🏡 Big things are happening at Juniper Grove!

If you've driven by 28 Road recently, you've probably noticed construction equipment on site and significant earthwork underway. What you're seeing is the beginning of Juniper Grove, the first residential neighborhood within the larger Salt Flats development and one of the most exciting new homeownership opportunities coming to Grand Junction.

Developed by Rural Homes, Juniper Grove will include 48 homes on 48 lots, featuring a mix of detached single-family homes and duplex homes designed to create attainable homeownership opportunities for local families. The neighborhood will also include a lot dedicated to one home with an in-home childcare, helping support both housing and family needs within the community.

The project continues to make significant progress. Earlier this month, Rural Homes received conditional approval of the Salt Flats Filing 1 Final Plat, confirming the project's compliance with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Development Code. Engineers have submitted the final construction plans, public improvement bonding has been secured, and construction financing is in place.

Meanwhile, construction activity is well underway. Site clearing and grading have been completed, foundation overexcavation has begun, and the neighborhood detention pond has already been excavated. Recent aerial photography shows the future home sites beginning to take shape as crews prepare for vertical construction.

And there is even more exciting news ahead.

📣 A formal groundbreaking announcement is coming soon! Stay tuned as we prepare to celebrate the official launch of construction and this important milestone for the Salt Flats community.

🏠 Interested in becoming a homeowner at Juniper Grove?

Join Rural Homes and project partners for a free Homebuyer Information Session on:

📅 Saturday, July 18
🕤 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
📍 Central Library Grand Junction

Sign Up Here. Attendees will learn about pricing, qualifications, floor plans, timelines, deed restrictions, and the homebuying process. The team will also discuss the upcoming lottery process, anticipated home selection timeline, and what prospective buyers can do now to prepare.

The anticipated timeline includes:
• Lottery registration opening in August 2026
• Lottery drawing in October 2026
• Home selections later in October
• Purchase contracts finalized shortly thereafter
• Initial closings anticipated by late 2026

Projects like Juniper Grove represent more than just new housing—they create pathways to homeownership, neighborhood stability, and long-term community investment. We are incredibly excited to see this project move from vision to reality and look forward to welcoming the first residents to Juniper Grove.

To learn more or register for the information session, visit www.JuniperGroveHomes.com.

🏗️ In Spring 2026, Brikwell on several major milestones as they advance their vision for the Ascent at the Salt Flats! To learn more about the Ascent Project click here.

In June 2026, Brikwell, as Master Planner, received approval of the Salt Flats Master Plan Preliminary Plan, marking a significant step forward for the full Salt Flats Development. The project is designed to deliver a diverse mix of housing options, including multifamily housing, townhomes, duplexes, single-family homes, senior housing, neighborhood amenities, and connections to regional trails and multimodal transportation. Also, the first phase of the infrastructure was also completed.

The Ascent project also received a major boost earlier this year with the award of $1.95 million in Proposition 123 Concessionary Debt funding, helping advance future phases of development and expand housing opportunities for Grand Junction residents.

Looking ahead, one of the next major milestones of the Ascent Project will be the anticipated LIHTC (Low-Income Housing Tax Credit) allocation in July/August 2026, which would support the development of 144 affordable multifamily homes serving households earning between 30-70% AMI, with a project average of 58% AMI. To learn more about LIHTC click here.

When complete, Salt Flats will provide a variety of housing types designed to meet the needs of families, seniors, workforce households, and individuals across different income levels—all within a thoughtfully planned community featuring parks, trails, neighborhood amenities, and strong transportation connections.

We appreciate Brikwell's partnership and commitment to helping address Grand Junction's housing needs while creating a place where residents can live, connect, and thrive.

👏 Congratulations to the Brikwell team on these exciting accomplishments!

About the Team

Vertikal Development was selected as one of four development teams advancing new homeownership opportunities at the Salt Flats neighborhood in Grand Junction. Vertikal will deliver 46 for-sale homes designed to serve local workforce households, providing attainable ownership opportunities for families earning up to 140% of Area Median Income (AMI). The homes will include a mix of two- and three-bedroom floorplans ranging from approximately 875 to 1,350 square feet, creating efficient, functional living spaces for first-time homebuyers, young families, and local residents seeking an attainable path to homeownership.

