A Promising Path Forward: Exploring a Westminster Site for Gratitude Village

One of the most important steps in building a cohousing community is finding the right piece of land—one that aligns with both the practical needs of development and the values of the community. Over the past several months, the Gratitude Village Site Committee has been exploring multiple properties across Jefferson County and beyond. We’re excited to share that one site in particular is showing great promise.

Why This Site Stands Out

The property—located west of Federal Boulevard between 96th and 104th in Westminster—checks many of the boxes we’ve been searching for. Most notably, it is owned by the City of Westminster, which could be a major advantage. City-owned properties often come with more flexible terms, and in this case, the city is already interested in medium-density housing for this parcel. This alignment of goals is a powerful starting point for negotiation and collaboration.

Another key factor is cost: the asking price is approximately $1 million less than other parcels of similar size we’ve explored in the metro area. That price difference could be critical in reducing overall development costs and keeping future housing more affordable for our community members.

Infrastructure Already in Place

Perhaps one of the most attractive aspects of this site is the investment the city has already made. In 2024, the city installed $1.2 million worth of capital improvements, including utilities, fire protection, and other necessary infrastructure. This means we can save time and resources that would otherwise be required for basic site preparation—a significant advantage in today’s tight development environment.

Connected and Accessible

Location matters deeply for cohousing communities—not just for convenience but for how it supports connection, sustainability, and equity. This Westminster site is located:

• On an express bus line

• Less than 5 miles from the Westminster RTD Station

• Approximately 35 minutes from DIA (31 miles)

• Just 3 miles from downtown Westminster

• About 12 miles from the Denver Center for the Performing Arts

These features make the site transit-accessible and well-connected to jobs, culture, and amenities, aligning beautifully with our community’s goals of reducing car dependence, encouraging shared transportation, and supporting a lower carbon footprint.

What Happens Next

The Site Team will meet with Westminster city officials on Monday, October 27 to begin deeper conversations about the parcel, including:

• Timeline and process for acquiring the land

• Zoning considerations and any required adjustments

• Opportunities for partnership or incentives

• Infrastructure and development planning

At the same time, the committee continues to research other properties in Jeffco, Lakewood, Arvada, and west Denver to ensure we are pursuing all viable options. This includes outreach to planning and development departments as well as directly contacting individual landowners.

Why This Matters for Our Community

Securing land is a defining moment in the life of a cohousing project. It’s what moves a vision from concept into tangible reality. While there’s still much to do—including feasibility studies, negotiations, and community engagement—this Westminster parcel represents a significant step forward on our shared journey.

Our commitment remains clear: we’re building an inclusive, sustainable and accessible cohousing community that reflects our values of belonging, affordability, and environmental stewardship. This site has the potential to help us get there. Stay tuned for updates following our meeting with the city—and as always, if you’re eager to get more involved, now is a perfect time to join us as an Explorer or Founding Member.