Residents want thoughtful development
Developers of the old Loretto Heights College should ensure any changes to the 76-acre campus fit in well with the neighborhood and preserve the school’s historic landmarks and characteristics, local residents say.
Neighbors of the southwest Denver campus and people connected to the university are lobbying for their own vision of redevelopment on the site, now called Colorado Heights University. The school is closing its doors this month after more than a century of serving students, young and old.
A new owner of the campus may be identified soon, said Jim Gibson, who is spearheading the citizens group. The group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Loretto Denver Center, 4000 S. Wadsworth Blvd., to vote on its recommendations for the redevelopment.
The citizens group, which has met several times, is rejecting the traditional approach of waiting to see what developers and city planners plan for the area.
“Recent developments around the city have demonstrated that Denver residents have little-to-no voice in what happens right in their own neighborhoods,” Gibson said. “To make matters even more challenging, the city will have no neighborhood plan in this part of Denver for at least three years.”
“By making themselves heard early and often,” he said, “southwest Denver residents are taking the initiative now with the hope of producing a ‘win-win’ for everyone involved, including the new property owner.”
The campus was opened in 1891 by the Sisters of Loretto as Loretto Heights Academy, a Catholic elementary and secondary school for girls. In 1948, Loretto Heights phased out its elementary and secondary programs and became Loretto Heights College, a fouryear school for women. Colorado Heights University opened in 2009 and specialized in international business and English courses.
Colorado Heights is part of Japan-based Teikyo University group, which bought the campus in 1989. As many as 500 students were enrolled at the university in November, when closure plans were announced.
A combination of factors, including low enrollment, led to the decision to close the campus.
The school has said it will reject any plans to demolish the main, historic administration building. A cemetery where 62 Sisters of Loretto are buried will be preserved and donated to the Sisters, school leaders said.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907, mwhaley@denverpost.com or @montewhaley