Vertikal’s homes are designed to help address the growing gap between affordable and market-rate housing by serving local wage earners who are increasingly priced out of homeownership opportunities. Their approach combines thoughtful design, energy-efficient construction, and innovative building methods to deliver high-quality homes at attainable price points. Each home will be designed with long-term livability in mind, balancing affordability, durability, and comfort while supporting the City's workforce housing goals.

Estimated Project Completion:

• Construction start: Q3 2027
• First phase completion: Q4 2028
• Project delivery: Potentially one or two phases depending on market absorption and demand following the Rural Homes Project phase.

Vertikal Development

Vertikal is a Colorado-based real estate development company focused on attainable homeownership and workforce housing. The company brings extensive experience developing community-oriented housing throughout Colorado, including the Cheesman Street Residences community in Erie, the True North community in Longmont, and the ownership component of Boulder County Housing Authority's Willoughby Corner development in Lafayette.

Through these projects, Vertikal has developed expertise in public-private partnerships, affordability programs, buyer outreach, lender coordination, and homeownership education. The company works closely with local governments, housing authorities, and community stakeholders to create ownership opportunities that help working families build long-term stability and wealth through homeownership.

For Salt Flats, Vertikal will apply that same collaborative and solutions-oriented approach, working alongside the City, Rural Homes Project, and other development partners to create a cohesive neighborhood that expands homeownership opportunities for Grand Junction residents. Their integrated development, design, construction, and sales teams streamline project delivery while maintaining a focus on quality, affordability, and long-term community benefit.

Leadership Team

Walker Thrash, Founder & Managing Partner – Serves as the primary point of contact with the City and oversees project vision, development strategy, financing, and execution.

Matthew Keith, Operations Partner – Oversees underwriting, market analysis, project financing, and lender relations throughout development and construction.

Marco Oliveira, Project Manager – Provides day-to-day project oversight, manages subcontractors, and ensures construction quality and progress.

Andre Holder, Partner & Construction Manager – Tracks budgets and schedules and coordinates between design and construction teams to maintain quality and project timelines.

Sarah Newton, Partner & Design Coordinator, AIA, LEED AP – Leads design coordination, ensuring seamless collaboration among architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors.

Commitment to Salt Flats

Vertikal's phase of Salt Flats will build upon the momentum established by the broader master-planned community and the initial homeownership opportunities delivered by Rural Homes Project. The company will soon move into concept design and coordination with fellow development partners to ensure design cohesiveness across the neighborhood while creating homes that reflect the needs of Grand Junction's workforce.

Vertikal's mission-driven approach—grounded in practical design, innovative construction methods, collaborative problem-solving, and strong public-private partnerships—makes them a valuable partner in helping Grand Junction expand attainable homeownership opportunities. By delivering high-quality homes at attainable price points, Vertikal aims to support the City's long-term housing goals while helping local families put down roots and invest in their future.

🎉 Congratulations to Rural Homes on reaching another major milestone for the Juniper Grove neighborhood at Salt Flats!

We're excited to share continued progress on Juniper Grove (Salt Flats Filing 1), a 48-lot subdivision within the Salt Flats Development that will bring much-needed homeownership opportunities to Grand Junction. For a list of all Filings, click here.

Filing One includes includes eight detached single-family homes and 40 for-sale duplex units (20 duplex buildings), with one of the lots could add in in-home childcare, helping create a neighborhood that supports both families and community needs.

A significant milestone was reached on June 8, when Rural Homes received conditional approval of the Salt Flats Filing 1 Final Plat from the City of Grand Junction Community Development Department. The City determined that the project complies with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning and Development Code. The application was submitted on December 17, 2025, and completed the City's review process in approximately 5.5 months.

