DENVER | Main Development Thread #6

[DownhomeDenver]

Originally Posted by BG918

We haven't talked much about 1401 Lawrence. I heard this week that an RFP is out for contractors. Rds, any new info on this one? Wouldn't it be awesome to have this one and 1144 15th both rising at the same time?

Wouldn't it be like the Twilight Zone if those two and Tabor 2 were under construction?!

[comoneymaker]

So I don't have any numbers to back this up. But I was talking to a friend who works at the Hampton Inn in Glendale. He said it has been a mad house. As far as he knows almost all the hotels from downtown to past Glendale have all been near 100% booked this whole spring. He also said that just during his shift today he had to turn down about 20 people over the phone. I can agree with this too with all the out of state license plates I see. Just yesterday I stopped at a light and I was the only car with a Colorado plate out of 6 other cars.

Doesn't hotel rental info get published quarterly or so to verify this ?

If we are this slammed and it stays this way I can only imagine the number of hotel rooms we will need to get under construction especially when the line opens from DIA. Maybe a new tallest for Denver could be in order soon ?

[DenverPoke]

I'm pretty sad that The Confluence hasn't started yet. Yes it should be condos but the building will be the centerpiece that helps tie together Union Station and Confluence Park with LoDo and the rest of downtown. Anybody have any info on why the holdup?

[RyanD]

Originally Posted by comoneymaker

So I don't have any numbers to back this up. But I was talking to a friend who works at the Hampton Inn in Glendale. He said it has been a mad house. As far as he knows almost all the hotels from downtown to past Glendale have all been near 100% booked this whole spring. He also said that just during his shift today he had to turn down about 20 people over the phone. I can agree with this too with all the out of state license plates I see. Just yesterday I stopped at a light and I was the only car with a Colorado plate out of 6 other cars.

Doesn't hotel rental info get published quarterly or so to verify this ?

Can confirm. My friend works at the Sheraton downtown and she said they are always sending people to Interlocken, or the DTC. They are always 100-105% booked. 5% over for the just in case other people don't commit to their reservations.

The Downtown Denver hotel market for 2013 ended the year near the same levels as 2012. The hotel occupancy rate was 0.2 percentage points lower at 73.2 percent in 2013 compared with the 2012 level of 73.4 percent. The average room rate for 2013 was $158.64 per night, which was 3.4 percent higher than the 2012 level of $153.46 per night.

The Metro Denver hotel market reported improving market conditions in 2013 compared with 2012. The hotel occupancy rate was 2.8 percentage points higher in 2013, rising to 70.8 percent from the 2012 level of 68 percent. The average room rate rose to $115.09 per night, an increase of nearly 3 percent from $111.78 per night in 2012. (Source: Colorado Hotel and Lodging Association, Rocky Mountain Lodging Report.)

[From this report]

[Cirrus]

I moved all recent posts discussing the RNC into a new RNC thread.

[comoneymaker]

So then we need to build two new Hyatt style 1100 room hotels and now or one 2200 room hotel. That could be a 900 footer easy!

[seventwenty]

Originally Posted by Cirrus

I moved all recent posts discussing the RNC into a new RNC thread.

Just gonna ignore my knockoff thread, eh? I see how it is. This is what happens when the powers that be ignore others. The result of such deliberate incompetence not only is always the same: The Pepsi Center.

[Brock Landers]

Originally Posted by comoneymaker

So then we need to build two new Hyatt style 1100 room hotels and now or one 2200 room hotel. That could be a 900 footer easy!

While I would certainly love to see a 900 foot hotel proposal, I'm skeptical of any developers jumping feet first into a hotel mega-project given all the development that is already taking place:

Under construction:

* Hyatt House, 14th and Glenarm - 360 rooms.

* Aloft, 15th and Stout - 140 rooms.

* Art Hotel, 12th and Broadway - 165 rooms.

* Crawford Hotel, Union Station - 110 rooms.

Recently completed:

* Colorado National Bank Conversion, 17th and Champa - 230 rooms.

* Hampton/Homewood Conversion, 15th and Welton - 302 rooms.

Proposals:

* Klimpton, 16th and Wewatta - 200 rooms.

* Block 162 Hilton, 15th and California - The big unknown, but rumored to be roughly 500 rooms.

Thanks to DenverInfill for providing a lot of these room figures.

A few other thoughts:

* Even though it's not downtown, I could see the 500 room Airport Westin relieving some of the pressure on downtown since it will likely be popular with business travelers who might otherwise be staying in the CBD.

* Despite all the lawsuits, it looks like Hotel Slip'n'Slide in Aurora is going get those tax incentives and probably has a decent shot of moving forward. I personally think that proposal is horrible but with 1,500 rooms it would most likely take away some convention traffic from downtown if it becomes a reality.

