Denver is planning to turn a neglected stretch of East Colfax Avenue into a busier, safer and more livable area — all in one coordinated push.

Mayor Mike Johnston announced Tuesday an expanded East Colfax plan that pairs retail and workforce housing next to the current Denver Police Department District 6 headquarters, which is slated to be replaced with a new modern facility, approved by voters as part of the 2017 Elevate Denver Bond.

The plan is to demolish the former Pharmacy Building next to the existing police station and offer it to developers at “little to no cost.” 

The winning bidder, according to city officials, must agree to the city’s terms of building “a mixed-use complex featuring ground floor commercial with workforce housing above.” 

The construction of a new police facility on East Colfax Avenue and Washington Street will serve Police District 6 and replace the current, aging facility. 

“This will allow our officers to have a greater presence along the Colfax corridor,” Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas said.

The city intends to issue a bid for the vacant, city-owned Pharmacy Building site this summer and begin demolition this year, and expects to break ground on the new police station this fall. 

“Colfax has a little bit of everything, but if there’s one thing it could use more of, it’s housing,” Johnston said in a statement. “This project delivers affordability without sacrificing Colfax’s unique character, and with the BRT line in its final stages, will come just in time to enjoy one of the easiest commutes in the city.”

The plan originally did not include housing, but rather was slated to renovate the existing police station and then put the land and Pharmacy Building up for sale.

However, Johnston pivoted after pushback from community members and businesses, adding the housing element to the package.

Affordable housing has been a priority of the Johnston administration and the inclusion of workforce housing in this project aligns with that focus.

“By reimaging these two city-owned sites together, we are making a smart, strategic investment that strengthens public safety, expands housing, and builds a more vibrant Colfax,” Councilman Chris Hinds said. “When we get development right in the center of our city, everyone benefits.”

With a population of more than 729,000, the city of Denver has long struggled with an unaffordable housing market and needs to create nearly 44,000 affordable housing units over the next decade, according to the city’s Department of Housing Stability.

Over the past five years, the city has adopted strategies to try to attract developers to invest in the Mile High City and build more housing.

Whether the strategies deliver — the ultimate goal is more affordable housing units — remains to be seen.

Among the city’s most notable moves are the recent blanket zoning changes and fast-track permitting. Additionally, Johnston brought back Brad Buchanan, a well-known Denver development leader, to streamline the city’s Community Planning Development, and developers — for the most part — have applauded the moves.