DENVER | Main Development Thread #7

[TakeFive]

It's "mostly" all about land values

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

And maybe a quick reminder that there are something like 2B parking spaces in the USA. For about 300M registered vehicles. So there are always about 6 empty spaces for your car. Are they ever always in the right place? Of course not.

Setting aside ideology there are pragmatic reasons why Sunbelt states sprawl so much.

Consider costal cities on the West Coast and in the NE; land is expensive so parking lots are viewed as a wasted opportunity. However in Sunbelt states land is generally very cheap (in comparison) so if there's more than necessary parking, who cares? It's also wise to remember that a parking lot is simply vacant land waiting to be developed.

While Denver doesn't have the greatest density (although that has been changing especially in the core part of the city) land has always been on the expensive side.

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That article was quite good although I don't know the area. The problem with transit in general is usually a first- and last-mile issue. As in your case, Rideshare can be an easy fix for this. For example, in Denver, I'm aware that many in DougCo take rideshare to County Line Station in order to hop on the train into Denver.

[TakeFive]

It's My Opinion and I'm Sticking to it

Downtown Atlanta Is Poised For Revival. Businesses Are Still Leaving
May 28, 2026By Jarred Schenke -- Atlanta Bisnow

A handful of developers have spent billions of dollars to revitalize Downtown Atlanta. Those projects are now close to realization.

The projects aim to draw visitors and consumers back into Downtown Atlanta. But office tenants are still moving out, turned away by the city’s aging office stock, struggling owners and a perception among tenants of crime and vagrancy.

FLASHBACK

Nothing against the plight of the Homeless but going back to COVID they had more rights than the businesses in downtown Denver. Encampments sprouted up wherever; it was especially bad for Upper downtown which also had some of the oldest office buildings. But the scene was also bad at DUS. The Homeless also brought along vandalism and theft.

CHANGE WAS IN THE WIND

Finally the city started dealing with the homeless issue; first they cleaned up encampments - made them move. But credit to Mayor Mike who finished the job by chasing the homeless out of downtown and creating a downtown-specific police squad.

PERFECT STORM

Call it more of a Perfect Storm but between the attraction of clean and safe Cherry Creek there was also the allure for nicer new office buildings in RiNo. There was also office space consolidation. So who knows what reasons businesses used to exit downtown; it's all a piece of the puzzle.

FAST FORWARD:

Completed 16th Street redevelopment. Downtown is now much more appealing. But you can't undo what has already been done. All you can do is move forward.

[RiNo Randy]

"Chasing" the unhoused from downtown is not a long term viable solution. Particularly for those chased away from services they need to get by.

[TakeFive]

.....


https://www.milehighreport.com/denver-br...ium-with-burnham-yard-purchase-agreement

Good morning, Broncos Country!

On Friday, the Broncos announced they have finalized a formal purchase agreement with the state of Colorado for Burnham Yard. 9News included in its report of the announcement a statement by Broncos Chief Communications Officer Patrick Smyth:

The agreement, obtained by 9NEWS, puts the price tag of Burnham Yard at $45.8 million. As 9News added, that is exactly what the state still owed on its loan for the property. The Colorado Department of Transportation bought Burnham Yard from the Union Pacific Railroad for $50 million in 2021.

[TakeFive]

'The Bar Is Higher': Inside JLL's Hospitality-Driven Approach To Mixed-Use Property Management
May 27, 2026 by Emily DeNardo -- Bisnow Content Partner: JLL

Expectations for a live-work-play lifestyle are surging as millennials and Generation Z now make up the biggest cohort of the U.S. workforce.

According to a 2025 JLL research report, two-thirds of people worldwide expect the places they spend their time to be highly amenitized, catering to their desire for personalized experiences. Sixty-nine percent of respondents were even willing to spend extra for it...

Looking Ahead

Over the next 15 years, office space in mixed-use developments is expected to make up nearly 30% of the entire U.S. office market. In 2025, this number stood at just 4%. Multifamily residences and retail spaces within these developments also command higher rent.

A mixed-use development in Cary, North Carolina


Courtesy Wileydoc / Shutterstock.com via Urban Land Magazine

Mixed-use is not a new concept but has become more prominent over the last decade.

Examples in Denver would include 9+CO at 9th and Colorado Blvd; Lone Tree has done a nice job on a more suburban Scale and up next is Cherry Creek West !!

All these developments are different from each other but all emphasize being "Mixed-Use".

[TakeFive]

Denver mayor says future BRT projects won’t look like Colfax
May. 22, 2026 By Kyle Harris, Ryan Warner --Denverite

Mayor Mike Johnston says the city of Denver will make some significant changes as it considers future bus rapid transit projects on Colorado Boulevard, Federal Boulevard and other locations around the city.