[Wizened Variations]

Originally Posted by bunt_q

It reeks or wealth. The establishment. The illuminati. It's just not very Fred Flintstone, which is how Wizened rolls.

Wrong in this case, Mr. Bunt. I just don't like to see shoddy workmanship, whatever the excuses given. The devil, is in the "details."

I am not a man governed by blind faith- I will admit that years ago I had far more faith in the "nobility of mankind"- I now take most everything on a case by case basis.

I do understand power a bit, and, also how the little people (like the man I see in the mirror) tend to clap for the powerful and ponder about the nobility of people's motives.

All this changes- at least to most of us- as more and more of our peers act out their lives, and, we see how the human species has not changed much in the last 100 or so years (maybe not at all.)

Lastly, I am not a fan of the idea that there are masterful plotters and planners, but more of opportunistic greed and lack of altruism. People with power are not a gentle bunch.

Besides, I like extremely good microbrews and good homemade wines (small batches made from freshly harvested grapes) Caviar? Naw.... but I would take a wild pheasant, shot the day before.

[DownhomeDenver]

Originally Posted by Wizened Variations

Besides, I like extremely good microbrews and good homemade wines (small batches made from freshly harvested grapes) Caviar? Naw.... but I would take a wild pheasant, shot the day before.

I totally see you wearing an ascot. Are you wearing an ascot right now? Be honest!

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by Brock Landers

While I would certainly love to see a 900 foot hotel proposal, I'm skeptical of any developers jumping feet first into a hotel mega-project given all the development that is already taking place:

The report that Wong linked to stated 1600 hotel room in 8 projects should to be completed in 2014 and 2015 but didn't give any breakout so thanks for your effort to list them.

I hate to be repetitive but...
it all started with the Great Recession. Huh?
Yep, it goes (partly) to the Presidents infamous reference to lavish party conventions in places like Las Vegas. For the next 2/3 years, in particular, companies were sensitive to the potential visuals of their business meetings and conventions. Denver became instantly more popular as a convention city to do business in.

People visiting Denver for the 1st time because of a trade show then realized that Denver would be a great site for their company specific business meeting where they stay at and utilize the conference space in one hotel. Others may come to realize that the city would be a fun place to visit for the family, perhaps for a few days coming or going on a longer Colorado trip.

It's why I think it's imperative that the city preserve the ability to expand the convention center space either modestly or more significantly, maybe both depending on time line.

The growing convention business has been a fricken gold mine for downtown.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by Brock Landers

A few other thoughts:

* Even though it's not downtown, I could see the 500 room Airport Westin relieving some of the pressure on downtown since it will likely be popular with business travelers who might otherwise be staying in the CBD.

* Despite all the lawsuits, it looks like Hotel Slip'n'Slide in Aurora is going get those tax incentives and probably has a decent shot of moving forward. I personally think that proposal is horrible but with 1,500 rooms it would most likely take away some convention traffic from downtown if it becomes a reality.

I did and still support the Gaylord Rockies Hotel and Convention project. Colloquialism or city center protective stinkin' thinking is not the way to go. Regionalism has been and should always be the only way to fly.

Think of the companies that will hold meetings for the 1st time in "Denver" only because of this new facility. How many will then decide they want to hold a meeting in downtown Denver as well. How many company regional or division groups will utilize Gaylord and then realize that downtown Denver would be a great site for the full company-wide annual meeting?

How many company execs who learn more about Denver through a convention either downtown or at Gaylord will later decide they want to expand, open a regional office in Denver?

In today's more cost competitive environment, Denver has enough trouble trying to compete with many cities that are either larger or more of a gateway city. Everybody needs to support expanding (Metro) Denver's sphere of influence and promote being business friendly.

And I hope the new DIA hotel will do well also.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by BG918

We haven't talked much about 1401 Lawrence. I heard this week that an RFP is out for contractors. Rds, any new info on this one? Wouldn't it be awesome to have this one and 1144 15th both rising at the same time?

That is so good to hear. I just really like that building and would love to see it break ground. I was somewhat concerned that the Big Dog ie. Hines might give other developers pause.
Thanks to DenverInfill, here's a reminder:

[Wizened Variations]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

I did and still support the Gaylord Rockies Hotel and Convention project. Colloquialism or city center protective stinkin' thinking is not the way to go. Regionalism has been and should always be the only way to fly.

Think of the companies that will hold meetings for the 1st time in "Denver" only because of this new facility. How many will then decide they want to hold a meeting in downtown Denver as well. How many company regional or division groups will utilize Gaylord and then realize that downtown Denver would be a great site for the full company-wide annual meeting?

