DENVER | Main Development Thread #7

[TakeFive]

Denver residents react to Mayor Johnston's 'Mile High Line' housing plan
Jul 22, 2026 By: Claire Lavezzorio -- Denver7 News

DENVER — Denver residents are weighing in on Mayor Mike Johnston's ambitious new housing plan — and many say the need is urgent. The average Denver home sells for nearly $635,000, according to the online real estate site Redfin, leaving many residents priced out of the market.

During his State of the City address Tuesday, Johnston unveiled his solution: the "Mile High Line" plan. The project targets seven major development sites across 150 acres of city-owned land, promising 20,000 new housing units including homes, townhomes and condos.

The mayor's office says construction timelines will vary by location.

I have no clue how viable any of this is and it is Campaign Season for being re-elected.

It is none-the-less a fascinating plan.

[TakeFive]

Hanging out in the suburbs

Nation’s First Nature Library Opening in Thornton
July 14, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

Anythink Nature Library, located at 6811 E. 136th Ave. in Thornton, will open its doors on Saturday, August 8, introducing the nation’s first public nature library and a bold new model for what a public library can be. Located on a 15-acre campus... Thornton, the library blends traditional library services with immersive nature experiences that inspire curiosity, environmental stewardship and lifelong learning.

Designed by Davis Partnership Architects in collaboration with THK Associates, the 33,000-square-foot project was constructed by GH Phipps.

Anythink Nature Library


Courtesy City of Thornton

[TakeFive]

People been sleeping on Thornton

AI Overview

Thornton, Colorado features several prominent master-planned communities offering modern residential designs and shared amenities, headlined by Parterre... (Heritage Todd Creek, and Arras Park).

• Parterre: An 800-acre master-planned project developed by Hines near E-470 and Quebec Street. It features single-family homes, paired homes, and townhomes built by Lennar and Taylor Morrison, with onsite pickleball courts, community gardens, trails, and planned commercial spaces

.

Parterre






Courtesy Hine, Lennar and Taylor Morrison

[TakeFive]

Mayor Mike is nice enough to help a lady...


Courtesy CBS News Denver

Denver's West Colfax Avenue project complete with new pedestrian crossings, traffic slowing measures
July 24, 2026 By Jasmine Arenas -- CBS News Denver

A years-long effort to make one of Denver's busiest corridors safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers is now complete. The $15.5 million West Colfax Pedestrian Crossing & Transit Improvements, funded through the Elevate Denver Bond Program, add landscaped medians, curb extensions and upgraded transit stops along the corridor from Irving Street to Sheridan Boulevard.

The new landscaped medians provide a protected refuge, allowing pedestrians to cross in one direction of traffic at a time rather than navigate multiple lanes at once.

A nearby Jewish summer camp that buses children throughout the week welcomed the improvements. "It looked messy," said Rabbi Yisrael Kellner, who runs the camp. Kellner said the redesigned corridor not only improves safety but also helps campers and families move through the area more efficiently.

Courtesy CBS News Denver

This was the project where they wanted to drop the "landscaping" due to increased costs. But the residents complained loudly and Mayor Mike found the necessary extra money to follow the original plan.

[TakeFive]

Interesting article in the Denver Gazette

Downtown Denver’s office market is at an ‘inflection point’
July 24, 2026 By Bernadette Berdychowski -- The Gazette

Fast Forward to most interesting

There are opportunities to poach companies from other cities where office rents are more expensive, he said. There’s also a few leases expiring in Cherry Creek, and, with rents going up, Welsh said he’s gotten wind of several companies looking at downtown again.

One of the key programs to watch is Open Denver, which the Denver Downtown Development Authority approved using up to $40 million to help attract companies to the city as part of Mayor Mike Johnston’s wider $100 million investment to spur job growth.

One of the first winners of this new program is Colorado’s Alterra Mountain Company, the ski resort company behind the Ikon Pass. On Wednesday, the DDDA authorized lending up to $7 million to the company if it chooses to move its headquarters to Upper Downtown.

Also nice photo by Mark Samuelson / Denver Gazette

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Interesting development. Kyle Zeppelin has regained control of Zeppelin Station.

Good luck, Kyle.

Colorado approves $3.9 million in incentives to assist Alterra Mountain Co.

