DENVER | Main Development Thread #7

[zerkman]

Originally Posted by CherryCreek

It again goes to show how silly the whole RFP process is. Why should cities/metros/states decide in a vacuum what's most important to Amazon?

The RFP says they really emphasize public transit. Do they really? How much do you weigh that? If it's really critical, Louisville is out of the question. If a great campus, close to Boulder with amazing mountain views makes up for the lack of transit, then by all means, go with with Louisville. But why should metro Denver decide that for Amazon?

I see two possible logical answers:

1. As mentioned earlier, Amazon likely would feel free to ignore a specific site proposed if they are interested in another site within the same metro. They would simply come back and say "we like your response, and might be interested in your city, but your site Z proposed isn't really what we were looking for, we prefer site W which you also looked at. If we can get the same incentives for site W, then let's chat.

2. There are back channel communications going on between Amazon and the "unofficial" favorites where Amazon is signaling its preferences as cities consider multiple alternatives to put forward.

The Flatiron Flyer has a stop within a quarter mile of the campus, so, while not light/heavy rail, there is technically a FasTrack transit stop nearby.

I fully agree, the RFP process does seem strange and hard to imagine that there isn't a back and forth between cities and Amazon to truly figure out their priorities.

[zerkman]

http://www.dailycamera.com/top-stori...sal-new-campus

Sounds like Colorado is going to narrow the selection down to one location and then use an appendix to list a couple more options. I wouldn't rule out Louisville, its within 45minutes of the airport (470 or through Denver both are under), and being close to Boulder, gives it access to another large tech community to draw developers from.

[CherryCreek]

Originally Posted by zerkman

http://www.dailycamera.com/top-stori...sal-new-campus

Sounds like Colorado is going to narrow the selection down to one location and then use an appendix to list a couple more options. I wouldn't rule out Louisville, its within 45minutes of the airport (470 or through Denver both are under), and being close to Boulder, gives it access to another large tech community to draw developers from.

Good approach.!

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by CherryCreek

Good approach.!

And an update on Colorado's bid-in-progress.

Colorado eco-devo leaders will emphasize proximity to DIA in Amazon HQ2 bid
Sep 21, 2017 by Ed Sealover - Denver Business Journal

Colorado and Denver-area leaders are working quickly to come up with a single location in metro Denver that's close to the airport in its bid to become home to Amazon's second headquarters, the state’s top economic-development official said Thursday.

They'e looking at all proposed sites but...

Copeland said proximity to the airport will be a major factor, per guidance she's received from Amazon officials. She explicitly said that will knock out communities outside the metro area that have expressed interest in the project and implied that it will limit the number of sites state leaders will consider proposing on the outskirts of the area as well.

And for those interested in the competition the PBJ has you covered including over 30 slides of specific cities:
https://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/...ecruiting.html

The Seattle Times reports that more than 100 cities, states, provinces and counties in the U.S. and Canada will vie for what is shaping up to be one the greatest economic development opportunities in generations. It's also shaping up to be one of the most expensive for taxpayers...

[Robert.hampton]

Originally Posted by zerkman

http://www.dailycamera.com/top-stori...sal-new-campus

Sounds like Colorado is going to narrow the selection down to one location and then use an appendix to list a couple more options. I wouldn't rule out Louisville, its within 45minutes of the airport (470 or through Denver both are under), and being close to Boulder, gives it access to another large tech community to draw developers from.

Meh---the fact the light rail never panned out hurts that site a lot, and the location isn't really a boost for talent over central Denver. It seem the trend for many Boulder tech startups is to relocate to Denver as they grow to draw from the larger talent base.

I do think the biggest challenge for Denver will be the lack of credible business and computer engineering programs on nearby college campuses. Boulder and CSU both host third to fourth tier business schools and I dont think they are highly ranked in tech. We cant compete with the likes of Boston, NYC and DC when it comes to that. I feel like our tech talent is mostly migratory from the west coast.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by Robert.hampton

I do think the biggest challenge for Denver will be the lack of credible business and computer engineering programs on nearby college campuses. Boulder and CSU both host third to fourth tier business schools and I dont think they are highly ranked in tech. We cant compete with the likes of Boston, NYC and DC when it comes to that. I feel like our tech talent is mostly migratory from the west coast.

You might think it funky but I'm telling you it's not. ASU would be a great recruiting ground (from Denver). With Amazon's 10 facilities around the Valley plus a fairly recent R&D facility in Tempe, Amazon would be well familiar with the $billions that have been invested in ASU's STEM schools at the 55,000 student campus in Tempe. They also have a lot of kids from India which make great H-1B visa employees. Lastly the WP Carey School of Business is well rated at #25 per US News; CU is ranked #79.

[lumos]

I just got my invitation to the opening of the remodelled Shoemaker Plaza for the 13th October. Late but much improved. I also saw on the side of Whole Foods this morning that it will be open by Thanksgiving.

[TakeFive]

Funky Friday

The DBJ carried the story about the the 613-room former Denver Marriott City Center becomng a flagship Hilton Hotel. It is now aptly named the Hilton Denver City Center. As a reminder this hotel has undergone a complete renovation in recent years.

Good idea? (I think so)

DBJ also recently carried the story entitled: 100-year agreement reached for $1 billion overhaul of stock show grounds

Good idea? Eh, I'll ask my great grandchildren.