How many company execs who learn more about Denver through a convention either downtown or at Gaylord will later decide they want to expand, open a regional office in Denver?

In today's more cost competitive environment, Denver has enough trouble trying to compete with many cities that are either larger or more of a gateway city. Everybody needs to support expanding (Metro) Denver's sphere of influence and promote being business friendly.

And I hope the new DIA hotel will do well also.

I agree.

We do have a huge tendency to over estimate ourselves in Denver, and, have for generations. Something to do with living in a screamingly beautiful yet rather isolated space. Most people here have no idea what the rest of the world is doing in architecture, finance, manufacturing, city planning, and the arts. Even our moneyed few know little (or care to know little) about what their peers in Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, Paris, Moscow, Singapore, Bangkok, Taipei...... are doing.

Of course, there are at least two sides this, the second being is that our colloquialism adds to Denver's natural beauty through it's charm. And, IMO, this DOES add a lot to the City. Hey! if one wants to see a 21st Century city that works, see Singapore- where they still 'cane' people. If wants to see the best public transportation, go to Tokyo, Seoul, Osaka, Beijing, Shanghai, Paris, Moscow.... If one wants to see skyscrapers go to NYC, Shanghai, Dubai, Seoul, Beijing... What Denver does have to the international community is a lot of sanitized funk in a safe environment.

Airport out in the middle of nowhere.
Rail line that has intervals of one track
Inefficiently designed DUS with poorly coordinated planning
Legal pot.
Cleanliness.
Stunning backdrop
Small town boosterism.
Small town inferiority complexes
Intellectuals desperately desiring to please the outside world (and thinking they are noticed)

And the list goes on.

I think Denver needs to proud of it's quirkiness. Maintaining uniqueness is what international recognition is all about, not how many skyscrapers there are or how well transit systems work. Cities that work well and are more modern are common: what sells in the internet world is character.

If we try to compete by being modern and contemporary on a worldwide scale we will never be noticed. But, if we sell ourselves as we are, with our warts and ignorant sell centered ways, we will be noticed by those tired of the same old ****.

[BG918]

Originally Posted by Brock Landers

Proposals:

* Klimpton, 16th and Wewatta - 200 rooms.

* Block 162 Hilton, 15th and California - The big unknown, but rumored to be roughly 500 rooms.

The Kimpton hotel at 16th & Wewatta should begin construction by the end of summer. There is a two level parking garage underneath the hotel and the new 5 story office building that is also part of the development. I've heard Hotel Palomar will be the flag which will be a great addition to downtown.

Block 162 has gone silent for the past 6 months. That's one that is absolutely targeted at the convention business. The latest proposal had a 32 story office building along California that probably isn't realistic, or would need to be more like 15-20 stories. The 31 story Hilton though could add much needed rooms as well as more conference space only a block from the CC.

[DenverPoke]

Originally Posted by BG918

The Kimpton hotel at 16th & Wewatta should begin construction by the end of summer. There is a two level parking garage underneath the hotel and the new 5 story office building that is also part of the development. I've heard Hotel Palomar will be the flag which will be a great addition to downtown.

Block 162 has gone silent for the past 6 months. That's one that is absolutely targeted at the convention business. The latest proposal had a 32 story office building along California that probably isn't realistic, or would need to be more like 15-20 stories. The 31 story Hilton though could add much needed rooms as well as more conference space only a block from the CC.

Is the City Target dead?

[denverryan]

Is anyone aware of a larger version of this rendering of the Union Station Neighborhood from the latest 5280 Magazine? It is printed in high resolution in the magazine itself, so presumably there is a very high quality version floating around somewhere.


(Source: 5280 Magazine: All Aboard Denver's Union Station)

Both the printed version of 5280 and the current web version have one of the buildings mislabeled (they are saying #12 is the Triangle Building), but I still thought this was a nice updated rendering that shows much more accurately what the station area might be like once it is built out. I love seeing now-familiar Cadence and the Platform alongside some hypothetical renderings — especially #11, the Platform's sister building.

[enjo13]

Originally Posted by DenverPoke

Is the City Target dead?

I have no idea what the deal is with that block, but as a concept it is definitely not dead. They are very interested in being in Denver and that hasn't changed.

[DenverPoke]

Originally Posted by enjo13

I have no idea what the deal is with that block, but as a concept it is definitely not dead. They are very interested in being in Denver and that hasn't changed.

Any ideas what other locations are being considered? Love it or hate it, a City Target would be a huge boon to the city.

[enjo13]

Originally Posted by DenverPoke

Any ideas what other locations are being considered? Love it or hate it, a City Target would be a huge boon to the city.

I know that they basically need a new build to make it work, but nothing beyond that.