DENVER — An organization focused on meeting the needs of local groups is receiving a federal grant to develop a community center that will provide essential services to Denver residents.

On Saturday, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced its $20 million grant to Commún, a community-led organization in southwest Denver. Commún will use the funds to renovate a 40,000-square-foot building at the city’s historic Loretto Heights campus, according to a release from EPA Region 8.

The new space, to be called the Loretto Heights Resiliency Hub and Community Center, will offer community-designed programming, shelter and crucial services during emergencies, and educational activities, the release said.

The building will include a rooftop solar panel, energy storage, air-source heat pumps, and charging stations for electric vehicles and bikes, according to the release.

“I think it’s really fitting for a local nonprofit born here in Denver to be the entity that’s going to bring what used to be the student union building back to life as a community hub,” said Denver City Councilman Kevin Flynn, who represent the district where the community center will be located.

The grant is part of the Community Change Grants Program, which awards nearly $1.6 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funds to local projects to reduce pollution and increase climate resiliency within a community, the release said. The program is the largest investment in climate justice in history, according to the release.

Founded by Southwest Denver community members in 2018, Commún works to fill local needs amid gentrification and displacement, focusing on individuals impacted by racism, poverty and injustice.

Flynn said he hopes housing is added to the center. 

“There is also the potential under the zoning that got approved in the area plan for the campus, there’s the potential to add housing to that building through an addition on the back side of it,” Flynn said. 

Community members and city leaders were invited to an event held Saturday to announce the grant, featuring a cultural dance, music, and Q&A session, the release said.

“It’s going to help turn that quadrangle into the gathering space for the Loretto community, for the future homeowners and renters and workers,” Flynn said.

Denver Gazette City Editor Dennis Huspeni contributed to this story.

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