NEW Senior & Veteran Housing at the Salt Flats

New Senior & Veteran Housing at Salt Flats

A new housing community for older adults (55+) and veterans is being planned as part of the Salt Flats project. The Grand Junction Housing Authority selected Volunteers of America (VOA) and their partner MGL Partners to build and manage this housing on about 3 acres of the Salt Flats property. In June 2025, the City signed a 99-year no-cost land lease with VOA to make the project possible.

Who are the Partners?

Volunteers of America (VOA): A respected national nonprofit with a strong presence in Colorado. VOA builds and manages affordable housing and also provides services to seniors, veterans, and families. In this project, VOA will be the property owner, long-term manager, and provider of on-site resident services.
MGL Partners: A Colorado-based real estate development firm that specializes in affordable and workforce housing. MGL brings expertise in planning, financing, and construction, serving as the turnkey developer for this project.

How is it being financed?

The project is funded through a mix of state and federal affordable housing programs along with private investment. On August 1, 2025, the partnership applied to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) for 4% Federal and State Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC). These tax credits are a critical financing tool used nationwide to lower development costs and keep rents affordable. See the "Affordability at the Salt Flats" under the Project Information for more details on maximum rents, restrictions on income, etc.

In addition, the project is located in a Qualified Census Tract (QCT), which increases its ability to compete for resources, and it has applied for the City’s Affordable Housing Incentive Program, which eliminates City's fees and costs for affordable projects for a long term deed restriction requirement. The Grand Junction Housing Authority will also participate as a Special Limited Partner, which provides eligibility for certain tax exemptions.

What will it include?

The new community will feature 62 apartments, with 13 apartments reserved for veterans through the Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program. The apartments will serve households earning up to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI) — about $50,000 a year for a two-person household.

Unit Mix: 50 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom apartments.
Amenities: Community room, counseling and service offices, outdoor courtyard with BBQ and gardens, and on-site parking.
Apartment Features: In-unit washer/dryer, full kitchens with Energy Star appliances, central air, storage, and internet hookups.

Next Steps

VOA and MGL are currently awaiting award notifications for the State’s LIHTC funding. If funding is awarded, the project anticipates breaking ground in Winter 2027, with units expected to be ready for move-in around Spring 2028.

Future Phase

As part of the 99-year lease, Volunteers of America has also committed to building a second housing community on the site within the next seven years. This future phase, located on the northeast corner of VOA’s 2.91 acres, is expected to include approximately 48 additional apartments for households earning 60% AMI and below.

The exact population to be served and construction timeline will be determined based on community needs at the time of development. Funding is anticipated to come through either the 4% or 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.

Why it matters

This project will create high-quality, service-enriched housing that meets the needs of seniors and veterans on the Western Slope. With strong nonprofit and private partners, robust financing tools, and long-term affordability requirements, the community will remain a stable and welcoming place for decades to come.