Salt Flats Project

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An example layout of the Salt Flats project with text on graphic


This project page acts as a platform for community members to be informed and learn about the upcoming next steps for the development of the Salt Flats property.

Project Overview

The Salt Flats Project is more than just housing — it’s about building the future of Grand Junction. This 21.78-acre site, once underutilized, is being transformed into a neighborhood designed to meet the community housing needs.

At its heart, the Salt Flats Project will deliver between 324 and 550 new homes, blending affordable options with attainable and market-rate homes in both rental and homeownership opportunities for local families. This mix is intentional: by combining public investment with private development, the project creates stability for families and seniors while also encouraging new opportunities for local builders, businesses, and investors.

Why It Matters

In recent years, high interest rates and rising construction costs have increased housing costs across the country. Grand Junction has felt these impacts, leaving fewer options for local renters and buyers. The City is removing barriers to development — investing in the infrastructure, planning, and groundwork that make it easier for the private market to deliver homes. This means developers can focus on building high-quality housing that serves a wide range of people in our community.

A Neighborhood for Everyone

Salt Flats is designed to be a place where neighbors can thrive. With plans for a neighborhood park, open space, and its location near bus stops, jobs, and services means residents this development isn’t just about homes — it’s about creating a community. Residents will have easy access to the things that make life in Grand Junction more affordable.

Community-Driven Growth

This project represents a once-in-a-generation chance to guide growth in a way that benefits everyone. By combining affordable housing with private development, Salt Flats strengthens our economy, supports local businesses, and ensures that Grand Junction remains a place where teachers, nurses, first responders, service workers, and young families can live alongside retirees and professionals.

Project History

To help meet Grand Junction’s growing housing needs, the City adopted 13 Housing Strategies, which were reaffirmed and expanded in the 2024 Housing Strategy Update. One key strategy was to use City-owned land, or purchase new land, to support affordable housing development.

At first, this was difficult because the City Charter only allowed land leases of up to 25 years. Affordable housing funding sources typically require much longer leases — 30 to 99 years — to secure financing. To solve this, the City placed Ballot Measure 2B on the Fall 2023 ballot. With strong voter support, the Charter was amended to allow leases of up to 99 years specifically for affordable and attainable housing. This change removed a major barrier and opened the door for projects like the Salt Flats.

Another housing strategy focused on reducing infrastructure costs, which are one of the biggest barriers to building affordable housing. The Salt Flats property — a 21.78-acre site within a larger 33-acre parcel — had long been vacant. It was owned by En-Sim QOF, LLC, a local candy manufacturer, which had planned to keep part of the property for warehouse and office expansion. But the high cost of infrastructure made private development of the northern portion impossible, creating a unique opportunity for City partnership.

In November 2023, the City applied for a Proposition 123 Land Banking Grant through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) for $2.2 million, paired with a $1 million City match. The grant was awarded in January 2024, allowing the City to move forward with acquisition. A Letter of Intent with En-Sim was signed in April, and the property subdivision was completed later that year.

To support infrastructure needs, the City also applied for the More Housing Now Grant in August 2024, requesting $2 million with an $800,000 City match. That grant was awarded in November 2024, and the purchase of the Salt Flats site was finalized in January 2025.

Shortly after acquisition, the Grand Junction Housing Authority (GJHA) requested that a portion of the site be set aside for a project for them to find a partner. The City honored this request, reserving up to 2.91 acres in the northwest corner. Meanwhile, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the rest of the property. By March 2025, 13 proposals were submitted, with developer interviews taking place in April. From this process, four development teams were selected, including one that will serve as the site’s Master Planner.

Detailed information on the selected developers, project timelines, and proposed housing units can be found in the following pages.


Want to Learn More?

Learn more about the Salt Flats project and other current initiatives addressing the unhoused in our community, or to request a meeting with the City of Grand Junction Housing staff at housing@gjcity.org or call 970-256-4081.




This project page acts as a platform for community members to be informed and learn about the upcoming next steps for the development of the Salt Flats property.

Project Overview

The Salt Flats Project is more than just housing — it’s about building the future of Grand Junction. This 21.78-acre site, once underutilized, is being transformed into a neighborhood designed to meet the community housing needs.