Interesting article in Bloomberg entitled: Millennials Are Driving the Suburban Resurgence

Good idea? Not sure but inevitable I'd assume.

In case you missed it, Today is the first day of Autumn. In any case here's to Autumn Leaves.

[TakeFive]

Photo: 3737 W. 32nd Ave. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite) Does Kevin Beaty take nice pictures or what?

Historic designation for Packard’s Hill in Highland pits neighbor vs. neighbor in a familiar Denver battle
September 22, 2017 by Adrian D. Garcia - Denverite

Some residents in the northwest part of the city believe designating the area being dubbed Packard’s Hill a historic district would protect the current feel of the neighborhood by preserving 19th Century homes once inhabited by movie actress, area leaders and pioneering women. Others say the move is unnecessary and could infringe on property owners’ rights.

How much of this area is really important to preserve?

About 82 percent of the roughly 190 properties in the area contribute to the historic status of the neighborhood based on their architecture, style and the era they were built in, according to the application neighbors filed.

Excellent piece by Adrian Garcia and way too much quotable material not to read.

I say Aye.

[enjo13]

Originally Posted by CherryCreek

2. There are back channel communications going on between Amazon and the "unofficial" favorites where Amazon is signaling its preferences as cities consider multiple alternatives to put forward.

My money is on this. I think Amazon knows exactly where they want to be (my guess is Boston or Chicago). They just want some extra leverage to weasel some extra public money out of their destination city.

This is exactly the game another Seattle company played like a decade ago.

[CastleScott]

This is exactly the game another Seattle company played like a decade ago.

Yup and most of us remember it was: Boeing! Boeing!! Boeing!!! Gone!!!!
Off to Chicago they went..

[TakeFive]

CastleScott... too true... but I figured it was more of a courtesy call for Denver all along; Denver today is a significantly different place.

Originally Posted by enjo13

My money is on this. I think Amazon knows exactly where they want to be (my guess is Boston or Chicago). They just want some extra leverage to weasel some extra public money out of their destination city.

This is exactly the game another Seattle company played like a decade ago.

I've assumed the Boston story was real but not a done deal. Chicago? I'm skeptical. How much dry powder can Rahm have left plus the state is such a mess. Transit a plus though.

No muss, no fuss and Don't Mess with Texas if public incentives are the key and DFW is impressive. But when it comes to Southern Hospitality and a good airport it's hard to beat Georgia. Does Chattanooga still have their Choo Choo?

I'll be curious to see if they announce a short list or if they'll just announce the winner?

[twister244]

Another RiNo project, this time affordable apartment housing.

http://www.denverpost.com/2017/09/25...le-apartments/

[Mtnboi303]

650 17th - http://www.sixfifty17.com/

http://www.sixfifty17.com/building/

Davis Partnership listed on the website.


Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Carlos Ott, 650 17th Street in downtown Denver will be the city’s tallest building at 75 stories and will offer its most luxurious lifestyle destination to date. The 1,000,000+ square foot tower will be comprised of 248 luxury condominium residences, a boutique hotel, 22,000 square feet of retail space, and over 500 parking spaces. Residents will enjoy not only possibly the most breathtaking views available in Denver, but also an unprecedented collection of amenities, including multiple terraces and pools, a spa with sauna and steam rooms, and a fitness center. In addition, sporting amenities include a half-court basketball court, a bowling alley, and a game lounge with a pool table, football, and shuffle board. Children will enjoy a playroom with a custom climbing gym. Bicycle storage, pet grooming, day care, art consultation, and butler service are among many other planned offerings.

[twister244]

I was excited until I saw palm trees in the rendering.....

The last time I saw palm trees in a rendering for Denver... well it's not going good.

[BG918]

Originally Posted by twister244

I was excited until I saw palm trees in the rendering.....

The last time I saw palm trees in a rendering for Denver... well it's not going good.

That's a good eye test for how likely this project will actually be built. Can they at least switch out palm trees for something that grows in a temperate zone.

Reminds me of the latest proposals for Tabor2

[CastleScott]

^ Wow!! It would be great if this is built and it looks like 1000 ft+ maybe even taller than whats been built lately on the west coast-could this perhaps be the tallest outside of Chicago??

As for the palm trees-they're ok, heck I remember there were some steel palm trees on the northeast corner of Wadsworth Blvd and 88th Ave at a strip center in Westminster back when I lived in Arvada.

[zerkman]

Is it common to completely mis-render surrounding buildings?

1801 California is rendered as a slender square building.

There are a number of significant changes to the Denver skyline in their renders, especially as you go west.

1701 California is missing in a render too.

There also seems to be unknown buildings too.

[Robert.hampton]

Yeah I remember the backers of this development being only slightly less sketchy than the other palm tree building led by Renzi McBanruptcy.

Their portfolio out of NYC is mostly resotring some old 2-3 story buildings like this -- https://www.crownarchitecture.com/po...8-perry-street. And I vaguely remember the principals involved said they were owners of a 'payroll processing' companies located in a strip mall in Connecticut.

But most importantly Buzz Gellar is involved.

[Robert.hampton]

Originally Posted by zerkman

Is it common to completely mis-render surrounding buildings?

1801 California is rendered as a slender square building.

There are a number of significant changes to the Denver skyline in their renders, especially as you go west.

1701 California is missing in a render too.

There also seems to be unknown buildings too.

It tends to happen when you move the rendering out of Miami and accidentally bring a few surrounding buildings with you