Francisco Paco Sanchez came to Denver in 1948 as the lead singer of his Latin music band. Six years later, he launched Denver's first Spanish-language radio station from his home. The same year, Sanchez and other community activists formed a credit union called the Good Americans Organization (GAO) to support economic development in the community. In 1968, GAO became the first private sponsors of a low-income housing project in Denver - the Avondale Housing Project on West Colfax. GAO continued to support affordable housing projects throughout Denver and Colorado. In addition to being a radio broadcaster and affordable housing advocate, Sanchez was chairman of the Coronado National Bank, a commissioner of the Denver Urban Renewal Authority and a founder of the Latin American Educational Organization. Notably, he was elected to a two-year term in the Colorado House of Representatives in 1968. Paco Sanchez died at age 57 in 1973.
Plans for redevelopment now underway:
https://www.denverite.com/denver-getting-started-multi-million-dollar-play-bonanza-paco-sanchez-park-32097/.
Paco Sanchez Park
Street view
West Colfax BID
303-623-3232
3275 W 14th Ave, #202
Denver, CO 80204