The ski resort company is looking at moving from RiNo to Upper Downtown and to create an outdoor recreation hub

Sounds like either way this plays out, Zeppelin will need to figure out how to make his loan payments with one less tenant.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

Good luck, Kyle.

Colorado approves $3.9 million in incentives to assist Alterra Mountain Co.



Sounds like either way this plays out, Zeppelin will need to figure out how to make his loan payments with one less tenant.

Grab your popcorn!

Unfortunately, both of these are behind paywalls. But if Alterra was serious about leaving the state, I'd say it is money well spent to keep them here.

Might even wake up some of the landlords in RiNo Art District....

"Zeppelin says DDDA offer to Alterra amounts to ‘civil war of neighborhoods’"

https://businessden.com/zeppelin-says-ddda-offer-to-alterra-amounts-to-civil-war-of-neighborhoods/

"Alterra told Denver it might move out of Colorado, sources say"

https://businessden.com/alterra-told-denver-it-might-move-out-of-colorado-sources-say/

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

Good luck, Kyle.

Colorado approves $3.9 million in incentives to assist Alterra Mountain Co.

Talk about one impressive article (plus linked article) with lots of good background detail.

So the idea of moving goes all the way back to 2022 when Alterra listed their space for sublease. Things started getting real when they took a close look at moving to Steel House back in December, 2025 according to BusinessDen.

Somewhere along the line they were enticed into looking at Upper Downtown.

Alterra applied to the DDDA on July 21 and was approved a day later. Normally, DDDA applicants have to wait months to know the fate of their requests for assistance.

Previously...

The EDC met on July 16... In a rare move, the EDC held a 7 a.m. Monday morning meeting, likely reflecting the urgency of the approval, after the DDDA had committed funds.

“This project would help revitalize a vacant building to create a hub for outdoor businesses in the metro area,” said Sean Gould, deputy director of financial analysis in OEDIT’s Business Funding and Incentives Division. Besides supporting the growth of Alterra’s own operations, the building is expected to serve as a landing place for other outdoor recreation companies

Let's get specific...

The loan is conditioned on Alterra taking a long-term office location in Upper Downtown, which stretches between Broadway and Speer Boulevard, and between Colfax Avenue and 20th Street.

Lastly, consider everything else that is 'in the works' for Upper Downtown -- brick by brick.

PS - Not sure if relevant but Steel House was developed by Boston-based Beacon Capital Partners and Denver-based Elevation Development Group. Beacon Capital Partners also owns office buildings in Upper Downtown.

[TakeFive]

Work Begins on Mural at Denver Pavilions
July 27, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

The Denver Pavilions announced today that work has begun on a new large-scale mural at the property, marking another milestone in the retail center’s ongoing revitalization. Following approval by the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) Board last month, crews removed the existing vinyl display from the south-facing walls along 15th Street to prepare for a mural designed by Denver artist Olive Moya.

Originally planned for a single wall along Welton Street, the project has expanded to include the adjacent Tremont Street wall, significantly increasing the mural’s scale and visibility. The mural was privately commissioned by the DDDA in collaboration with Denver Arts & Venues.

Courtesy artist Olive Moya.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Work Begins on Mural at Denver Pavilions
July 27, 2026 -- Mile High CRE



Courtesy artist Olive Moya.

I find it interesting that a lot of entities around the area have put out calls for large format mural like this. DDDA, Welton BID, Colfax BID, I think I saw one from Littleton, etc.

Oddly the RiNo Art District and the RiNo Art District BID are investing in anything but art (yes, music is art, but not much other art in conjunction with the recently completed UMS...).

[TakeFive]

Mayor Mike's favorite office building now qualifies for DDDA funding

https://milehighcre.com/denver-greenlights-major-office-tenancy-and-ground-floor-activation/

Expanding the DDDA’s Reach at 101 W Colfax Avenue

The DDDA also approved a petition to bring the city-owned property at 101 W Colfax Avenue into the DDDA boundaries, a proactive step to raise the property’s visibility and make it more attractive to prospective office tenants. The supports this move as part of a broader, sustained push to reactivate underutilized office space in Upper Downtown.

Now that the Denver Post's name is off the building it is the full responsibility of the City; apparently they could use a few good tenants?

