 25

The Unwritten Rules of Surviving and Thriving in Denver

What are the things you need to know to thrive in Denver? You know, like remembering to bring a jacket regardless of the weather – which...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 24

It's Film Fest Season! Plus, Red Rocks Ticket Troubles and Our Concert Recs

Sundance Film Festival’s Colorado debut is just months away, but there are plenty of homegrown film fests happening this fall and winter....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 23

A Local Landmark Melts Away, Ball Arena’s New $135M Lobby, and Vegetarian Hot Dogs

Ball Arena is set to get a $135 million makeover, complete with more escalators and a giant LED screen outside for fans to watch the acti...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 22

A New Owner Bought Park Hill's Most Notorious Strip Mall. Is Gentrification Coming Next?

A grocery store or a bar? This is the question at the center of the future of The Holly, a shopping center in Northeast Park Hill. The ge...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 21

The Spicy Story Behind One of Denver's Most Famous Green Chiles

Green chile is a staple of Colorado cuisine – both the pepper itself and the spicy, soupy stew used to smother everything from burritos a...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 20

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Denver

Would Denver be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 18

Could City Workers Get A Raise? Plus, New Buyers for The Mercury Cafe, and Another Bear Attack

The Mercury Cafe is back! Again! This time around, the buyers are asking the community what they want from this legendary space before mo...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art