Boulder County is making history with Willoughby Corner, the largest affordable housing development the county has ever seen. Located in East Lafayette—just southwest of the intersection of 120th Street and East Emma Street—this innovative project represents a major step forward in addressing the local housing crisis while setting new standards for sustainability and community design.
A Big Vision for Affordable Living
When fully built out, Willoughby Corner will include 400 permanently affordable homes, offering a mix of apartments, duplexes, and townhomes. The first phase—192 units—has already opened, creating new opportunities for families and individuals who have long been priced out of the area.
Who Will Call Willoughby Corner Home?
The community is designed to support a range of incomes:
- Rental homes for households earning 30–60% of the Area Median Income (AMI)
- For-sale homes available to those earning 60–120% of AMI
This approach ensures that both renters and buyers can find stability and opportunity at Willoughby Corner.
Designed for People—and the Planet
Sustainability is at the heart of this project. The entire neighborhood is all-electric, powered by geothermal and solar energy, and built to meet Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) standards. That makes Willoughby Corner the largest ZERH development in Colorado.
Community Amenities that Bring People Together
Willoughby Corner was designed to feel like a true neighborhood, with spaces that foster connection and wellness. Residents will enjoy:
🌱 Community gardens
🐶 A dog park
🚶♀️ Walking trails and park space
🏠 A shared community building
These features encourage neighbors to gather, enjoy the outdoors, and build lasting connections.
Collaboration + Community Voice
This project is the result of strong partnerships between the Boulder County Housing Authority (BCHA), Boulder County, and the City of Lafayette. Just as importantly, community voices were central to the process—with input from the East Lafayette Advisory Council (ELAC) and open public meetings helping shape the final plan.
A Model for the Future
Willoughby Corner is more than a housing development—it’s a blueprint for how affordable housing can be sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven. With its mix of housing types, affordability levels, and eco-friendly design, it shows what’s possible when collaboration and innovation come together.
As Boulder County continues to grow, Willoughby Corner—anchored at the corner of 120th and Emma—stands as a shining example of how to meet housing needs while building healthier, stronger, and more connected communities.