A vacant Denver hotel, which the city bought 18 months ago to provide housing for the unhoused, could soon be sold for just $10. Originally purchased for around $9 million, the former Stay Inn, located near Peoria Street and Interstate 70, was acquired by the city with plans to house those in need. However, the city has begun searching for new ownership as part of a plan to convert the property into supportive housing for people experiencing homelessness.
The city began the process of finding a new owner in the fall of 2024. A buyer will pay the nominal fee and be responsible for renovating the boarded-up hotel and turning it into supportive housing. This type of housing is designed for individuals who make up to 30% of the area’s median income and are either homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Derek Woodbury, spokesperson for the Denver Department of Housing Stability, confirmed that the procurement process is already underway. Applicants are currently being reviewed, and once a development partner is selected, a proposed agreement will be presented to the Denver City Council for approval. The building will be sold as-is, with a covenant requiring it to operate as income-restricted housing for the next 99 years. Woodbury told FOX31, “We are hopeful that the procurement will result in a path forward for delivering supportive housing at the site.” The city expects to bring the final agreement before the council later this year.