DENVER | Main Development Thread #7

[DenvertoLA]

A key note on this Colorado Blvd BRT debate is that there are currently 2800 daily bus riders in Colorado Blvd. This BRT would have a max capacity of 6000. Do we think all of this $ and construction inconvenience is worth the 3200 additional bus riders? Follow up: how many of those 3200 riders will be switching from cars to the bus? ������

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by DenvertoLA

A key note on this Colorado Blvd BRT debate is that there are currently 2800 daily bus riders in Colorado Blvd. This BRT would have a max capacity of 6000. Do we think all of this $ and construction inconvenience is worth the 3200 additional bus riders? Follow up: how many of those 3200 riders will be switching from cars to the bus? ������

Agreed. I certainly think that light rail would be much better. But since RTD doesn't currently have to finish the L Line to A Line connection (or rail to Boulder for that matter), I'm guessing that could be a major factor.

Is there any precedence of BRT stations being converted to light rail stations?

[TakeFive]

From The Baltic To The Med, Investors Search For Solutions To Europe's Intractable Housing Crisis
19 May 2026 By Mark Faithfull, Dublin/London Bisnow

From Madrid to Manchester, Copenhagen to Dublin, European housing has been hit by a perfect storm of rising costs, planning paralysis and retreating developers. A shortfall of affordable homes has turned into a full-blown crisis.

Every city, every country, thinks its housing crisis is unique.

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The Perfect Storm

It's the ongoing bouts of inflation. It's the Iran conflict on top of Tariffs on top of COVID inflation that's screwing up the whole world.

It isn't just in Denver, it's everywhere.

Although it is also observable that the worst seems to be in Blue States and Cities.

[RiNo Randy]

@TakeFive, did you intend to ignore my question on why a "Valet Entrance" would be necessary? Your comment was in regards to Ave Station House (which I will refer to as ASH from now on), but could relate to any project.

[RiNo Randy]

Another downtown firm is changing locations. And another floor at 1900 Lawrence is spoken for.

https://www.nakeddenver.com/post/da-davidson-takes-floor-27-at-1900-lawrence

[mr1138]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Agreed. I certainly think that light rail would be much better. But since RTD doesn't currently have to finish the L Line to A Line connection (or rail to Boulder for that matter), I'm guessing that could be a major factor.

Is there any precedence of BRT stations being converted to light rail stations?

Good question. I seem to remember this forum used to be frequented by professional transportation planners who might have the answer to this question. This question begs the topic of "BRT Creep."

But if Denver were to convert a BRT line to light rail, would Colorado really be the right one to do this to? Doesn't rail typically work better when there are major "anchors" near the ends of the line?

I'm not sold that a BRT line that connects from I-25 on the south to I-70 on the north would ever warrant conversion to rail. If Denver ever decides to expand the light rail system again, it seems like a route on Speer would be the best place to start. Or someday converting the Colfax BRT to rail. There just don't seem to be any compelling enough destinations along Colorado (other than 9th and Colorado) that would warrant rail here.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Agreed. I certainly think that light rail would be much better. But since RTD doesn't currently have to finish the L Line to A Line connection (or rail to Boulder for that matter), I'm guessing that could be a major factor.

Is there any precedence of BRT stations being converted to light rail stations?

The Orange Line in LA is planned to be eventually converted to light rail.

There also the Seattle Transit Tunnel that was originally for buses with the intent to add light rail which was done. It was dual-use for awhile but is now exclusively for rail.

[mhays]

Conversion is EXTREMELY difficult.

You either shut the BRT line for a few years to convert the existing ROW to rail, shut down car traffic entirely, or use a different ROW. I don't think Colfax has room for the former, whether surface, elevated, cut-n-cover, or deep bore (with big pits and logistical areas at stations).

Seattle's tunnel conversion required a two-year tunnel shutdown 2007-09, even though it was originally built to handle rail.

We have similar questions about potential conversions of our at-grade Link sections, but I see this as a non-starter.

Beyond the construction challenges, would regional voters vote massive dollars for a corridor that's already decent to be turned into an even better one, even while other corridors lack high-capacity transit entirely?

[RiNo Randy]

I'm not proposing that as a solution, was just curious on feasibility.

And to follow up on some of the convos regarding LR. I completely agree that Speer should be a corridor for that. If a LR ran down CO Blvd, connecting 25 & 70, if the Speer spur could also connect to that, it would be really viable. But I'm not holding my breath for that to happen in my lifetime.

Also, there is a new sign at 3300 Blake stating the project name as "Gradient".