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

I find it interesting that a lot of entities around the area have put out calls for large format mural like this. DDDA, Welton BID, Colfax BID, I think I saw one from Littleton, etc.

Oddly the RiNo Art District and the RiNo Art District BID are investing in anything but art (yes, music is art, but not much other art in conjunction with the recently completed UMS...).

That is a bit ironic and humorous.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

That is a bit ironic and humorous.

I find it to be quite sad.

Ironically, Rooster Magazine reached out to the art/graffiti tour group I lead tours with for some feedback regarding the art scene in RiNo Art District. I may not be quoted directly, but my quotes could be attributed to our group in the future.

Time will tell.

I'm trying to do my part. I had a small piece painted on my mural balcony. Hopefully first piece of transforming all three walls (10X22) into something really cool. Calvin and Hobbes is the theme. The first artist is Chris Haven.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

I'm trying to do my part. I had a small piece painted on my mural balcony. Hopefully first piece of transforming all three walls (10X22) into something really cool. Calvin and Hobbes is the theme. The first artist is Chris Haven.

I grew up on Calvin and Hobbes and the comic served as my son’s path to love reading. Love that your murals will be a tribute to such an amazing slice of of culture.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

I grew up on Calvin and Hobbes and the comic served as my son’s path to love reading. Love that your murals will be a tribute to such an amazing slice of of culture.

He really captured my vision of the scene with his signature characters. I haven't been able to stop thinking how I want the rest of the space to be filled in!

His artwork was already in my building, both Pyramid People and his Cityscape styles.

Here's a link to my instagram post about it: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbG2uGbmUSa/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

[TakeFive]

RiNo gets some love

Schnitzer West Signs New Tenants at The Current
July 30, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

Schnitzer West has announced new leases at The Current, its Class A office property in Denver’s River North (RiNo) neighborhood. A few of the new tenants include Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX), Performance Drone Works (PDW), and Vibe Coffee & Wine. The building is now 63% leased, up from 38% earlier this year, reflecting continued demand for high-quality, move-in-ready office space and mixed-use environments.

The Current -- 3615 Delgany Street



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

CBRE Arranges 50,455 SF Expansion at Wells Fargo Center
July 29, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

CBRE has arranged a two-floor, 50,455-square-foot expansion for SM Energy at Wells Fargo Center, located at 1700 Lincoln in downtown Denver. The company now occupies five floors of the office tower, totaling a footprint of 124,333 square feet.

The expansion follows the merger of SM Energy and Civitas earlier this year, with 1700 Lincoln selected as the preferred consolidation location. Allison Berry and Chris Phenicie with CBRE represented the owners, BCSP Denver Property, in the transaction.

The article reminds us how special this building is:

Designed by renowned architect Philip Johnson, its uniquely articulated granite facade, rising 52 stories, defines the skyline with a powerful statement that gives the building its landmark status. The most recognizable building in Denver includes an eight story curved glass atrium featuring the unique colors, shadows and forms of Ed Carpenter’s “Altaflora” sculpture, specifically commissioned by CommonWealth Partners for this space.

I wonder if some floors could be converted to apartments - I have no clue.

Wells Fargo Center -- 1700 Lincoln Street


Credit Marshall Gerometta

Misc thought

I wonder if Alterra might be considering the Energy Center's building to remain office space. It seems like it would be ideal for what Alterra wants to accomplish.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

RiNo gets some love

Schnitzer West Signs New Tenants at The Current
July 30, 2026 -- Mile High CRE


The Current -- 3615 Delgany Street

That's great and all.

But we still need a lot more restaurants over here. And while Emilia is apparently doing well, they aren't open for lunch. There is also a need for more lunch friendly options. Particularly near that office space and the others in close proximity. Many have vacant space - I'm looking at you, Rev360/3600 Brighton.

[Fritzdude]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

That's great and all.

But we still need a lot more restaurants over here. And while Emilia is apparently doing well, they aren't open for lunch. There is also a need for more lunch friendly options. Particularly near that office space and the others in close proximity. Many have vacant space - I'm looking at you, Rev360/3600 Brighton.

