About the Campaign
Our community is shaping the vision for our new Community Center at Loretto Heights.
Our History
Land Acknowledgement
The land that Loretto Heights was built upon is the traditional land of the Ute, Arapahoe, Cheyenne peoples. 48+ other contemporary indigenous nations have historic ties to the lands that make up Colorado, and many have ties to this area near the confluence of Bear Creek and the South Platte River. Indigenous people currently live in the neighborhoods surrounding Loretto Heights and participate in the redevelopment of the campus by attending tours, performing traditional dance at events, serving in leadership positions, and participating in design.
Sisters of Loretto
The Sisters of Loretto founded Loretto Heights campus in 1889, led by Mother Pancratia Bonfils. The Catholic sisters opened a school for young women at the campus, eventually offering degrees in art history, education, and more. The Sisters of Loretto today work in the fields of education, environment, women, rights of the marginalized, global concerns and non-violence, with a motto to “act for justice and work for peace.” Many of the sisters who still live in Denver have been active participants and supporters of Commún’s work at Loretto Heights.
Present Day
The 72 acre historic Loretto Heights campus was purchased by Westside Investment Partners in 2018. Development is well under way, with high density housing being constructed on the north side of the campus. Retail, low-density housing, and medium density housing will soon fill the campus as well. The City of Denver is redeveloping the historic theater. Commún will begin renovations on Machebeuf Hall, which served as the student union and cafeteria since 1951. The building will become a resident designed community center and resilience hub.
Together, we are changing our community’s future. There is something transformative happening on the Loretto Heights Campus.
Margaret Brugger
Executive Director, Commún
Inflection Point
In 2017, 72 acres at the center of our community were sold to Westside Investment Partners, and we will be welcoming over 3,000 new neighbors.
Commún's vision is to address a change of this scale by building a place of belonging and economic vitality.
Legend
1: Pancratia Hall (completed)
2: Administration Building (vacant)
3: DSST School (operating)
4: Theater, City of Denver (vacant, funded)
5: Library, City of Denver (vacant)
6: Loretto Heights Community Center at Machebeuf Hall
7: Arts Building (vacant)
8: Parking Garage (planned)
Cultivating a Sense of Belonging
Through a process of deep listening and cross-cultural relationship building, we have been successful in elevating the voices of residents disproportionately impacted by inequity to address challenges in our community and build bridges across social strata.
Capital Campaign
Our community is raising $40M for the Loretto Heights Community Center.
An Enduring Legacy
A financial structure that is self-sustaining for decades to come.
An investment in this project is a dynamic catalyst for a self-sustaining, community led solution. Commún’s programs are fully staffed and funded, ready to engage in the next step of our co-creation. With your support, this project will provide a replicable framework for resilient communities across the country.
Building Operations
$250,000
Projected Annual Net Operating Income
1.3+
Projected Debt Coverage Ratio
2024 Program Budget
$1.9M
97% Funded By Start Of Fiscal Year