[mr1138]

If a web of interconnecting light rails is what we are after, the best analogy (at least in my mind) has always been to the way a spider builds its web. It should start with the main lines that connect the city to its center, which we already sort of have with Union Station and the existing LR network. Lines around the perimeter of the center add strength (ridership) to the structure, but real strength comes from adding more and more links all around the web. Taking routes completely offline for major upgrades can only happen later.

Speer Boulevard still feels to me like a MAJOR missing link in the initial hub-and-spoke backbone, with no rapid transit currently using what is otherwise, rather obviously, a street designed in the mold of a classic multi-modal European avenue.

[DenvertoLA]

I agree that a rail from lower highland down Speer to cherry creek would be the dream line. The reason I want heavy rail down Colorado is because then it can seamlessly connect to the route to DIA. If good proportion of people within a mile of Colorado blvd would opt for the train to DIA over driving, this would be massive for getting cars off the road. Also having a train on Colorado blvd would connect City Park/ Zoo / Museum to the network.

[TakeFive]

BRT is baked into East Colfax

Originally Posted by mhays

You either shut the BRT line for a few years to convert the existing ROW to rail, shut down car traffic entirely, or use a different ROW. I don't think Colfax has room for the former, whether surface, elevated, cut-n-cover, or deep bore (with big pits and logistical areas at stations).

AI Overview

Denver Water replaced more than five miles of a 130-year-old underground cast iron water main. Additionally, crews replaced approximately 60 lead service lines connecting local businesses to the main with modern, safer copper pipes as part of the Lead Reduction Program.

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

One really Big Issue with adding light rail within Denver, is that the City of Denver is likely to have to fund the project themselves -- unless CDOT would be willing to help with Colorado Blvd. Speer Blvd is not a State road, it belongs wholly to Denver. There's no way (that I can see) that RTD funding would help with Denver specific projects. The money is not there to do that anyway.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Another downtown firm is changing locations. And another floor at 1900 Lawrence is spoken for.

https://www.nakeddenver.com/post/da-davidson-takes-floor-27-at-1900-lawrence

It's good to see that 1900 Lawrence is getting one more tenant. They have a long ways to go but presumably over time they will fill much more of their building

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

@TakeFive, did you intend to ignore my question on why a "Valet Entrance" would be necessary? Your comment was in regards to Ave Station House (which I will refer to as ASH from now on), but could relate to any project.

Thought I recalled that AVE Station House will not have any curb parking?

Despite the 'value engineering' AVS Station House intends to project the quality of the brand. This will mean appealing to corporate and out-of-town visitor. Here's their website.

301 units will mean how many tenants live there? For those considering not owning a car the opportunity to go from Point A to Point B likely makes all the difference in their choice. They can save a lot of money per month by being car-free.

Girlfriend may work downtown but boyfriend may work who knows where? The desire to go to Red Rocks, to a party in Aurora or to visit friends in Lakewood is made possible with a few clicks of the App.

FYI, LoDo and RiNo are crazy busy for rideshare drivers, especially on weekends.

I've heard there's a lot of women in Denver? Gals are much quicker to choose rideshare; they like to talk to their friends while riding. Certainly after dark most prefer the security of rideshare and would NOT ride a bus.

Consider Gen Z and Millennials (even Gen X); they all cling to their smart phones. They will easily prefer to 'buy' the time savings and convenience of rideshare. That's the world we live in.

So having a PLACE where they can pickup and dropoff saves traffic jams from occurring on the street.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Thought I recalled that AVE Station House will not have any curb parking?

Despite the 'value engineering' AVS Station House intends to project the quality of the brand. This will mean appealing to corporate and out-of-town visitor. Here's their website.

301 units will mean how many tenants live there? For those considering not owning a car the opportunity to go from Point A to Point B likely makes all the difference in their choice. They can save a lot of money per month by being car-free.

Girlfriend may work downtown but boyfriend may work who knows where? The desire to go to Red Rocks, to a party in Aurora or to visit friends in Lakewood is made possible with a few clicks of the App.

FYI, LoDo and RiNo are crazy busy for rideshare drivers, especially on weekends.

I've heard there's a lot of women in Denver? Gals are much quicker to choose rideshare; they like to talk to their friends while riding. Certainly after dark most prefer the security of rideshare and would NOT ride a bus.

Consider Gen Z and Millennials (even Gen X); they all cling to their smart phones. They will easily prefer to 'buy' the time savings and convenience of rideshare. That's the world we live in.