Excited for this new one: Señor Tanuki is the highly anticipated new Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant opening at 3001 Brighton Blvd in RiNo. Señor Tanuki: Described by its chef as an "elevated Asian Chipotle," the menu centers around a "Mexico City meets Osaka" flavor profile. It features a matcha cafe during daylight hours and shifts into a sleek cocktail bar at night.Helmed by veteran chef Katsumi Arai, who has crafted meals for major celebrities like Dr. Dre and Jimmy Kimmel, as well as Disney's top executives.Location: It is moving into the Fabrica office building at 3001 Brighton Blvd.Timeline: The restaurant is scheduled to open its doors in October 2026.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by Fritzdude

Excited for this new one: Señor Tanuki is the highly anticipated new Mexican-Japanese fusion restaurant opening at 3001 Brighton Blvd in RiNo. Señor Tanuki: Described by its chef as an "elevated Asian Chipotle," the menu centers around a "Mexico City meets Osaka" flavor profile. It features a matcha cafe during daylight hours and shifts into a sleek cocktail bar at night.Helmed by veteran chef Katsumi Arai, who has crafted meals for major celebrities like Dr. Dre and Jimmy Kimmel, as well as Disney's top executives.Location: It is moving into the Fabrica office building at 3001 Brighton Blvd.Timeline: The restaurant is scheduled to open its doors in October 2026.

Totally agree.

But we still need more.

And they need to start NOW!

Case in point. Risica is another highly anticipated opening coming to the EDIT building sometime this year. When was the lease signed/announcement made? October of 2024 (https://www.denverpost.com/2024/10/18/il-posto-chef-andrea-frizzi-plans-new-restaurant-risica-rino/). I walk by there frequently - the restaurant looks like it is close to opening. Except for one major item - besides the pizza oven, there hasn't been any kitchen equipment installed.

Even Dear Emilia's opening was later than expected and substantially over budget. Read more here: https://www.westword.com/food-drink/what...n-a-restaurant-in-denver-today-40836126/

[Fritzdude]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

Totally agree.

But we still need more.

And they need to start NOW!

Case in point. Risica is another highly anticipated opening coming to the EDIT building sometime this year. When was the lease signed/announcement made? October of 2024 (https://www.denverpost.com/2024/10/18/il-posto-chef-andrea-frizzi-plans-new-restaurant-risica-rino/). I walk by there frequently - the restaurant looks like it is close to opening. Except for one major item - besides the pizza oven, there hasn't been any kitchen equipment installed.

Even Dear Emilia's opening was later than expected and substantially over budget. Read more here: https://www.westword.com/food-drink/what...n-a-restaurant-in-denver-today-40836126/

Curious on your opinion. Why was the Zeppelin food hall such a disappointment? Seems like they could’ve fit that market need. Any word on turning the blue moon facility into a grocery store? And have you heard any long-term plans on either reuse/adapting the Pepsi bottling plant? Or will it likely be torn down for new development? That’s 30 acres in total - which hopefully some of it goes to expanding the park area near the river

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by Fritzdude

Curious on your opinion. Why was the Zeppelin food hall such a disappointment? Seems like they could’ve fit that market need. Any word on turning the blue moon facility into a grocery store? And have you heard any long-term plans on either reuse/adapting the Pepsi bottling plant? Or will it likely be torn down for new development? That’s 30 acres in total - which hopefully some of it goes to expanding the park area near the river

Not sure on Zeppelin Station, TBH. Obviously the ownership issues over the last few years haven't helped. Oddly, the food hall was mostly full when I moved back here in 2023. Now, being "adapted" for the future.

But certainly the inoperable elevators across the tracks at 35th and Blake don't help the situation. It isn't good for the hotels on that side either. Unfortunately, it seems that there isn't money to fix it and it didn't seem like a big priority to RiNo BID at their stakeholder meeting last week (I felt it was very poorly attended).

However, I think you could look at the Source as a bit of a case study. When it opened (first food hall here at the time, Denver Central Market, Avanti, Milk Market and others followed and really upped the game), it was booming for the first few years. And that was before Brighton was rebuilt. It seems it is starting to regain some of that momentum with El Chingon planning to open there soon.

I imagine the Pepsi facility will be torn down as I doubt that any of the buildings would have much reuse potential. Especially given the $158M price paid. It would be nice if they were able to include a greenway of sorts from Brighton to the park.

Nothing new on the Blue Moon space lately.