Salt Flats Project

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.

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/