The project team continues to make substantial progress behind the scenes as well. Engineers have delivered the signed and stamped Construction Plat Set to the City, and the pre-construction process is underway, with coordination meetings continuing as the project moves toward full construction.

Rural Homes has also secured key financing milestones, including providing the required performance bond to the City of Grand Junction for public improvements through the Development Improvement Agreement. In addition, construction loan financing and bridge loan funding have been secured through nonprofit partners, helping ensure the project remains on track.

On the ground, visible progress is already taking shape. Site work is underway, the early grading permit has been obtained, clear-and-grub operations have been completed, foundation overexcavation has begun, and the detention pond has been constructed. These important infrastructure and site preparation activities are laying the groundwork for future homes and a thriving new neighborhood.

We appreciate Rural Homes' commitment to expanding attainable housing and look forward to celebrating future milestones as construction continues.

👏 Congratulations to the entire Rural Homes team on this exciting achievement!

On June 1, 2026, the City approved the Preliminary Plan for the Salt Flats Master Planned Development. The Salt Flats development will provide 465 housing units through a mix of apartments, single-family detached and attached homes, and accessory dwelling units. The application was submitted on October 14, 2025, and completed the City's review process in approximately 7.5 months, supporting the City's housing production goals under Colorado's Proposition 123 program.

Under the Master Plan, five future filings will each be submitted for final approval. These filings may be processed and approved independently and are not required to proceed in numerical order.

Filing One: Juniper Grove by Rural Homes Homeownership. Learn more about the project here. Anticipated Project Completion: by Winter 2027.

Filing Two: Project Name TBD by Vertikal, Homeownership. Project is still in concept phase - More information coming in the future. Vertikal has proposed development of 46 affordable and attainable for-sale homes within a future phase of the Salt Flats Development. The project is intended to fill the gap between traditional affordable housing and market-rate housing by providing homeownership opportunities for the workforce households up to 140% AMI. Anticipated Project Completion: Quarter 4 2027.

Filing Three: Two phased project by Volunteers of America.

• Phase One: The Haven at the Salt Flats by Volunteers of America. Learn More about the Project here.
• Phase Two: Future Development of approximately 42-48 units of rental housing serving households under 60% AMI. Population Served and Completion dates: TBD

Filing Four & Five: Two phased project by Brikwell.

• Phase One: Ascent at the Salt Flats. Learn More about the Project here. Anticipated Project Completion: Quarter 3 2028
• Phase Two: Future Development of up to 120 units of Affordable/Workforce multifamily rentals. Anticipation Project Completion: 2030.

Have you noticed all the changes happening along 28 Road and 28 ¼ Road lately? The new roads, sidewalks, streetlights, landscaping, utilities, and other infrastructure improvements are all part of the Salt Flats development—and we're excited to share that Phase 1 infrastructure is now in its final stages of completion.

These improvements are laying the foundation for one of Grand Junction's most significant future housing developments. Phase 1 includes the extension and expansion of critical public infrastructure, including Grand Avenue improvements, the 28 ¼ Road expansion, water and sewer utilities, storm drainage, electric, gas, fiber, landscaping, irrigation, and multimodal transportation connections designed to support future residents and businesses.

Many residents have asked how these improvements are being funded. The answer is through a unique partnership between the City of Grand Junction, the State of Colorado, and the property owner. In November 2024, the City was awarded a $2 million More Housing Now grant through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs' Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF). The program was specifically created to help communities address infrastructure barriers that prevent affordable and attainable housing development.

The City contributed an additional $800,000 local match, creating a $2.8 million investment in Salt Flats Phase 1 infrastructure. In addition, the seller contributed another $1 million toward infrastructure improvements, helping accelerate the project's readiness for future development.

Why is this investment so important? Housing doesn't happen without infrastructure. Before homes can be built, communities must first invest in roads, utilities, drainage systems, sidewalks, lighting, and transportation connections. These improvements remove one of the largest financial barriers to future housing development and position Salt Flats to become a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that will provide much-needed housing opportunities for Grand Junction residents.

