What is the NAVA Project?
NAVA is a Denver-based commercial real estate development and investment firm that’s been making waves since its founding in 2013. Known for pioneering healthy, sustainable communities, NAVA completed Lakehouse in 2020 — Colorado’s very first WELL Gold Certified community. The WELL Building Standard, led by the International WELL Building Institute, is a globally recognized program that zeroes in on how the built environment impacts human health and wellness. And here’s the kicker: a third-party study by Colorado State University found that residents of Lakehouse experienced real, significant boosts in both physical and emotional well-being after moving in. It’s clear that NAVA isn’t just about buildings; it’s about creating places that truly work for people.
Main Benefits of the NAVA Project
What makes NAVA stand out? Let’s break down some key figures and facts:
- Over 60 years of combined experience among the NAVA team.
- More than 11 million square feet of developed space across residential, commercial, office, retail, and mixed-use projects in the Denver Metro Area.
- Lakehouse is Colorado’s first WELL Gold Certified community, emphasizing health and wellness.
- Certified B Corporation status, reflecting high standards of transparency, accountability, and performance.
- Research-backed evidence showing improved well-being for residents living in NAVA’s developments.
- Founded Realwell, Inc. in 2016 — a nonprofit that brings together healthcare pros, wellness experts, designers, and builders to push healthy real estate forward.
NAVA’s Expertise in Healthy Real Estate Development
NAVA is Colorado’s go-to expert when it comes to developing projects that deliver both social and economic returns. Their approach is all about blending functional design with health-focused features that benefit people and communities alike. This isn’t your typical real estate development firm; NAVA leads a global movement to redefine success by voluntarily meeting rigorous standards that go beyond profits — transparency, accountability, and performance are front and center. Their projects don’t just look good on paper; they’re designed to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Innovative Programming and Community Impact
One of the unique aspects of NAVA’s work is how they integrate programming strategies with development. Through Realwell, Inc., they unite healthcare professionals, wellness experts, designers, and builders with the development community. This collaboration ensures that healthy real estate best practices are paired with programming that supports the physical and mental well-being of building occupants and end-users. It’s a holistic approach that goes beyond bricks and mortar — it’s about creating environments where people can thrive.
Adapting to Market Changes in Retail and Office Spaces
The retail and office markets are shifting fast, and NAVA is right there, adapting with smart development, planning, and programming strategies. They focus on preserving the positive attributes of existing assets while thoughtfully incorporating mixed-use components that meet evolving tenant demands. The result? Vibrant, dynamic places that prioritize people, profits, and the environment — all at once. It’s a balancing act, but NAVA’s track record shows they know how to pull it off.
Project Impact: Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Linked to NAVA
- Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)
- Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
- Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)
- Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
- Climate Action (SDG 13)
- Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17)
The Future of Real Estate with NAVA
Looking ahead, NAVA continues to push the boundaries of what healthy, sustainable real estate can be. Their mission is clear: prove that healthy real estate doesn’t just improve lives — it also strengthens return on investment. By combining research, innovative design, and integrated programming, NAVA is setting a new standard for development in Denver and beyond. It’s not just about building spaces; it’s about building better futures for people, communities, and the planet.
