Is Greeley’s New Build-to-Rent Project the Future of Housing Solutions?

January 23, 2025

The Greeley City Council recently approved a groundbreaking project proposed by Hartford Homes, introducing a ‘build-to-rent’ (BTR) community on a 43-acre parcel of land in west Greeley. This development, located near the Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering, marks one of the city’s first ventures into horizontal apartment complexes, featuring single-family housing units intended solely for rental purposes. The approval followed a nearly two-hour debate among council members, reflecting the project’s significance and the innovative nature of the BTR concept.

The Concept of Build-to-Rent Communities

What is Build-to-Rent?

Build-to-rent communities are a relatively new concept in Greeley but are gaining popularity nationwide, particularly in areas with high housing appreciation like Arizona. These communities consist of single-family homes designed exclusively for rental purposes, offering a unique blend of apartment living and single-family home benefits. Hartford Homes’ project will include around 200 rental homes, ranging from small 800-square-foot apartments over detached garages to larger duplexes and single-family homes, collectively termed cottages or alternative dwelling units (ADUs). With this diverse range, the project aims to meet the varying housing preferences and needs of the Greeley community.

The idea behind BTR communities is to provide residents with a living experience that balances the privacy and space typically associated with single-family homes and the amenities of apartment living. This hybrid model caters to individuals and families who might prefer the rental market over ownership, without compromising on the quality of their living environment. By offering this blend, Hartford Homes hopes to address the demand for flexible and accessible rental options, which can be particularly attractive in a fluctuating housing market where affordability and mobility can be major considerations for potential renters.

Features and Amenities

These BTR communities feature common ownership and professional management, operating similarly to traditional apartment complexes but with a more horizontal spread. This design allows for a community feel while distributing living spaces more generously across the land. They often include shared amenities such as fitness centers, clubhouses, recreational areas, and swimming pools. This combination provides residents with the convenience and community feel of apartment living while enjoying the space and privacy of single-family homes.

Additionally, the concept ensures that maintenance and landscaping are managed professionally, reducing the individual burden on tenants and enhancing the overall aesthetics and functionality of the community. These shared amenities also foster a sense of community and interaction among residents, which is often less prevalent in traditional single-family neighborhoods. This integration of services and social features exemplifies how BTR communities can blend the best elements of different housing models, aiming to create environments where families and individuals can thrive without the constraints typically associated with either owning or renting a home.

Council Deliberations and Approval

Points of Contention

A significant point of contention during the council’s deliberations was the fate of an adjacent, unplanned 17-acre area at the corner of 71st Avenue and 10th Street. This parcel currently lacks specific development plans, leading to concerns about potential unsuitable uses, such as warehouses or pawn shops, which could detract from the community’s aesthetic and functional value. Council member Johnny Olson emphasized the need for more definitive planning to avoid future complications, while Deb DeBoutez worried about inappropriate commercial uses undermining the community’s quality. This uncertainty over the unplanned parcel cast a shadow over the otherwise promising project, highlighting the need for clear and proactive planning in all aspects of development.

Despite these reservations, other council members recognized the developers’ intent to utilize time and resources efficiently, seeing the potential benefits of approving the bulk of the project first. The logical strategy was to ensure the rental homes’ success before committing to a concrete plan for the adjacent area. This pragmatic approach aimed to mitigate risks while providing room for adaptive planning based on the project’s initial performance. It was a balance between seizing the opportunity to introduce an innovative housing model and addressing valid concerns about long-term land use.

The Decision-Making Process

Despite these concerns, the council recognized the developers’ desire to ensure the efficient use of time and resources, ultimately voting 4-2 in favor of the project. The dissenting votes came from Butler and DeBoutez, who remained apprehensive about the unspecified future uses under the planned unit development (PUD) zoning. Mayor John Gates and other council members critiqued the process, suggesting that concerns should have been addressed earlier in the deliberations to avoid last-minute uncertainties and pressures on developers. This critique pointed to a larger issue of needing more thorough and proactive discussions early in the planning stages to ensure that all potential issues were considered and resolved before final approvals.

