How The Archdiocese Of Denver Chose Christian Living Communities To Make Mullen Residences at the Highlands A Reality
The Archdiocese of Denver chose Christian Living Communities (CLC) as its partner to develop and manage Mullen Residences because both organizations share a deeply aligned mission centered on the dignity of every human life, especially older adults.
Rooted in a common Christian understanding of the human person, the Archdiocese and Christian Living Communities believe that aging is a sacred stage of life to be honored, not diminished. This shared vision recognizes that while physical needs may change with time, a person’s inherent worth, spiritual identity, and need for meaningful connection never fade.
Mullen Residences is envisioned as a place where older adults are known, respected, and cared for as whole persons—body, mind, and spirit.
This is not a new relationship; CLC’s original community, Clermont Park, is frequently home to retired priests. “Our partners at Clermont Park have been great to work with. In fact, I am moving a retired Priest there this month” says Deacon Rob Rinne. “The leadership and staff understand us, our unique needs and are always willing to help.”
When it came time to find the right partner for the transformation needed to take Mullen Home from an abandoned historic property with a legacy of compassion into a thriving community for Denver’s active older adult population, the archdiocese returned to the professional relationship with CLC.
Jill Vitale-Aussem, CLC President and CEO, visited the Mullen Home even before the Little Sisters of the Poor had departed. While touring the building, its historic chapel and grounds, her host, Tom Heule of the Archdiocese of Denver, quickly gained an understanding of Jill’s passion for respecting older adults. As Jill and Tom looked out from the “Sisters Sun deck” on the top of the Mullen building, Tom felt that God had led the Archdiocese to CLC and that the importance of this partnership was crystal clear.
CLC’s approach involves reshaping what senior living should be, creating environments where each resident is a citizen who has influence, autonomy, and plays a vital role in the community’s well-being. With the mission of creating communities where aging is honored and celebrated, CLC is committed to breaking the barriers built by ageism and empowering older adults to live with purpose.
“We’re selective about our partners because values matter. Working with the Archdiocese of Denver means working with an organization and people that share our values and our belief in citizenship – creating communities where people are respected, engaged, and connected to something larger than themselves,” says Vitale-Aussem.
What Is Mullen Residences at the Highlands?
In Denver’s charming Highlands neighborhood, the historic Mullen Home is undergoing a metamorphosis. While the original old main building at 29th and Lowell Blvd will be preserved and restored, including the beautiful chapel, new senior living apartments will be built on the adjacent part of the property.
The new apartments will be modern and stylish, offering amenities such as fine dining, a salt spa and many opportunities to connect with neighbors. The sky lounge will have views of downtown Denver. The golf simulator, green spaces and movie theater will provide plenty to do without ever leaving the community. Off campus, residents will find a bevy of interesting restaurants, shops and activities.
Ultimately, the partnership between the Archdiocese of Denver and Christian Living Communities reflects a shared witness to a culture that upholds life at every stage. Together, they are creating a community at Mullen Residences at the Highlands where dignity is preserved, faith can be a part of daily life, and seniors are embraced with respect, compassion, and gratitude.
