How Women In Denver CRE Are Pushing Deals Forward In Uncertain Times
Deals are getting more difficult in Denver as economic headwinds, regulatory mazes and high stakes close in, throwing up hurdles especially for new development.
But some members of the local real estate community are leveraging creativity and a community-centric approach to find ways forward on projects that serve the needs of Denver.
"All the easy deals are done," Element Properties principal Catherine Bean said during Bisnow’s 2025 Denver Women Leading Real Estate event.
Element is working on a permanent supportive housing project, Bluebird in Boulder, that leverages a web of partners and funding sources.
The project required a dozen layers of financing, seven sources of soft funding and had more than a few moments where it felt like it might fall apart, Bean said. Getting it across the line took persistence as well as a creative ability to align partners around a shared vision, even when the path forward wasn’t clear.
“At the end of the day, you build this coalition and you set the vision that says this is everyone's goal … and it’s hard for people to say no,” said Bean, one of the women honored at the event, held at the Denver Arts Complex Studio Loft.
For Erin Clark, chief real estate investment officer at the Denver Housing Authority, creativity meant a small team of 10 leveraging limited resources to put up three buildings and 514 units on time despite facing the loss of $13M in tax credits if a temporary certificate of occupancy wasn’t secured.
The DHA’s Sol in Sun Valley celebrated the opening of its second building on May 29 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony after nearly a decade of work.
Clark said it’s not just stepping outside one’s comfort zone, but pulling a team with you, that often drives success.
“I work hard on being comfortable with being the cause of discomfort at times,” Clark said.
A land donation made way for housing specifically for young adults aging out of foster care, said Laura Newman, vice president of investment and development at Golub & Co. The developer delivered a 56-unit building ahead of schedule that serves residents at 30% to 50% of area median income.
“We never thought we were actually going to end up with this use, but it was a huge win-win and really fun,” Newman said. “That was a creative partnership that you just kind of make happen.”
Recently promoted to managing director at JLL, Janessa Biller spoke about the broader opportunity in today’s challenges.
“Women are really good at getting everyone in the room, setting your ego aside and saying, ‘I don’t know — let’s figure it out,’” Biller said.
Across the board, panelists emphasized that Denver’s women in commercial real estate aren’t here to please. They’re here to problem-solve — and they’re doing it in ways that just might change the playbook.
“It’s hard to be a great leader and a people pleaser at the same time,” said Angela Harris, CEO and principal at Trio and the panel’s moderator. “It’s virtually impossible”
