Denver’s historic Barth Hotel has a new owner for the first time since 1981, clearing the way for a planned conversion into affordable housing for older adults. Lakewood-based nonprofit Eaton Senior Communities closed Oct. 7 on its $2.5 million purchase of the building at 1514 17th St. in downtown Denver. Eaton and developer Urban Ventures, led by Sue Powers, plan to invest $25 million in renovations and reopen the building with 50 apartments for seniors. The project will reduce the building’s unit count from 62, while giving each apartment its own bathroom for the first time. Construction is expected to start next March, with residents anticipated to move in during late 2027 or early 2028. The building has been vacant since early 2025, when its former operator, Senior Housing Options, moved residents out because of deteriorating conditions. The nonprofit sold the property to Eaton. “We’re excited to do this first step,” Powers said. Eaton used a bridge loan from ANB Bank to finance the acquisition. The renovation has secured funding from the Denver Downtown Development Authority, while U.S. Bank is providing a construction loan and purchasing the project’s historic and low-income housing tax credits. Powers said an agreement with hotelier Walter Isenberg required the buyers to close by year’s end. They chose to complete the sale before the holiday period. The conversion would return a long-closed building to use while adding income-restricted senior housing in downtown Denver. The Barth had previously operated as a hotel and later as housing for seniors.