I want to make sure we really hear from all the residents on these corridors to know that they're deeply supportive before we go forward, because it does have an impact,” Johnston said in an interview with Denverite and Colorado Matters on Wednesday.

Johnston signaled that the city’s support for those projects would hinge on local feedback. “I just want to really make sure that the businesses know exactly what the design is, the residents know exactly what the design is and they really want it...

[TakeFive]

NDHC Breaks Ground on Pearl Street Uptown Apartments
May 29, 2026 --Mile High CRE

On May 29, the Northeast Denver Housing Center (NDHC), alongside public and private partners, celebrated the groundbreaking of Pearl Street Uptown Apartments, a transformative mixed-income housing development that will deliver new housing opportunities, sustainable design, and community-focused amenities in the heart of Uptown Denver.

Located at 1616–1630 N. Pearl Street, the development will include both new construction and preservation of an existing residential building, creating a vibrant residential community designed to serve residents across a range of income levels.

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Formativ Real Estate Group to Break Ground on Rowan, a Multifamily Development in Denver’s RiNo District

Formativ Real Estate Group will celebrate the start of construction on Rowan, a new 358-unit multifamily community located at 3875 Walnut Street in Denver’s River North Art District. The project is positioned near RTD’s 38th & Blake A-Line commuter rail station, placing it within one of Denver’s most connected transit-oriented development areas.

A groundbreaking ceremony for Rowan will take place on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. at the project site. Representatives from Formativ Real Estate Group, The Weitz Company and the City and County of Denver are expected to provide remarks, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking and photo opportunity.

[RiNo Randy]

Always fascinating to hear how much downtown Denver "has changed" (usually with a negative connotation) from people who don't know or remember the history here. And to be honest, I first visited in late 1994. I've seen a lot of change, but this big scar had already been somewhat healed at that point.

"Urban Hell: Downtown Denver in the 1970s"

https://www.instagram.com/p/DYtLkjsNWUT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

"Chasing" the unhoused from downtown is not a long term viable solution. Particularly for those chased away from services they need to get by.

While it's a common refrain from homeless advocates, there's less chasing from downtown and more targeted reduction in homelessness by geographic area. The broader YoY trends using both the PIT survey and the MDHI Annual Report demonstrate this trend (not that Housekeys would care about this data since they are distinctly a pro-homelessnes organization and won't rest until the camping ban in overturned). Denver did certainly mainly target downtown and the surrounding area for rehousing in the temporary solutions (noncongregate shelters and micro-communities) which has increased homelessness visibility in the neighborhoods where these facilities were established, but the aggregate decrease is clear.

Now Denver needs to work on the neighborhoods that are impacted by the shift. Central Park/North Park Hill has taken a disproportionate hit since two large facilities were put there in close proximity and you now have several encampments due to individuals who can't handle the minimum level of rules in place in the shelters being kicked out but remaining in the area.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

While it's a common refrain from homeless advocates, there's less chasing from downtown and more targeted reduction in homelessness by geographic area. The broader YoY trends using both the PIT survey and the MDHI Annual Report demonstrate this trend (not that Housekeys would care about this data since they are distinctly a pro-homelessnes organization and won't rest until the camping ban in overturned). Denver did certainly mainly target downtown and the surrounding area for rehousing in the temporary solutions (noncongregate shelters and micro-communities) which has increased homelessness visibility in the neighborhoods where these facilities were established, but the aggregate decrease is clear.

Now Denver needs to work on the neighborhoods that are impacted by the shift. Central Park/North Park Hill has taken a disproportionate hit since two large facilities were put there in close proximity and you now have several encampments due to individuals who can't handle the minimum level of rules in place in the shelters being kicked out but remaining in the area.

Thanks for proving my point.

How many people have died at the shelter on Quebec? You know, the one that forced the closure of the Credit Union adjacent to the site.

[mr1138]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Thanks for proving my point.

How many people have died at the shelter on Quebec? You know, the one that forced the closure of the Credit Union adjacent to the site.

Seven - as of two years ago (Mar 28, 2024). It's not as easy to quickly google how many there have been since then.

But while we are asking that question, a full inquiry would also consider how many deaths would have occurred amongst the individuals in this facility had they NOT been offered supportive housing. The answer is not 0, and quite likely higher than the number of deaths at that shelter.

The same goes for the closure of adjacent businesses. Sure, one credit union may have closed down. But the encampments downtown weren't exactly good for business down there either. I seem to recall The Triangle closing in 2023 because of the size of those encampments.

