Earlier this year, we proudly broke ground on Astraea at Loretto Heights, a new affordable housing community with 100 apartment homes for families located on the historic Loretto Heights University campus in Southwest Denver. Construction officially began following a breakfast and groundbreaking ceremony in March that brought together partners, supporters, and community leaders to celebrate the collaborative effort behind the development, which is expected to be completed in early 2027.

Situated directly across from the historic Pancratia Hall, Astraea represents an expansion into the community and a meaningful investment in increasing access to stable housing. We are grateful for the partnership of City Councilman Kevin Flynn and the continued support of the Loretto Heights community.

“The name Astraea carries special meaning” says Jeff Bader, Project Manager for Mercy Housing Mountain Plains. “In Greek mythology, Astraea is the goddess of justice, a principle that closely aligns with the shared values of the Sisters of Mercy and the Sisters of Loretto, whose commitment to justice continues to guide their work and mission.”

The name also connects symbolically to the site’s heritage. “The Sisters of Loretto are named after Our Lady of Loreto, the patroness of aviation, while Astraea is often known as the “star maiden,” evoking themes of guidance, hope, and aspiration,” Bader added.

Designed with families in mind, Astraea will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes along with amenities such as a community lounge and patio, fitness center, indoor bicycle lockers, onsite resident services, and a dedicated youth activity room. Apartment homes will feature in-home washers and dryers, quartz countertops, ceiling fans, and a full suite of Energy Star-rated kitchen appliances — combining comfort, quality, and sustainability to support residents in building strong futures.