In 1974 a petition was put forth by 25 residents of the city of Grand Junction calling for the formation of a housing authority to address the need for safe and sanitary housing for all residents of the city, including those of low income. The city council recognized the need for such an entity, and in November of that year unanimously passed a resolution to form the Grand Junction Housing Authority. The founding board members, all volunteers appointed to five year terms, were Levi Lucero, Chan Edmonds, Jane Quimby, Tom Brimhall, and Dave Humphries.
Getting our first program started wasn't easy. It was difficult. It was a long, complicated process, and at the time, public housing had very bad publicity.
-Levi Lucero, founding Board Member
By 1976 construction of the Walnut Park Apartments had begun and the new housing authority's responsibilities were rapidly increasing. So, in January of 1977, the board hired Paul Malinowski as the first full-time executive director for the Grand Junction Housing Authority. Soon after, the housing authority applied for and received a HUD grant for the establishment of a rental assistance program that would pay monthly rental subsidies on behalf of eligible families throughout the city.
In 1978 the Grand Junction Housing Authority completed its first property - the Walnut Park Apartments at 17th Street and Walnut Ave - providing 78 affordable apartments for seniors. In addition to apartment homes, Walnut Park also offered a Commons building, featuring a dining room, lounge, library, laundry room, maintenance room, and management office.
When I came here from Colorado Springs, I was alone. I had lost my husband, and my means were very much limited. So when they told me I was accepted here at Walnut Park, I was very, very happy. And when I first came to look at the apartment, I was thrilled. And I don't know what I would have done otherwise because I couldn't afford anything else.
-Alice E. Martin, early Walnut Park resident
Upon its completion in 1983, Ratekin Tower stood as one of the few highrise buildings in Grand Junction. The six story building comprised of a library, lounge, dining room, laundry room, outdoor recreation area, and 107 one-bedroom apartments for seniors. It also offered new, more adequate office space for the Grand Junction Housing Authority staff, which had increased to six full-time administrative employees.
Jody Kole began leadership of the Grand Junction Housing Authority on April 1, 1992 as Interim Executive Director and transitioned to a permanent position in September of that year. Since then she has overseen the development of several new properties, each one presenting unique challenges and roadblocks to overcome. Beyond just focusing on development, Jody has devoted herself to the creation and growth of numerous supportive services programs in an effort to truly address the full spectrum of needs that exist in the population that the Grand Junction Housing Authority serves. The Grand Junction Housing Authority would never have gotten to where it is today without her commitment, creativity, and determination.
Between the years of 1996 and 2009 The Grand Junction Housing Authority completed development of the Crystal Brook Townhomes, Linden Pointe Apartments, and Arbor Vista Apartments, collectively adding 204 safe and affordable apartment homes to the Grand Valley.
Recognizing the crucial role of supportive services in helping vulnerable populations achieve housing stability, Doors 2 Success was founded in 2009 to support the clients of The Grand Junction Housing Authority. These services are designed to address the underlying issues that often lead to homelessness. By facilitating access to mental health counseling, job training, life skills education, and healthcare advocacy, Doors 2 Success provides the comprehensive support individuals need to maintain stable housing. Without such services, many people struggle to navigate the complexities of housing, employment, and healthcare, leading to a cycle of instability. Tailored support empowers vulnerable populations to overcome barriers, build resilience, and sustain long-term housing stability, while also enabling seniors to maintain independent living for as long as possible.
Staying committed to its mission to provide the community with safe, decent, affordable housing, the Grand Junction Housing Authority completed an additional four developments between the years of 2009 and the present, including The Highlands, which offers 136 one and two bedroom apartments and various amenities, all designed and built exclusively for seniors.
As the Grand Valley continues to grow and develop, the Grand Junction Housing Authority has recognized the dire need for workforce housing in the northwestern quarter of the city. This area hosts thousands of entry level jobs, but little to no affordable housing. At the end of 2023 the Grand Junction Housing Authority began development of The Current, the first phase of the 15-acre Confluence Subdivision. The 54-unit, four-story, all affordable building will provide beautiful and convenient one- and two-bedroom apartments within walking and biking distance of hundreds of jobs, restaurants, medical services, shopping, and a large regional park. The Current will set the standard for the new residential neighborhood and provide much needed relief to working families in the area.
