Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity's Hope Springs development is more than just a pioneering, new construction project; it’s a vibrant community designed to empower residents, foster connection and drive economic growth throughout our entire region.
Spearheaded by Cheri Witt-Brown, Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity's impassioned and longtime CEO, this transformative project, which began in Fall 2023, is redefining what it means to build homes and, ultimately, legacies.
“We’ve developed a full-circle partnership model that substantially increases affordable housing opportunities from rentals to homeownership,” says Cheri. “By bringing together private sector businesses, nonprofits, government entities, the faith community, and everyday individuals, we’ve created a coalition to make this 40-acre, 491-unit development a reality.”
This ambitious endeavor has garnered widespread support, with a remarkable coalition of investors contributing to the $14 million civil construction budget. Among the notable supporters are JBS USA, which contributed $2 million, and Senator John Hickenlooper who awarded the project a $2.557 million Congressional District Spending (CDS) grant.
Other key supporters include: the City of Greeley, the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), The Weld Trust, Occidental (OXY), and Agora West.
Additionally, Baessler Homes’ partnership has produced significant homeownership opportunities for residents, with production taking less than four months from start to finish. This partnership has quadrupled home production capacity in just the first six months of the Hope Springs project.
At its core, Hope Springs is a community built by the community, for the community. The neighborhood’s design incorporates the most efficient land-use practices, featuring small-format housing, smaller lot sizes, active streets, front porches and alleys.
Residents can enjoy walking and biking trails, playgrounds, community gardens and the Occidental Nature Discovery Park. Children who venture out to the park can dig and explore in various oversized sandboxes where hidden faux fossils can be discovered through healthy exploration and play. A covered picnic area is available for memorable family time, community gatherings and cookouts.
All these activities encourage outdoor activity and engagement with nature for all ages. Sports enthusiasts can take advantage of JBS’ two mini-pitch soccer fields, while future plans include an onsite childcare center.
The goal of Hope Springs has been the establishment of a thriving, inclusive neighborhood that prioritizes accessibility. Strategically located, it’s within a five-minute walk to grocery stores, retail shops, award-winning schools and public transportation, ensuring residents have everything they need close at hand.
“This new urban design creates walkable spaces and connects residents to essential amenities and services,” Cheri elaborates. “It’s about fostering a community where people feel they truly belong.”
The vision for Hope Springs extends beyond its residential offerings. Phase one includes 174 Habitat for Humanity homes, all under a Community Land Trust ownership model, ensuring long-term affordability.
Richmark Companies donated the land and water for the project—an extraordinary $8.82 million contribution—and is working with a Denver multi-family developer to build 320+ mixed-income, multi-family units at Hope Springs. When fully developed, Hope Springs will feature more than 491 housing units, ranging from single-family homes to multi-family apartments, all set within professionally maintained common spaces.
“Over $100 million in land development and new construction dollars will be reinvested in Weld County through the Hope Springs Project,” Cheri continues. “Not only will it provide affordable housing to those in need, but it will also act as a catalyst for significant economic growth in the area.”
In presenting this specialized community development model to other Habitat for Humanity affiliates nationwide, Greeley and its new Hope Springs neighborhood have become a bellwether for other cities to follow in their own similar developments.
“Hope Springs is a beacon of what’s possible when communities unite for a common purpose,” Cheri confirms.
Adding to the visionary spirit of Hope Springs, Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity has partnered with Greeley’s own Alquist 3D, LLC. This cutting edge company utilizes high-precision 3DCP (three-dimensional printing) robotic technology and carbon-neutral materials to revolutionize construction. Alquist’s mission aims to connect with the goals of Hope Springs: to create new jobs, affordable housing and stronger infrastructure while championing a more sustainable future.
“The Habitat and Alquist missions have always been aligned, and we are excited to partner on this project,” says Zachary Mannheimer, Founder and Chairman of Alquist 3D. “Habitat for Humanity, and the Hope Springs project in particular, were one of the reasons why we wanted to be in Greeley. Hope Springs is one of the most innovative housing projects in America, and we are excited to be a part of it.”
Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity is currently developing a two-unit duplex in Hope Springs via Alquist’s cutting-edge 3D printing technology. This duplex, built with environmentally responsible materials, is part of an R&D survey designed to assess the feasibility of integrating three-dimensional printing into future construction phases at Hope Springs.
“This partnership allows us to explore how 3D printing can make our work more streamlined, cost-efficient and sustainable,” Cheri explains. “It’s an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible in affordable housing.”
Hope Springs represents a harmonious blend of forward-thinking design and heartfelt community spirit. The project is a testament to the power of collaboration and the belief that everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home.
In the end, Hope Springs is more than a neighborhood; it’s a legacy in the making—a legacy that promises a brighter, more inclusive future for Greeley and beyond.
“[A]n exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of what’s possible in affordable housing.” Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity CEO Cheri Witt-Brown