DENVER | Main Development Thread #7

[Ich]

Here is a video of a rendering of the proposed observation tower from

https://youtu.be/LQISMGrHd6I

Source:https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2025/07/30/spiral-tower-design-progress.html

[TakeFive]

According to 9News

$17 million to support an office-to-residential conversion of the historic Symes Building, creating 116 housing units—affordable for those earning 30-80% of the area median income, plus retail space and a patio.

The Symes Building -- 820 16th Street



--------------------------------------------

$14.5 million toward the conversion of the historic University Building into 120 units of mixed-income housing.

University Building -- 910 16th Street


Image courtesy LoopNet

These are the prototypical 'historical' buildings that have succeeded when converted from office to housing in various cities.

[TakeFive]

Nice Find

Originally Posted by Ich

Here is a video of a rendering of the proposed observation tower from

https://youtu.be/LQISMGrHd6I

Source:https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2025/07/30/spiral-tower-design-progress.html

That is a cool video

[ArchGuy1]

Originally Posted by Ich

Here is a video of a rendering of the proposed observation tower from

https://youtu.be/LQISMGrHd6I

Source:https://www.bizjournals.com/denver/news/2025/07/30/spiral-tower-design-progress.html

Do you have the article to post here since it is hidden behind a paywall?

[RiNo Randy]

Speaking of the observation tower, here is an article from Fox31 with and update:

https://kdvr.com/news/local/plans-contin...fYFT_3-0EEcOw_aem_ZteEXA3BB3TANB2-NOEHHg

“We can confirm that NAI Shames Makovsky is in the process of redeveloping the parcel at 1546 California St. We are in the very early stages of research and planning for potential options for this site. We recognize this parcel is in a high-visibility location and a place of focus within the Denver Area Plan, and we’re fully committed creating the type of development that contributes meaningfully to a thriving city. We look forward to sharing plans, once we’ve committed to a direction,” said Managing Partner/Managing Broker Evan Makovsky.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by DenvertoLA

https://businessden.com/2025/07/30/10-de...-downtown-development-authority-dollars/

Are the DDA’s plans for the lots behind the Pavilions public?

Nothing that's been announced, however the article does mention parking:

"$23 million for the DDA to purchase the two parking lots on both sides of Glenarm Place at 15th Street, by Denver Pavilions. The city says the acquisitions would offer “significant mixed use private redevelopment opportunities” as well as “opportunities to address affordable parking along 16th Street”

Methinks ground floor retail (perhaps an extension of the Pavillions) with a oversized parking garage and residential stacked on top.

[RiNo Randy]

I spoke to Jevon Taylor at Green Spaces in RiNo today about their plans on 16th Street. Sounds like they will be occupying a fair amount of space at the intersections of California and Welton. Similar to what they have in RiNo, but different. An art gallery is part of the plans. They hope to have business occupying the spaces around the first of the year.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

I spoke to Jevon Taylor at Green Spaces in RiNo today about their plans on 16th Street. Sounds like they will be occupying a fair amount of space at the intersections of California and Welton. Similar to what they have in RiNo, but different. An art gallery is part of the plans. They hope to have business occupying the spaces around the first of the year.

Will Green Spaces be moving or expanding to this new location?

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

Will Green Spaces be moving or expanding to this new location?

Expanding to the 16th Street locations.

[TakeFive]

The Grant refers to Green Spaces Market

It looks like Green Spaces is foregoing their coworking and focusing on just their Market which includes 'coffees' so more of a hybrid coffee spot and creative retail stuff.

I like the concept. Hopefully they will do well on 16th Street. It's also evident that for retail the city is working from two different pots: their original DDP pot of money and now the DDA pot of money.

--------------------------------

There's also this:

Out of the Box: Denver's First Permanent Immersive Studio Could Open in 2025
February 12, 2025 By Toni Tresca -- Westword

"We're about to expand Denver's immersive art scene by 10,000 square feet," says Steve Wargo, co-founder of the Denver Immersive Repertory Theater. This ambitious new project aims to cement Denver as a national hub for immersive entertainment by establishing the city's first dedicated, year-round immersive production studio and venue in a sprawling, 10,000-square-foot two-level building at 15th and Blake streets.

DIRT is currently converting the former Patagonia store into a versatile venue. Plans call for a performance space that seamlessly combines cutting-edge immersive experiences and high-quality bar service. The project has been in development for months, with a planned soft launch by late 2025 and full operations expected in 2026.

Not sure if funding is coming from one of the pots or not?

Note: I forgot they're getting DDA money.

[TakeFive]

.....

Denver Downtown Area Plan Draft Now Available for Public Comment
August 4, 2025 -- Mile High CRE

“We are at a pivotal time in our downtown’s history, and this plan provides an opportunity to guide the next decade of progress that strengthens Downtown Denver as a complete and connected neighborhood,” said Kourtny Garrett, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “Through this unified and cohesive vision for downtown, we are excited to see increased investment and activity that catalyzes economic impact and increased social wellbeing.”