[RiNo Randy]

Look, we aren't going to solve this issue that is deeply embedded in our society due to a plethora of social and economic issues out of our control, from behind our keyboards.

It's truly sad that we as a society treat some of our fellow human beings in this manner.

But to say, "it could have been worse" is equally as dehumanizing.

I have a cousin who is a PA and has been working exclusively in the street medicine realm for well over a decade - originally in SLC, UT, now in Fort Worth, TX and soon in NorCal. We have had several conversations regarding these issues over the last few years. It's definitely changed my view.

[TakeFive]

Well said; primary reason why I sustained from commenting

Originally Posted by wong21fr

While it's a common refrain from homeless advocates, there's less chasing from downtown and more targeted reduction in homelessness by geographic area.

Nice Comment

Originally Posted by mr1138

But while we are asking that question, a full inquiry would also consider how many deaths would have occurred amongst the individuals in this facility had they NOT been offered supportive housing. The answer is not 0, and quite likely higher than the number of deaths at that shelter.

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Homelessness is not solvable; at best it's treatable.

However for many being homeless is a temporary thing.

AI Overview

California has spent approximately $24 billion on homelessness initiatives over a recent five-year period. This massive financial outlay—equating to tens of thousands of dollars per homeless individual annually...

Meanwhile by most accounts the problem continued to grow.

Generally it is believed that over a third of homeless individuals have an addiction. One position is that one has to hit bottom before they can recover. That might work for alcohol and/or cocaine but NOT for methamphetamine and/or opioids. These individuals have fried their brains and have no ability on their own to cure themselves.

Enabling (babysitting) the problem is terrible; it enhances the likelihood of an overdose death. Dare I say a 'liberal' mindset has prevented us from getting these people the help they need?

Meanwhile vandalism and theft are crimes; being addicted doesn't excuse this behavior.

[TakeFive]

Auraria begins construction on new police station
June 1, 2026 By Matt Geiger -- BusnessDen

Doggonit, we missed the groundbreaking.
But we can circle back around.

AHEC breaks ground on Public Safety Center
September 3, 2025 By the Staff


Courtesy AHEC

Auraria Campus officials broke ground ... on a $36 million Campus Public Safety Center, a project that leaders say will modernize public safety facilities with student-centered services and community engagement.

The new two-story, 32,000-square-foot facility will serve as the cornerstone of an updated safety infrastructure for the shared downtown Denver campus, home to Metropolitan State University of Denver, Community College of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver.

This is interesting

The Campus Public Safety Center will house updated offices for ACPD, training spaces for officers and classrooms dedicated to criminal justice programs across the three institutions. Leaders emphasize that the building is designed not only as a headquarters for law enforcement but as a hub for learning, support and collaboration.

You go back a decade and it's really impressive how much Auraria has changed.

[TakeFive]

Wasn't a huge Fan but a Fan of John Fielder

Local Investor Buys Former John Fielder Studio Building On Santa Fe
May 22, 2026By Cassidy Ritter -- Bisnow Denver

A building in Denver’s Art District on Santa Fe that previously housed renowned nature photographer John Fielder’s gallery has a new owner.

The roughly 6K SF building at 833 N. Santa Fe Drive sold this week to Colfax Real Estate Co. President Merrill Stillwell. He purchased the property under Main Street LLC from John Fielder’s daughter for nearly $1.9M, Stillwell told Bisnow.

Fielder was a renowned and prolific nature photographer based in Colorado. He died in 2023. Fielder’s gallery occupied the Santa Fe Drive building for 11 years until wedding and event venue Skylight moved into the space in 2017, Denverite previously reported.

Photos courtesy Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite

[TakeFive]

Yet Another Groundbreaking

Aurora breaks ground on site of long-awaited new animal shelter
Jun 03, 2026 By: Danielle Kreutter -- Denver7 News


Courtesy Aurora Sentinel

The 42,000 square foot, two-story facility will more than triple the size of the current one, built in the 1980s, and will nearly double the number of pets the shelter can house. It's the only shelter in Aurora and serves much of Arapahoe County.

My girlfriend, a 2 1/2 year-old (brown & white) Goldendoodle is excited to hear this.

[TakeFive]

Props to Developing Denver

DHA Exploring Massive Housing Redevelopment Near Knox RTD Station
Jun 2, 2026 -- Developing Denver

DENVER, CO – The Denver Housing Authority (DHA) is exploring a major redevelopment of the Westridge and Mulroy affordable housing communities near the Knox Light Rail Station that could eventually deliver approximately 600 to 700 affordable housing units while modernizing the site with new community amenities, open space, and transit-oriented development.

"Massive" as opposed to NOT Massive, I presume?

