Community Center at Loretto Heights
Commún has been working since 2017 to secure the purchase of Machebeuf Hall, a 40,000 square foot building at the heart of the Loretto Heights campus. The student union and cafeteria building at this historic women’s college has been used as a community gathering space since its inception in 1951. Working together with Kaizen Food Rescue, Sheridan Rising Together for Equity, and the Southwest Denver community, we will reimagine and revitalize the space to host our growing programs and much more.
Community Center Programs
The programs and spaces within the future community center at Loretto Heights are being designed and developed by the Southwest Denver residents who live and work in the surrounding community and know, first-hand, the issues affecting its residents . Utilizing community organizing strategies and trauma informed practices, teams of community leaders are having one-on-one conversations with neighbors, family, and friends, as well as hosting focus groups and meeting with experts to design and implement community-led, accessible programs and spaces. We are building upon community assets and strengths and working toward equity and wellbeing to increase community resilience and cultivate a common sense of belonging.
What’s to Come
With the generous support of Denver’s Office of Economic Development & Opportunity, Commún purchased Machebeuf Hall in the fall of 2023 and is working with the community and the redevelopment team to finalize plans for the renovation of the building into the new Loretto Heights Community Center. Design plans are underway, and construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025, with the building opening in mid-late 2027. Please support this essential and exciting work by donating to the capital campaign.
For more information about this project, click here!