The Colorado Middle Income Housing Authority (MIHA), the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) have announced the start of construction on Galena Apartments in Frisco. The project aims to provide 54 rental apartments for workers earning between 80% and 120% of the area median income, including teachers, first responders, medical professionals, and local government staff.
“Expanding access to housing people can afford is incredibly important for Coloradans, businesses and communities. To truly thrive, we need more housing now for people at every budget. I am thrilled we are taking this important step to help workers in our mountain region and Frisco access homes near work, school, and all that Colorado has to offer,” said Gov. Polis.
Galena Apartments will be built as all-electric units that meet U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Ready Home standards. The location is within walking distance of downtown Frisco.
“Housing isn’t just about where we sleep—it’s about where we belong. MIHA invests in communities like Frisco so the people who teach our kids, heal our loved ones and keep our towns vibrant can build their lives in the same places they uplift daily. Frisco deserves that kind of rootedness—and so do the people who make it home,” said Peter LiFari, MIHA Board President.
To finance the project, MIHA issued its first tax-exempt bonds in July 2025. These bonds raised $18.6 million for acquisition and construction costs; proceeds will be loaned to NHP Foundation, which serves as developer and owner.
“OEDIT is thrilled to support MIHA’s work to create more housing options that are affordable for Coloradans, and we are excited to celebrate the groundbreaking of Galena Apartments in Frisco. This initiative showcases the shared commitment between local, regional and state partners to create more housing now,” said Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of OEDIT.
DOLA provided a $4 million grant from its Strong Communities Infrastructure program toward development costs as part of an effort encouraging sustainable land use practices aligned with strategic growth goals. DOLA also awarded nearly $376,000 from its Energy/Mineral Impact Assistance Fund More Housing Now Initiative for infrastructure around the site.
“Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ mission is to strengthen Colorado communities, and we know workforce housing is one of the largest barriers that our mountain communities face. We’re proud to contribute to the Galena Apartments, bringing housing that’s affordable to the teachers, first responders and nurses who provide critical services to the people of Frisco. They deserve to live where they work,” said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director of DOLA.
Additional support comes from both Summit County and the Town of Frisco itself. Demolition at the site was completed in June with infrastructure work underway.