This is an interesting potential project. But with DHA which is capable of executing good projects -- see Sun Valley for reference -- it will likely take them a few a few years to study and come to any recommendations. But initial analysis has been done so certainly newsworthy.

AI Overview

The Denver Housing Authority's (DHA) Westridge project is a multi-phase master plan to redevelop the aging 12-acre Westridge public housing site into a modernized, mixed-income, and transit-oriented community...

Project Scope & Highlights

Location: Bordered by 13th Avenue, Newton Street, 14th Avenue, and Knox Court, directly adjacent to the Knox Station
Housing Units: Plans call for replacing the current 200 public housing units with approximately 600 to 800 new, energy-efficient affordable housing units
First Phase: The initial phase includes two mid-rise buildings (5 to 7 stories) that will deliver 133 units (50 for seniors and 83 for families) alongside 113 parking spaces

[mr1138]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Look, we aren't going to solve this issue that is deeply embedded in our society due to a plethora of social and economic issues out of our control, from behind our keyboards.

It's truly sad that we as a society treat some of our fellow human beings in this manner.

But to say, "it could have been worse" is equally as dehumanizing.

I have a cousin who is a PA and has been working exclusively in the street medicine realm for well over a decade - originally in SLC, UT, now in Fort Worth, TX and soon in NorCal. We have had several conversations regarding these issues over the last few years. It's definitely changed my view.

You're right. We are not going to solve this from behind our keyboards.

But I will always stand by the idea that doing something and screwing it up a bit is always better than standing by and doing nothing out of fear that you might screw it up.

You are inherently talking about the famous trolly problem. Is it better to deliberately kill somebody if you know you can save a trolly full of passengers who are going to crash?

This is a philosophical question and not an urban planning one. All I will say is that those of us who care about the lives of people experiencing homelessness at all seem to be in the extreme minority.

[TakeFive]

The Denver Business Journal just opened up this Can of Worms

KNOCK DOWN, DRAG OUT
Jun 4, 2026 By Catie Cheshire – Reporter, Denver Business Journal

An argument for demolishing downtown Denver office buildings is falling into place. So is its opposition.

AI Overview

A growing panel of real estate and urban planning experts—including groups like the Urban Land Institute (ULI)—advocates for the strategic demolition of functionally obsolete office buildings and retail spaces (like portions of the Denver Pavilions) in downtown Denver.

Why Some Experts Want the Wrecking Ball

• The "Reset" Opportunity: Proponents argue demolition is a rare chance to reclaim prime downtown land for a fraction of the usual cost, allowing for modern, purpose-built housing or public parks
• Obsolete Layouts: Many 1970s and 1980s office towers feature deep, sprawling floorplates. Modifying these to add the necessary windows, lightwells, and updated plumbing/HVAC for residential use can be significantly more expensive than starting from scratch

Why the City is Skeptical

• Tax Base Impact: The city opposes demolishing buildings if the resulting empty parcels will sit as vacant lots, as this severely lowers the property tax base.
• Zoning & Parking Rules: Denver zoning regulations generally forbid using demolished, empty parcels as surface parking lots in the downtown area.

I'm all for knocking down buildings that can't economically be repurposed. I'm also excited for the Luzzatto Company's conversion of two existing office buildings and possibly two more.

But the stupid Trump Economy isn't helping.

Bond Market Turbulence Saps CRE Momentum
June 03, 2026 By Matt Wasielewski, National

The bond market hasn’t derailed the commercial real estate sector’s 2026 recovery ambitions — which started with enthusiasm and $113B in first-quarter U.S. transaction volume — but it has made it much harder.

The recent run-up in yields on Treasury bonds is buffeting the momentum that was building in the first quarter and sapping optimism from the marketplace. Debt costs are expected to stay elevated as the war with Iran drags on, and it is leading to some revisions to what had been a relatively sunny forecast for the sector.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by mr1138

This is a philosophical question and not an urban planning one.

All I will say is that those of us who care about the lives of people experiencing homelessness at all seem to be in the extreme minority.

You could literally spend the rest of 2026 reading all the studies and analysis that has been done concerning the homeless/populations.

But here's the more important points

Mayor Mike did a deep dive into the issue before he was even was sworn in to be Denver's mayor.

Have you never heard of the "Houston Model" of success; this goes all the way back to 2011. It was what Mayor Mike leaned into in addressing Denver's homeless population.

AI Overview

Houston’s homeless success story is one of the most celebrated urban turnarounds in the United States, with the region reducing its homeless population by roughly 63% since 2011. By shifting from a shelter-based model to a "Housing First" approach, Houston has successfully housed over 30,000 individuals.

You can read the rest of the bullet points by clicking HERE