A neglected apartment building in Denver’s North Capitol Hill neighborhood has been ordered to close by a judge after it was deemed a public nuisance. The William Penn apartments, owned by CBZ Management, have been the subject of numerous fines and violations totaling nearly $280,000. Inspections revealed a lack of heating, broken windows, drug paraphernalia, and unsanitary conditions inside the 35-unit building.
The City of Denver requested a special receivership over the property, appointing a third party to maintain the building. Tenants living in the complex were moved to hotels with assistance from the city to find new housing. CBZ Management has blamed the deteriorating conditions on a supposed takeover by members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Records dating back to 2020 show multiple violations at CBZ’s properties before an influx of Venezuelan immigrants in the Denver metro area. The health department issued 12 citations at the William Penn property last year, resulting in over $44,000 in fines. The city had also issued three liens on the property as a measure to push the owner to bring the building up to code.
The closure of the William Penn apartments highlights ongoing challenges with neglected properties in the Denver area and the efforts being made to address these issues. The city is working to ensure the well-being of residents and hold property owners accountable for maintaining safe and habitable living conditions.