At its heart, the Salt Flats Project will deliver between 324 and 550 new homes, blending affordable options with attainable and market-rate homes in both rental and homeownership opportunities for local families. This mix is intentional: by combining public investment with private development, the project creates stability for families and seniors while also encouraging new opportunities for local builders, businesses, and investors.

Why It Matters

In recent years, high interest rates and rising construction costs have increased housing costs across the country. Grand Junction has felt these impacts, leaving fewer options for local renters and buyers. The City is removing barriers to development — investing in the infrastructure, planning, and groundwork that make it easier for the private market to deliver homes. This means developers can focus on building high-quality housing that serves a wide range of people in our community.

A Neighborhood for Everyone

Salt Flats is designed to be a place where neighbors can thrive. With plans for a neighborhood park, open space, and its location near bus stops, jobs, and services means residents this development isn’t just about homes — it’s about creating a community. Residents will have easy access to the things that make life in Grand Junction more affordable.

Community-Driven Growth

This project represents a once-in-a-generation chance to guide growth in a way that benefits everyone. By combining affordable housing with private development, Salt Flats strengthens our economy, supports local businesses, and ensures that Grand Junction remains a place where teachers, nurses, first responders, service workers, and young families can live alongside retirees and professionals.

Project History

To help meet Grand Junction’s growing housing needs, the City adopted 13 Housing Strategies, which were reaffirmed and expanded in the 2024 Housing Strategy Update. One key strategy was to use City-owned land, or purchase new land, to support affordable housing development.

At first, this was difficult because the City Charter only allowed land leases of up to 25 years. Affordable housing funding sources typically require much longer leases — 30 to 99 years — to secure financing. To solve this, the City placed Ballot Measure 2B on the Fall 2023 ballot. With strong voter support, the Charter was amended to allow leases of up to 99 years specifically for affordable and attainable housing. This change removed a major barrier and opened the door for projects like the Salt Flats.

Another housing strategy focused on reducing infrastructure costs, which are one of the biggest barriers to building affordable housing. The Salt Flats property — a 21.78-acre site within a larger 33-acre parcel — had long been vacant. It was owned by En-Sim QOF, LLC, a local candy manufacturer, which had planned to keep part of the property for warehouse and office expansion. But the high cost of infrastructure made private development of the northern portion impossible, creating a unique opportunity for City partnership.

In November 2023, the City applied for a Proposition 123 Land Banking Grant through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) for $2.2 million, paired with a $1 million City match. The grant was awarded in January 2024, allowing the City to move forward with acquisition. A Letter of Intent with En-Sim was signed in April, and the property subdivision was completed later that year.

To support infrastructure needs, the City also applied for the More Housing Now Grant in August 2024, requesting $2 million with an $800,000 City match. That grant was awarded in November 2024, and the purchase of the Salt Flats site was finalized in January 2025.

Shortly after acquisition, the Grand Junction Housing Authority (GJHA) requested that a portion of the site be set aside for a project for them to find a partner. The City honored this request, reserving up to 2.91 acres in the northwest corner. Meanwhile, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the rest of the property. By March 2025, 13 proposals were submitted, with developer interviews taking place in April. From this process, four development teams were selected, including one that will serve as the site’s Master Planner.

Detailed information on the selected developers, project timelines, and proposed housing units can be found in the following pages.


Want to Learn More?

Learn more about the Salt Flats project and other current initiatives addressing the unhoused in our community, or to request a meeting with the City of Grand Junction Housing staff at housing@gjcity.org or call 970-256-4081.



  • Development Timeline

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    The story of the Salt Flats site reflects years of community planning, voter support, and strategic action by the City of Grand Junction to meet the community’s housing needs.

    In 2021, the City adopted its first Housing Strategy, a framework of 13 strategies designed to address the housing challenges facing Grand Junction. Among these was the idea of leveraging City-owned land and strategic acquisitions to support affordable housing.

    By 2023, it became clear that a barrier stood in the way: the City Charter limited leases on City-owned land to 25 years, far shorter than the 30–99 years typically required by affordable housing funding sources. To address this, the City placed Ballot Measure 2B on the ballot. With strong voter approval, the Charter was amended to allow up to 99-year leases for affordable housing, unlocking access to City owned and/or City acquired property for affordable and attainable housing.

