Construction has officially begun on the Royal Pines apartment complex in northern Colorado Springs, a development that has faced repeated pushback from nearby residents. The Pikes Peak Regional Building Department confirmed that the developer has now been granted final permits, clearing the way for work to proceed on the $39 million project.
Located near the intersection of North Powers Boulevard and North Union Boulevard, the complex will add 232 housing units targeted for affordability — a need city leaders have emphasized as Colorado Springs continues to experience rapid growth and rising housing costs.
Some homeowners in the neighboring Pine Creek community had fought to halt or delay the project, raising concerns about how the additional density might affect daily life in the area. According to residents, the new complex could intensify traffic congestion and pose safety issues for families and commuters who rely heavily on the already busy Powers corridor. Community members argued that road capacity and emergency access should be resolved before the complex is built.
The development continues despite those efforts, and city officials point to the urgent demand for more accessible housing. Local planners note that the northern corridor has become a magnet for both commercial expansion and residential construction, and Royal Pines is part of a broader effort to reduce the housing shortage for working families, young renters, and seniors.
Although the apartments will be considered affordable, city documents indicate they are expected to feature modern amenities and landscaped community spaces. Once completed, the development may also support nearby retail businesses and create additional foot traffic along the Union and Powers intersection, an area expected to see future infrastructure improvements.
The project’s timeline has not yet been fully detailed, but early site work indicates construction crews are beginning foundation preparation. City planners say transportation studies will continue as development progresses, with potential road adjustments being considered as traffic data is updated.
Originally reported by Ryan Mutch in KOAA.
