Jefferson Park apartment building upgraded

Residents have begun moving into The Highland, a newly renovated apartment building at 2821 W. 24th Ave. a block north of Jefferson Park.

Owner Mark Maestas spent about $300,000 on renovations to the 24-unit building, constructed in 1957. 

"It's an emerging area," says Brian Lantzy, vice president of business development for Wheelhouse Apartments, which is managing and leasing the building. "In that little neighborhood, there are older apartments and newer condos, but there haven't been any newly renovated apartments or even new apartments in quite a while."

The project is a block away from the River Clay, a 120-unit condominium project developed by Zocalo Community Development in 2008. Chef Matt Selby recently opened his bistro-style Corner House in the building.

There are 23 one-bedroom units averaging 500 square feet and one 675-square-foot two-bedroom unit. The one-bedroom units are leasing for $850 a month, up from rents of $495 before the renovation.

Renovation on the building's second floor is complete, and seven of the 12 units are leased.

Jefferson Park experienced a renaissance in the 1990s, when its affordable housing and neighborhood feel brought it back to the attention of the city and homebuyers tired of long commutes. The city of Denver made the area a focus neighborhood, investing in infrastructure and beautification.