Hartford Homes’ assurances of their commitment to develop compatible and community-serving commercial uses for the unplanned area provided some reassurance. The developers aimed to enhance rather than detract from the significant investment made in the BTR project, reflecting a broader commitment to creating cohesive, community-oriented spaces. This commitment was crucial in winning over a majority of the council and moving the project forward, albeit with provisions for ongoing oversight and involvement to ensure that the community’s needs and concerns would continue to be addressed.

The Future of Housing in Greeley

Potential Impact on Local Housing Market

The approval of Hartford Homes’ BTR community represents a significant step towards innovative housing solutions in Greeley. This project aligns with a broader trend of shifting focus from traditional apartment complexes to BTR models, reflecting changing dynamics in the housing market and responding to growing demand for flexible, quality rental housing. The success of this community may pave the way for similar developments, potentially reshaping the local housing landscape. By providing a new form of rental housing that meets contemporary needs, the development could positively impact housing affordability, availability, and variety in Greeley.

Furthermore, this project could serve as a model for future housing initiatives, demonstrating the viability of BTR communities in addressing specific market needs. As these developments become more common, they could help stabilize rental markets by offering reliable, professionally managed options that tenants find appealing. This could lead to a more balanced housing market where both renters and owners find suitable and attractive living arrangements, driving economic growth and enhancing overall community well-being.

Strategic Planning and Community Engagement

The council’s deliberations highlighted the importance of strategic planning and clear communication in municipal development processes. Hartford Homes assured the council of their commitment to developing compatible and community-serving commercial uses for the unplanned area, aiming to enhance rather than detract from the significant investment made in the BTR project. This assurance underscores the need for developers and city officials to work collaboratively to ensure that new projects meet the community’s needs and expectations. Effective engagement with the community and stakeholders can help anticipate and address concerns, creating a more harmonious and beneficial development process.

Moving forward, the lessons learned from this project could inform future housing and development policies in Greeley. A focus on clear zoning guidelines, transparent communication, and proactive planning can help mitigate potential issues and ensure successful outcomes. The integration of community input throughout the planning stages will be crucial in maintaining trust and achieving developments that serve both immediate and long-term objectives. This approach fosters sustainable growth and helps align development projects with broader community goals, making sure that progress benefits all residents.

Broader Implications and Trends

National Trends in Build-to-Rent

The concept of BTR communities is gaining traction across the nation, particularly in regions experiencing high housing appreciation. These developments offer a viable solution to the growing demand for rental housing, providing a range of options that cater to diverse housing needs and preferences. By combining the benefits of apartment living with the space and privacy of single-family homes, BTR communities represent a promising alternative to traditional housing models. This trend reflects a significant shift in how housing needs are met, with a growing focus on flexible living arrangements that adapt to modern lifestyles and economic conditions.

The national rise of BTR communities also points to a broader economic trend where mobility and rental flexibility become increasingly valuable. As more people seek to balance work, life, and housing costs, the appeal of professionally managed, amenity-rich rental homes is likely to grow. This trend could drive further innovation in housing, prompting developers to continue exploring new models that meet evolving market demands while maintaining high standards of living and community integration.

Lessons for Future Developments

The Greeley City Council has recently given the green light to a pioneering project by Hartford Homes, which aims to develop a ‘build-to-rent’ (BTR) community on a 43-acre plot in west Greeley. This novel initiative is notable for being one of the city’s initial attempts at horizontal apartment complexes, where single-family homes are designed exclusively for renting. The new community will be situated near the Tointon Academy of Pre-Engineering. The council’s approval came after nearly two hours of intense discussion, underscoring the project’s significance and the boldness of the BTR concept. This development promises to offer a fresh housing solution, catering to those who prefer renting over owning, thus addressing diverse residential needs. It also represents a shift in urban planning, demonstrating the council’s willingness to explore innovative housing models. This decision could potentially set a precedent for future housing projects in Greeley, paving the way for more such rental communities.

Subscribe to our weekly news digest.

Join now and become a part of our fast-growing community.

Invalid Email Address
Thanks for Subscribing!
We'll be sending you our best soon!
Something went wrong, please try again later