In just five months, Lena Felix swooped in and has made terrific changes with excellent results at one of our historic buildings here in Lowry.
The building, once known as the Lowry Admin Building, was plagued by heating issues, plumbing problems, a lack of hot water and difficult tenants. It is now a thriving, well-managed community space – thanks to new management and a new sheriff in town.
When Four Star Realty took over management of this 1937 building in April, they brought in Lena (aka the new sheriff) and the change has been nothing short of dramatic. With a team of eight, Lena has brought organization, warmth and structure to the building we now know as Mission Grand Lofts at Lowry. Lena’s work ethic, leadership and personal touch have not only impressed Four Star but have also deeply impacted residents. This old home to President Eisenhower is back on its feet and yes, it has hot water now.
The Story Behind the Star
Lena’s journey is as compelling as her results. Born in California, her early years were marked by tragedy – her father passed away before she was born and her mother fell seriously ill shortly afterward. A compassionate hospital doctor and his wife took Lena in until her grandmother could arrive from Mexico to care for her. That early support system grew to include an aunt and uncle, creating what she calls her “village” that helped raise her and guide her through school.
She recalls being a happy, curious child who learned English quickly and had a near-photographic memory. “I had to figure out who was clapping for me,” she says – a nod to the internal motivation that’s driven her since childhood.
Her family relocated to Colorado in 1995, arriving in the middle of winter. Lena laughs recalling how she stepped off the plane in sandals, shocked by the snow and cold. But soon she came to love Colorado’s mountains and greenery – and it’s now home.
Learning the Trade, Building the Vision
After high school, Lena started working in apartment management and learned several good tools.
First, stay connected with maintenance. “The way a property looks matters. It needs to be clean, safe, and ready for the day.” Lena personally inspects the building every morning before office hours.
The second rule she learned is to fix it fast. She believes in swift responses and accountability. During a recent interview, a tripping hazard on a step was pointed out—and by the time the meeting was over, a maintenance worker was already marking it for safety.
Third is to be available. Lena gives out her personal number to residents to ensure accessibility and quick resolution. “I try to get to know the tenants, so problems don’t pile up. We handle things during the week, so weekends are quiet.”
Her bilingual skills have also proven invaluable, especially in moments where clear communication can mean the difference between conflict and resolution. One such moment led to her first promotion and many more would follow.
A Glorious New Chapter for Lowry
An old building like the Mission Grand Lofts needs lots of TLC and Lena and new team are doing well by doing good. She gets to know the tenants and notice what needs to be done. Her latest project is handling all the deliveries that pile up for the tenants.
Lena is a working mom with two sons, 23 and 11. The family and full-time job take a lot of time, but when she’s off work, she likes hiking especially in Rocky Mountain National Park and reading “usually a book a week.” But come Monday, it’s back to work arriving two hours before the office opens. “I come in early so I can get caught up on emails, work orders and calls.”
Today, the Mission Grand Lofts at Lowry shine with new life. The pool (now closed for the season) sparkles. The small gym is clean and well-equipped. The garden-facing patio units offer serene views, and the lobby is a welcoming space featuring a meeting table, a library, and cozy seating.
Located just a block from Safeway and the town center’s vibrant offerings, the building now boasts 237 underground parking spots and 75 more around the perimeter.
Mission Grand is more than a name – it’s a symbol of a community revived, of history respected and modernized. And at the heart of it all is Lena Felix -part general, part sheriff, and all heart. As she continues to explore Lowry, invite her to see your part of the neighborhood – and don’t forget to ask for a tour of hers.
Meet Your Lowry Neighbors is a monthly feature written by our intrepid reporter Sally Kurtzman, who knows everyone in our community. If you have a suggestion for a Meet Your Lowry Neighbors, please send us an email to connect@lowryunitedneighborhoods.org.