    In 2024, the City completed a Housing Strategy Update and Data Refresh, reaffirming housing as one of the community’s most urgent needs. Around the same time, the City applied for and received a $2.2 million Proposition 123 Land Banking Grant from OEDIT, paired with a $1 million City match. This competitive grant made it possible to acquire the 21.78-acre Salt Flats site. A Letter of Intent was signed with the property’s seller, En-Sim QOF, LLC, in April, and subdivision of the full 33-acre parcel began.

    Recognizing that infrastructure costs had long made the property infeasible for private development, the City applied for the More Housing Now Grant from the state’s Energy and Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) in August 2024. This request for $2 million, combined with an $800,000 City match and a seller contribution, was approved in November 2024, securing the resources needed to build the backbone infrastructure for the site. By January 2025, the purchase of the Salt Flats property was finalized.

    To select development partners, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) in early 2025. Thirteen proposals were received, and after review and interviews, four development teams were chosen, including Brikwell as the Master Developer and Master Planner. In May 2025, the teams — alongside their architects, engineers, designers, and finance partners — met at CHFA’s offices in downtown Grand Junction to create a coordinated master plan for the site.

    Construction of Phase 1 infrastructure began in August 2025, focusing on 28 Road improvements, Grand Avenue connections, and installation of water, sewer, and drainage systems. Local residents may notice some delays along 28 Road while this work continues through 2025. With infrastructure underway, the first housing projects — Brikwell’s Ascent at Salt Flats and VOA’s senior and veteran apartments — are expected to begin vertical construction in 2026, with the first homes opening by 2027.

    Over the following years, additional phases will be built, including for-sale townhomes by Rural Homes, Veritkal and future Brikwell-led projects. Under the Proposition 123 Land Banking Grant, at least 324 housing units must be developed on the site, a full development plan must be formalized within five years (by 2029–2030), and all financing for the site must be secured within ten years (by 2035). Ultimately, Salt Flats will deliver between 324 and 550 new homes across a range of income levels, from deeply affordable rentals to attainable for-sale homes and some market-rate units.

    This timeline reflects the long-term vision and step-by-step approach needed to transform a long-vacant site into one of the most important new housing communities in Grand Junction.

  • Meet the Development Team: Brikwell

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    During the Request for Proposal (RFP) process, Brikwell was selected as the Master Planner for Salt Flats because of their proven experience and track record. Master planning a large site like Salt Flats is important because it ensures that housing, infrastructure, parks, and transportation all work together as one coordinated community rather than as disconnected projects. It allows for thoughtful design, efficient use of land, and a balance of housing types that reflect the needs of the whole community. A strong master plan also gives private developers clarity and confidence, reducing risk and creating a roadmap for long-term success.


    Brikwell and its extended team have delivered or managed over 4,498 housing units, entitled 461 acres, and developed or purchased more than $10.8 billion in assets across the country. Unlike short-term builders, Brikwell is focused on long-term stewardship — building high-quality homes and neighborhoods designed to last. They are not merchant builders; rather, Brikwell is a community-focused developer committed to long-term ownership, high-quality design, and projects that improve lives.

    The Ascent at Salt Flats

    The first major project under the Salt Flats master plan is the Ascent at Salt Flats — a 144-unit affordable rental community. This development will provide a full mix of unit sizes, from studios to four-bedrooms, serving households earning between 30%–70% of Area Median Income (AMI) with a community average of 58% AMI. Importantly, 44 units will be studios — filling a major gap for individuals and small households — while 36 units will be larger family-sized three- and four-bedrooms, meeting another critical housing need.

    The Ascent will also feature a 3,000 sq. ft. Early Childhood Education center with capacity for 60 children, as well as adjacent outdoor play space. With zoning already in place, construction is expected to begin in Spring 2026 and wrap up by Winter 2027.

    Looking Ahead: Future Phases

    Beyond Ascent, Brikwell has outlined an additional project anticipated as Phase 3, projected at 120 mixed-income units. This phase is proposed to leverage Proposition 123 Concessionary Debt/Equity, with affordability averaging 80% AMI, and a mix of market-rate, workforce, and affordable housing. Completion is anticipated by Summer 2030, with more details to come as planning and financing progress.

    As Brikwell emphasized in their proposal, they are committed to a cohesive, long-term vision for Salt Flats that provides homes for families and individuals across a wide range of incomes.

    To learn more about Brikwell - Visit their website https://brikwell.com/

Page last updated: 08 Oct 2025, 11:00 AM