Grand Peaks, a fully integrated real estate investment firm, and partner Access Industries celebrated the completion of Skyline at Highlands, a 533-unit luxury multifamily community in Northwest Denver, this summer. At the same time, the firm announced the launch of a collaboration with the Denver Public Schools (DPS) Foundation.
Grand Peaks and the DPS Foundation are teaming up to provide one-year, rent-free leases for 10 apartments at Skyline at Highlands, with DPS Foundation selecting the educators through a drawing.
“This collaboration with Grand Peaks is at the heart of today’s celebration,” said Sara Hazel, president of the DPS Foundation, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the end of June. “By donating 10 apartments to our hard-working teachers, we are addressing a critical need for attainable housing. This initiative aims to support our educators, allowing them to focus on what they do best—nurturing and educating our future generations.”
Grand Peaks president Marc Swerdlow says many of the firm’s employees and leaders have teachers in their families or friend groups as well as children enrolled in DPS.
“We recognize the selflessness and dedication of our educator community, who work tirelessly to support our youth,” he says. “Given the ongoing economic challenges facing educators in our own backyard, it was clear that we had a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to create community for our residents, team members, and investors.”
According to Swerdlow, the average market rent for the 10 units offered free to teachers equates to approximately $25,000 in annual savings for each educator and represents nearly 40% of a typical DPS teacher’s salary.
“Equally significant is the fact that many of these teachers can now reside within the communities where they teach, enhancing their ability to contribute meaningfully to both their schools and neighborhoods. This integration fosters stronger relationships and a deeper commitment to the community,” he adds.
So far, Swerdlow says the reaction from the selected teachers has been one of profound gratitude.
“One teacher shared how this opportunity has alleviated financial stress, allowing them to focus more on their students and less on housing concerns. Overall, the response has been overwhelmingly positive and uplifting,” he says.
In addition, Swerdlow notes the firm is committed to expanding its partnership to focus on sustainable solutions to the housing gap. It is offering special discounted rates to DPS educators at its new development, Sorella, in South Denver.
“Additionally, we’re collaborating with representatives from the mayor’s and governor’s offices to establish financial partnerships that will help grow and expand this program. Our ultimate goal is to create a replicable model that can benefit educators in all our markets,” he says.
