A plan that will see the construction of a 27-story apartment building in downtown Colorado Springs has taken a significant step forward with the approval of an important public body.
Set to be built at the northeast corner of West Costilla Street and Sahwatch Street, the One VeLa Apartment complex will include 400 residential units and, upon completion, will be the tallest structure in Colorado Springs.
From the start, the project as proposed by the Colorado Springs-based O’Neill Group development company in a partnership with One VeLa Development, which has offices in Kansas City, has been controversial.
Previously proposed with 36 floors, the high-rise has met with the opposition of residents who say a long-standing tradition in Colorado Springs has prevented the construction of multi-story projects that, once built, could obstruct the view of the Pikes Peak Mountain.
The tallest structure in Colorado Springs, the Wells Fargo building, which was completed in 1990, tops out at 16 floors.
An online petition trying to halt the project generated around 7,000 signatures.
Supporters of the project, on the other hand, have said that it will offer new residential space in a growing city, with 10% of the units to be designated as affordable housing.
Now members of the Downtown Review Board have voted 8 to 0 to approve the project, which will also include 8,000 square feet of ground level retail space.
The One VeLa Apartment complex must still go before the Colorado Springs City Council for a final review.
February 10, 2025
By Garry Boulard