These visionary plans are always kind of fun. The devil not in the detail as much as in the execution.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Broadway restaurant real estate sells to local investor for $3M
May 21, 2025 By Matthew Geiger -- BusinessDen via The Denver Post


76 Broadway


Photo courtesy Todd Snyder

Since the closing and reporting of the sale The Hornet's space is now for lease.

According to LoopNet

And now it is official. The Hornet is closing after nearly 30 years. Truly sad. https://www.instagram.com/p/DM8OhPtpKjq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[TakeFive]

^^ I went there a couple of times... but that was a long time ago.

----------------------------------------------------

Denver City Council approves $950M Vibrant Denver bond proposal, sending it to voters
Aug 04, 2025 By Sydney Isenberg, Brandon Richard -- Denver7 News

DENVER — The Denver City Council on Monday unanimously voted to approve the $950 million Vibrant Denver bond proposal, sending it to voters in November.

Small amendments were made to the proposal during Monday's city council meeting. Ultimately, the council voted 13-0 to allow the proposal onto the November ballot.

THE TOP TEN

1. 8th Avenue Viaduct & Multimodal Improvements | $89,200,000
2. (TIE) First Responder and Public Safety Training Center | $75,000,000
3. (TIE) Globeville Elyria-Swansea Connections: Marion Underpass | $75,000,000
4. Park Hill Park Buildout | $70,000,000
5. West 38th Avenue Multimodal Project | $55,300,000
6. 6th Avenue Viaduct Repairs and Mobility & Access Improvements | $50,000,000
7. Affordable Housing Project Development | $45,000,000
8. Red Rocks Backstage Expansion and Accessibility Improvements | $35,100,000
9. Bridges over Cherry Creek | $29,375,000
10. Santa Fe Streetscape and Multimodal Safety Improvements | $29,085,000

My favorite is the "Santa Fe Streetscape."

I'm impressed by the number of (not 🞵🞵🞵🞵) road/bridge projects.

[DenvertoLA]

Yeah, the City asking us to approve a billion in debt for mostly road improvements during a budget shortfall that is resulting in forced layoffs of county workers... it's a no from me

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by DenvertoLA

Yeah, the City asking us to approve a billion in debt for mostly road improvements during a budget shortfall that is resulting in forced layoffs of county workers... it's a no from me

I'll take the tax decrease if it doesn't pass (and will have the popcorn ready as existing infrastructure continues to crumble because of urban elites who want their bike lanes), but the city does need to cull it's workforce and own up to the decreased competitive environment it's policies have wrought.

50% growth in workforce in a decade with a discernible decrease in the quality of city services isn't sustainable.

[The Dirt]

That's a big fat no for me. You don't go into debt to create more infrastructure debt. Park Hill can get fucked specifically, but what is even the point of redoing 8th.

[RiNo Randy]

Does anyone have an account on BusinessDen?

This article is somewhat intriguing. Not much has been happening with the "refresh" over there since the Clever Girl thing was announced, tbh.

https://businessden.com/2025/08/05/new-f...-out-as-zeppelin-station-lists-for-sale/


Also, Denver City Council voted to eliminate parking minimums last night as well. Curious about your thoughts on that.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

I'll take the tax decrease if it doesn't pass (and will have the popcorn ready as existing infrastructure continues to crumble because of urban elites who want their bike lanes), but the city does need to cull it's workforce and own up to the decreased competitive environment it's policies have wrought.

50% growth in workforce in a decade with a discernible decrease in the quality of city services isn't sustainable.

Another interesting point is that when Biden Bucks, sales tax etc. were flowing the recommended "Rainy Day Fund" of 15% was spent down to 11%.

----------------------------------------

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Does anyone have an account on BusinessDen?

This article is somewhat intriguing. Not much has been happening with the "refresh" over there since the Clever Girl thing was announced, tbh.

https://businessden.com/2025/08/05/new-f...-out-as-zeppelin-station-lists-for-sale/

I dug up a little more:

The new operator of the long-struggling Zeppelin Station food hall says he has walked away from his lease, a move that could complicate efforts to sell the RiNo building.

This is apparently a tangled legal mess.

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Also, Denver City Council voted to eliminate parking minimums last night as well. Curious about your thoughts on that.

It may help a little but I suspect it won't be that impactful. It could help by making it easier to build 'missing middle' housing.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by The Dirt

That's a big fat no for me. You don't go into debt to create more infrastructure debt. Park Hill can get fucked specifically, but what is even the point of redoing 8th.

Issuing debt for infrastructure improvements, not maintenance, is exactly what the city should be spending money on. But I'm with you on the Park Hill funding and will be a hard no on the park fund because Park Hill is a bunch of fuckwads.

As for redoing 8th to drop the viaduct and create access to a new neighborhood (that may or may not benefit a new stadium district as well) is a prudent investment. We spent tens of millions to redo Brighton Blvd and will spend tens of millions to improve vehicular access into RiNo because, surprise, people still drive as does commerce.

[RiNo Randy]

Agreed on the Park Hill comment(s). I lived over there for 10 years. The RNO is dominated by a bunch of NIMBYs. All the rest are apathetic to what has/hasn't been happening. One of the main reasons I moved out of that neighborhood.