Chase St. Commons is a multigenerational micro-village on the northwest side of Denver in Wheat Ridge, Colorado.
About Chase Street Commons
Chase Street Commons is a growing micro-village in northwest Denver, currently evolving to include up to three additional small homes on the 1-acre site. As owners and residents, we envision a future where our kids grow up knowing their neighbors and feeling rooted in their community. We know that social isolation is a public health crisis and that we can respond by building spaces where people connect with and support one another.
We exist at the center of an existing vibrant neighborhood and dream of common spaces that benefit both residents and surrounding neighbors. We value the historic architecture and existing green space and seek to preserve both for generations to come.
We believe that proximity is a catalyst for intergenerational connection and mutual support, and that everyone deserves to experience belonging and social connectedness. Welcome to Chase Street Commons.
What Is A Micro Village?
A micro-village is a purposeful neighborhood that is designed to promote community, interdependence, and wellness for its residents and surrounding neighbors. The design incorporates walking paths and green space in order to center human interaction and keep cars at the periphery. Micro-villages often utilize green building practices, alternative energy sources and permaculture to steward the land that they are built upon.
Our Commitment
to Our Neighbors
The current plot of land is 1 acre with 2 small homes totaling less than 3000 square feet of living space, and we are seeking rezoning to accommodate up to 3 additional homes. The homes will have a small footprint in order to align with our values of sustainability and shared space. We propose building the additional structures in the back of the property, so as to maintain the neighborhood aesthetic and rural feel that we and our neighbors have come to cherish. We are passionate about preserving the historic architecture and spacious streetscape and see the rezoning process as a strategy to ensure the land is honored for generations to come. The site map illustrates how and where development will occur, and the limited impact it will have on the current character of the land. .
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you hope to build?
We hope to build up to 3 small homes in the rear of the property. These homes will have a 1000-square foot footprint. We also hope to convert existing vacant garages into a common space.
Will the view from the street change?
No. The new buildings will be built in the rear of the property, likely not even visible from the street. We are committed to preserving the trees, open space and historic architecture.
How will this change traffic and parking?
We will create space for parking at the front of the property, alongside the driveway. Due to the limited number of new residents (2-3 families), and our commitment to biking and using public transportation, the traffic will not experience a notceable shift.
Will your zoning change allow you to build something different in the future?
No. This is a one-time approval by City Council and the Planning Board to build only what is outlined in the site plan.
What is a micro-village?
A micro-village is a purposeful neighborhood that is designed to promote community, interdependence, and wellness for its residents.
How many homes can be in a micro-village?
Any number greater than one, and ideally between 4-12 families
How is a microvillage different from a traditional neighborhood?
Traditional Neighborhoods Are:
- Car centric
- No planned green space
- Only private property
- Houses are designed with one "front" towards the street
- Walk ability varies depending on location
Micro-Villages Are:
- Cars are peripheral
- Intentional green spaces
- Combination of private property and community owned property
- Houses are designed to face one another and facilitate interaction
- Walking paths are a primary feature; incorporating local business within the neighborhood is a consideration in some designs.
What are some other defining characteristics of a micro-village?
- While it's not exclusively for tiny homes, modest homes and tiny footprints integrate well with the vision
- Microvillages should have their own unique establishing documents: covenants, mission statements, vision, HOA
- Edible landscaping, forest gardening, orchards, vineyards, homesteading, small business, and minifarming are fully inline with the ideals of the microvillage
- Green practices, quality building materials, sustainability, alternative energy options, permaculture design principles, and suburban planning can contribute wherever possible to enhancing the success and long term value of the microvillage
*Adapted from TheMicroVillage.com
Site Plans
About the Process
Step 1: Pre-Application Meeting
In the Spring of 2021, the founders of Chase Street Commons began working with the planning department at The City of Wheat Ridge to submit pre-application documentation. Below is the application description that was submitted to the city:
The owners of 3860 Chase St are seeking a change in their zoning from R-1A to a PUD in order to accommodate 3 additional structures in the rear half of the property. The current plot of land is 1 acre with 2 small homes totaling less than 3000 square feet of living space. We propose building the additional structures in the back of the property, so as to maintain the neighborhood aesthetic and rural feel that we and our neighbors have come to cherish. The additional structures will be owner-occupied or rented on a long-term basis and all residents will agree to guidelines that not only preserve the natural beauty of the land but also foster a sense of community among all who reside here. We envision a community hub for not only those within the boundaries of 3860, but also for members of the surrounding neighborhood, who are enthusiastic supporters of this proposal. It is our belief that increased housing density will promote affordability and access and allow others to enjoy all that Wheat Ridge has to offer. We also believe that the proposed developments will support a vibrant and cohesive community in our neighborhood and will serve as an exemplar for sustainability, thoughtful development, and human connection.
Step 2: Community Meeting
We are in the process of scheduling a community meeting to give site tours and answer any questions that neighbors and Wheat Ridge residents may have about our community.
Step 3: Apply for a Planned Residential Development designation
Unlike a traditional zoning change, there are two distinct steps in establishing a planned development.
Outline Development Plan - First is the approval of an outline development plan (ODP) that establishes the planned development zoning designation, permitted uses, underlying development parameters, and general design concepts.
Specifc Development Plan - Next comes the approval of a specific development plan (SDP) to provide specific site plans, building elevations, and civil documents. The SDP and ODP are both approved at public hearings.
Resources
Let’s Connect
We are very committed to hearing from you at every stage of this process. Please share with us your thoughts, concerns, or vision for creating a more connected and community-driven world. Send us a note below.