The infrastructure work underway today may look like roads, pipes, and streetlights, but it represents something much bigger: the groundwork for future homes, future neighborhoods, and future opportunities for our community.

As construction wraps up on Phase 1, we're excited to see the next chapter of Salt Flats begin.

🎉 Congratulations to Brikwell on receiving a $1.95 million Proposition 123 Concessionary Debt Award for The Ascent!

The Ascent will deliver 144 units of Affordable multifamily rental units through the Non-Competitive 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, providing housing opportunities for individuals and families earning between 30-70% of Area Median Income, with an income average at or below 58% AMI. As housing affordability continues to be one of the region's greatest challenges, projects like The Ascent are critical to expanding housing options for our workforce, families, seniors, and community members who are increasingly struggling to find attainable housing. To Learn More about the Ascent Project here.

The Proposition 123 award is especially important because it helps advance the project and is one piece of the capital stack helping ensure that the affordability is maintained.

👏 Congratulations to the entire Brikwell team on this well-deserved achievement!

🎉 Congratulations to Rural Homes & Paradox Community Trust! 🎉

We are thrilled to celebrate Rural Homes, which operates under Rural Homes LLC with Paradox Community Trust as its sole member, for being awarded $5.2 million through the Affordable Housing Opportunities Program (AHOP) as one of the Homeownership Scattered Sites Grantees! See the announcement here.

This major investment will support the creation of 65 new homeownership opportunities across Mesa, Routt, Boulder, and Gunnison counties—a tremendous step forward in expanding attainable homeownership in Colorado’s rural communities.

Here in Grand Junction, we are especially excited that this award will help advance 48 new homes at The Salt Flats by providing a lower interest rate for local families and supplying the critical gap funding needed to bridge the difference between the home’s value and the mortgage amount buyers can afford.

This is a significant milestone for Rural Homes, Paradox Community Trust, and all the partners working to bring high-quality, energy-efficient, and community-focused homeownership opportunities to families across Western Colorado.

Congratulations to the entire Rural Homes team—your innovative, mission-driven approach continues to make a lasting impact in our region. We are proud to partner with you on The Salt Flats!

About the Team

Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) and MGL Partners were selected through the Grand Junction Housing Authority’s Request for Proposals (RFP) process to develop the northwest portion of the Salt Flats site. This partnership will deliver a high-quality, mixed-income rental community for veterans and older adults (age 55+) through 62 affordable apartment units serving households within an average median income of between 30% and 60% AMI.

Together, VOA and MGL bring a blend of mission-driven, service-enriched housing expertise and private-sector development experience—ensuring the Salt Flats community will be both sustainable and inclusive, with a long-term focus on quality design, livability, and resident success.

Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS)

As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit housing and service organizations, Volunteers of America National Services (VOANS) operates over 400 properties nationwide and is recognized for creating service-enriched communities that foster dignity and stability for residents. In Colorado, VOA has developed and manages more than 1,900 units across 28 properties, serving families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness. VOANS has over 360 units and 9 properties on the western slope including Grandview Apartments in Grand Junction. Also, in September, 2025 they opened Rendezvous, a new age 55+ community in Montrose.

For the Salt Flats development, VOANS will lead the supportive housing and resident services component, providing case management, resource coordination, and long-term housing stability supports in collaboration with local partners. Their Colorado team, led by Vice President of Regional Real Estate Doug Snyder, will oversee all phases of development—from financing through construction and through stabilization in conjunction with MGL Partners.

VOA Colorado will also serve as the property management agent under the leadership of Vice Present of Affordable Housing, Cathy Vannerson, who brings more than 35 years of experience in affordable housing management. With an average HUD REAC/NSPIRE score of 97 across its statewide portfolio, VOA maintains a reputation for high-quality, well-maintained housing that prioritizes safety, compliance, and resident satisfaction.

MGL Partners

Founded in 2004, MGL Partners is a Denver-based real estate development firm that has developed or acquired more than $1 billion in multifamily housing throughout Colorado. The firm specializes in market-rate, affordable, workforce, and senior housing, with a strong emphasis on public-private partnerships and creative financing.