So having a PLACE where they can pickup and dropoff saves traffic jams from occurring on the street.

That's a lot of word salad.

The last sentence probably would have been sufficient.

Doesn't seem like you are familiar with the dynamics of this area.

I don't find your concerns about traffic jams in that area, or any others around the RiNo Art District, valid. You know, eyes on the street and all that.

[Fritzdude]

Hey, what would people think if the Waltons put in a few gondolas to ferry people to/from the new Bronco’s stadium? I remember speaking to a project coordinator at the Burnham yard kickoff and he really liked the deal. Ha.. or at least he was patronizing me. Nothing too extensive, but perhaps one running to the southern parking lot. Another one running east to La Alma Lincoln Park. And maybe even one crossing Colfax and landing in Auroria Parkway. It kind of enhances denver‘s brand as a mountain town, and would be a great visual aesthetic when broadcasting stadium views on TV. It might be a little gimmicky, but it could help offset congestion and provide a fun experience for people to access the stadium. Thoughts?

[RiNo Randy]

Downtown Activity Climbs as Foot Traffic Reaches 95% of 2019 Levels

https://milehighcre.com/downtown-activity-climbs-as-foot-traffic-reaches-95-of-2019-levels/

Anecdotally, I have seen a steady climb in foot traffic downtown, particularly on 16th Street, during my daily walks around the city.

[TakeFive]

I really like the idea

Originally Posted by Fritzdude

Hey, what would people think if the Waltons put in a few gondolas to ferry people to/from the new Bronco’s stadium? I remember speaking to a project coordinator at the Burnham yard kickoff and he really liked the deal. Ha.. or at least he was patronizing me. Nothing too extensive, but perhaps one running to the southern parking lot. Another one running east to La Alma Lincoln Park. And maybe even one crossing Colfax and landing in Auroria Parkway. It kind of enhances denver‘s brand as a mountain town, and would be a great visual aesthetic when broadcasting stadium views on TV. It might be a little gimmicky, but it could help offset congestion and provide a fun experience for people to access the stadium. Thoughts?

If Idaho Springs can do it, why not Denver?

Mighty Argo Cable Car in Idaho Springs officially opens to the public
May 22, 2026 By Courtney Fromm -- KDVR

IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (KDVR) — The Mighty Argo Cable Car is officially open to the public to kick off Memorial Day weekend. The gondola is at the base of the Argo Gold Mill and Tunnel, which has been in Idaho Springs since the late 1800s.

FOX31 was able to catch a ride to the top before it officially opened at 10 a.m. Friday. The ride up takes about 10 minutes, and the further up you go, the more spectacular the views get.

Courtesy KDVR

[TakeFive]

Ready to Go

AI Overview

Lakewood-based Eaton Senior Communities and developer Urban Ventures secured the remaining $22.5 million in financing to purchase and redevelop Denver’s historic Barth Hotel

Key Project Details

The Development: Conversion of the 1882 historic building from a 62-room room-and-board setup into 50 modernized studio apartments with private kitchens and bathrooms.
Total Cost: ~$22.5 million, which includes $2.5 million for the property acquisition

Courtesy Urban Ventures

Initially I preferred the idea of restoring the property to an hotel but this should be quite nice.

[TakeFive]

For anyone interested in Affordable Housing tax credits awarded by CHFA.

chfa announces 2026 round one housing tax credit awards
May 21, 2026

(DENVER) – Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) is pleased to announce 14 developments have been awarded a reservation of federal and state Housing Tax Credits to support the construction or preservation of 634 affordable rental housing units in Colorado.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Downtown Activity Climbs as Foot Traffic Reaches 95% of 2019 Levels

https://milehighcre.com/downtown-activity-climbs-as-foot-traffic-reaches-95-of-2019-levels/

Anecdotally, I have seen a steady climb in foot traffic downtown, particularly on 16th Street, during my daily walks around the city.

ALSO THIS:

Denver tourism sets records in 2025 with 37.6M visitors
May 25, 2026 By: Shannon Ogden -- Denver7 News

DENVER — Denver welcomed a record 37.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, generating $10.5 billion in tourism spending, according to a new report from Visit Denver released Thursday. The figures represent new records for the city and reflect 1.4% growth over 2024, consistent with U.S. averages, according to data from Longwoods International.

Tourism is vital to the Denver economy, and last year was strong, with record-setting attendance at the Colorado Convention Center, the opening of the new 16th Street, a packed event calendar and so much more," Richard W. Scharf, President and CEO of Visit Denver, said in a release.