Pennrose Properties Embeds Early Childhood Center at Affordable Housing Development in Longmont, Colorado
LONGMONT, Colo. — Pennrose Properties Properties has embedded a dedicated early childhood education center into Ascent at Hover Crossing, a 75-unit affordable multifamily development at 1694 Nelson Road in Longmont, Colorado.
The center is operated by OUR Center, a Longmont-based nonprofit, through its Aspen Center for Child Development program. Pennrose published a Q&A with the OUR Center team detailing the partnership's goals, structure, and anticipated community impact.
Partnership Built Into the Community
According to Pennrose, the early childhood center was incorporated into Ascent at Hover Crossing from the outset of the project's design. The firm described OUR Center as "mission-driven, deeply embedded in the community, and committed to the families we both serve," framing nonprofit partnerships as foundational to its affordable housing model.
The Aspen Center for Child Development describes itself as one of the few Reggio Emilia-inspired early care and education settings on Colorado's Front Range. The Reggio Emilia approach emphasizes child-led, play-based learning in which teachers serve as guides rather than instructors. OUR Center said the curriculum is "responsive to the children's interests and the culture of our community."
The organization cited growing enrollment demand and a community-wide need for quality childcare as the primary drivers behind its decision to expand to the Hover Crossing location. "This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to remove barriers and increase access for families who need it most," OUR Center said in the published Q&A.
Enrollment Structure and Accessibility
The Aspen Center for Child Development is scheduled to open classrooms at Ascent at Hover Crossing on September 1. OUR Center said at least 50% of enrollment slots will be offered on a sliding scale tied to family income. Residents of Ascent at Hover Crossing will receive enrollment priority, with remaining income-qualified slots available to families throughout the broader Longmont community.
OUR Center also noted that a staff tuition discount program has already demonstrated the model's potential reach, allowing two teachers to remain employed with the organization while managing their own family needs. "This kind of holistic approach not only supports educators but ripples out to benefit the entire community," the organization said.
Co-locating an early childhood center with affordable housing is designed to reduce logistical and financial barriers for working families. OUR Center said proximity between children's homes and their school setting is "an important indicator of children's success in school and beyond."
Development and Partnership Structure
Ascent at Hover Crossing was developed by Pennrose in partnership with the Longmont Housing Authority and comprises 75 affordable apartments. Details regarding unit mix, financing structure, and income restrictions were not disclosed in the published source materials.
Staffing and Community Engagement Priorities
OUR Center identified staff recruitment as its primary near-term operational priority for the Hover Crossing location. The organization is also seeking community support through donations, volunteer opportunities, and in-kind contributions of classroom supplies as it prepares the new space.
"We cannot achieve our mission without the generous support of our community," OUR Center said, listing word-of-mouth outreach, teaching and volunteer opportunities, scholarship fund donations, and professional development support for new teaching staff among the ways the public can contribute.
Those interested in learning more about OUR Center's programs can visit aspenchildcare.org or ourcenter.org.