For the Salt Flats project, MGL serves as the Turnkey Developer, managing all aspects of design coordination, financing, and delivery for the mixed-income rental community. MGL’s portfolio includes award-winning projects such as Lumien Apartments in Durango, Crisman Apartments in Longmont, and Tammen Hall in Denver—all affordable housing developments that successfully leverage Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and state and federal partnerships.

Leadership Team:

• Lisa Mullins, Co-Founder and Principal: Oversees financial and asset management, including tax credit acquisition and compliance, bringing legal and CPA expertise.

• Mike Gerber, Co-Founder and Principal: Provides strategic direction and leads acquisition, entitlement, and design.

• Greg Glade, Co-Founder and Principal: Oversees finance and new development, with extensive experience structuring complex debt and equity deals.

• Dani Vachon, Development Director: Manages new affordable housing construction and consulting projects, with previous experience at Boulder Housing Partners and deep knowledge of LIHTC development.

• Rebecca Macey, Development Director: Supports underwriting, budgeting, and state and federal financing strategies, leveraging experience from the Colorado Division of Housing.

General Contractor: FCI Constructors, Inc.

FCI Constructors, Inc., founded in 1978 in Grand Junction, will serve as the general contractor for the VOA-MGL Salt Flats project. A long-standing leader in the construction industry with over 450 employee-owners and eight regional offices, FCI has extensive experience with complex housing and public projects across Colorado and the Western Slope.

Their recent portfolio includes Basalt Riverfront Townhomes, Village Cooperative of Grand Junction, and Two10 at Eagle Ranch, all affordable or mixed-income housing communities of similar size and scope. FCI brings a collaborative, open-book approach to construction management, ensuring quality, transparency, and on-time delivery for Salt Flats.

Special Limited Partner: Grand Junction Housing Authority (GJHA)

The Grand Junction Housing Authority (GJHA) will serve as the Special Limited Partner on the project. Established in 1978, GJHA owns and operates 785 affordable apartments and administers over 1,100 vouchers across Mesa County. GJHA has successfully implemented numerous LIHTC projects—including Village Park, The Highlands, and 2814—and is a trusted partner in developing and managing high-quality affordable housing in the Grand Valley.

With deep community roots and decades of experience, GJHA provides critical insight into local housing needs and ensures the long-term affordability and operational success of the Salt Flats development.

Architect: Shopworks Architecture

Shopworks Architecture is a Denver-based firm nationally recognized for its expertise in affordable and supportive housing, mixed-use infill, and trauma-informed “Dignified Design.” Their portfolio includes projects such as Cadence (Fort Collins), Brandon Courtyard (Denver), Espero Apartments (Durango), and Laurel House (Grand Junction)—all designed to promote dignity, connection, and community.

For Salt Flats, Shopworks will lead architectural design, emphasizing sustainability, accessibility, and wellness-focused spaces that align with Grand Junction’s vision for inclusive, service-oriented development.

A Shared Vision for Salt Flats

Together, Volunteers of America National Services, MGL Partners, GJHA, Shopworks Architecture, and FCI Constructors represent a best-in-class development team committed to creating an equitable, vibrant community at Salt Flats. Their shared goal is to expand Grand Junction’s affordable housing options, integrate high-quality design and supportive services, and build a neighborhood that supports opportunity, health, and long-term stability for all residents.

Learn more about the Volunteers of America & MGL Partners Senior/Veteran Housing Project Here.

Meet the Development Team: Rural Homes

During the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Rural Homes was selected to deliver the homeownership portion of the Salt Flats development because of their mission-driven approach and proven ability to deliver affordable, workforce housing in Colorado’s rural and small-town communities.

Unlike many developers, Rural Homes is a non-profit, vertically integrated builder focused exclusively on long-term affordability, workforce stability, and community well-being. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that housing should strengthen communities and remain affordable across generations. By blending innovative construction techniques, smart financing, and deep partnerships with local employers and governments, they are redefining how workforce housing can be delivered efficiently, sustainably, and equitably.

Rural Homes’ guiding commitments include:

• Community First – Direct engagement with local employers, governments, and residents ensures projects are designed for the workforce that lives there.

• Efficiency & Innovation – Use of modular construction, bundled subcontracting, and value engineering reduces costs without compromising quality.

• Long-Term Affordability – Homes are deed-restricted with capped appreciation, energy-efficient design, and no additional HOAs or metro districts to keep ownership costs low.

• Holistic Support – Beyond construction, the team provides down payment assistance, mortgage support, bilingual guidance, and even integrates home-based childcare options.

Modular Innovation: Building Smarter with Fading West

A cornerstone of Rural Homes’ approach is their partnership with Fading West, a Buena Vista–based modular home factory that has quickly become a statewide leader in affordable housing innovation. By manufacturing homes in a controlled factory environment, Fading West reduces construction waste, shortens timelines, and provides consistent, high-quality builds. Homes are then transported to the site and assembled with precision, dramatically cutting costs compared to traditional methods.

Choosing a Colorado-based modular factory and a rural-focused developer has economic significance for Grand Junction. Every home produced through Rural Homes and Fading West supports jobs in small towns, local subcontractors, and Colorado’s manufacturing sector—helping to circulate investment back into rural communities rather than sending dollars to national, for-profit builders. This model not only addresses housing needs but also fuels regional economic development, ensuring that the solutions to Colorado’s housing crisis are built by Colorado communities themselves.

The Rural Homes Team

David Ware – CEO, Rural Homes
David recently joined Rural Homes as the CEO. Previously, he led McStain Neighborhoods in Denver, delivering more than 15,000 homes. He contributes extensive expertise in large-scale residential development and sustainable building practices to Rural Homes’ projects.

Paul Major – Manager, Rural Homes; President, Paradox Community Trust
Paul leads Rural Homes with decades of experience in community development and philanthropy. As the founding CEO of the Telluride Foundation, he has overseen major investments in housing, healthcare, and community resilience. Paul’s leadership emphasizes transparency, innovation, and partnerships that expand access to homeownership.

Dylan Conway – Development Manager
Dylan brings expertise in real estate development and investment, with a background managing large master-planned rental neighborhoods and boutique condominiums in New York City. He oversees financial modeling, entitlements, and site planning, and manages sales and closings for Rural Homes projects.

Sheamus Croke – Operations Manager
A Telluride native, Sheamus is dedicated to community engagement, communications, and supporting homebuyers—particularly first-time and Spanish-speaking households. He also leads outreach, partnerships, and program implementation, ensuring Rural Homes remains responsive to community needs.

Paradox Community Trust Board Advisors
Rural Homes is further supported by a highly experienced advisory board that includes leaders such as Daniel Tishman (Tishman Realty & Construction), Richard Betts (ASAP Accounting & Payroll), Megan Ferguson (Impact Development Fund), and Amy Latham (Colorado Health Foundation), among others. Their collective expertise in finance, construction, philanthropy, and policy ensures that Rural Homes projects are resilient, affordable, and community-centered.

Rural Homes at Salt Flats

At Salt Flats, Rural Homes will deliver a new neighborhood of 48 affordable for-sale homes designed for households earning up to 100% of Area Median Income (AMI). Homes will include a mix of two- and three-bedroom residences priced from approximately $225,000–$349,000, with deed restrictions to preserve affordability long-term. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with homes ready for families to move in by 2027.

By bringing their values-driven approach, experienced team, and rural-based construction partnerships to Grand Junction, Rural Homes will ensure that Salt Flats includes a vibrant, stable homeownership community—giving local workers and families the opportunity to thrive.

👉 Learn more about Rural Homes: www.ruralhomes.co/

👉 Interested in learning more about purchasing one of the homes? Get on the list to receive updates and more information as the project develops by completing the interest form at ruralhomes.co/contact. You can also learn more at Rural Homes' new website for this development, recently named Juniper Grove.