DENVER | Main Development Thread #6 - Page 247

Brainpathology · #**4921** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 11:40 AM**

Is there a contest on SSP that rewards whoever calls any new building or proposal ugly? Because as much as I am on before most of you get up due to the time difference I could be winning that, and I really have no problems calling everything that ever happens ugly, or a missed opportunity, or an abomination, or hideous, or whatever. I had thought that since this hotel/station was partially funded with taxpayer dollars it would be loudly proclaimed by people in Denver as the new standard by which great architecture would be judged for the next 100 years.

bunt_q · #**4922** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 1:39 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by TakeFive

I wouldn't disagree; especially if I could have traded it for Kim's iconic bridge.

Agree with wong, the Calatrava design was nothing special. Just because Denver happens to already have a white theme going, which happens to match Calatrava's look-alike theme, doesn't make him the right fit. I just find it fascinating that he managed to get written into a settlement agreement that we couldn't use white; we do everything in white, and we don't need his divine presence to do it.

Disagree on the bridge, though. Not to say Denver couldn't use more landmarks, landmark bridges in particular. But overtop of a highway in the middle of nowhere is not the place for a landmark bridge. I'd just assume reward transit users with something pretty to look at, rather than the drivers who aren't using the train.

You want something fancy? Sooner or later we are going to have to rebuild the Speer bridges over I-25. I would sure love to see something a little fancier, to go with the Platte River bridges.

Goat12 · #**4923** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 2:19 PM**

According to this story, there's a project in the pipeline for the empty lot at the southeastern corner of Colfax and Corona. Anyone have additional details/insight?

RyanD · #**4924** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 2:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goat12

According to this story, there's a project in the pipeline for the empty lot at the southeastern corner of Colfax and Corona. Anyone have additional details/insight?

Colfax Marketplace

Goat12 · #**4925** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 2:40 PM**

Thanks RyanD. Looks like they won't be using that design as is. The story states that the developer intends to build up to the full zoned for height of eight stories.

Robert.hampton · #**4926** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 3:21 PM**

Colfax project is just two blocks away from another pretty large mixed use building planned at 17th and lafayette from the same developer who did ascent uptown http://www.businessden.com/2015/07/21/uptown-apartment-project-sold-for-7-3m/ .

DownhomeDenver · #**4927** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 4:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert.hampton

Colfax project is just two blocks away from another pretty large mixed use building planned at 17th and lafayette from the same developer who did ascent uptown http://www.businessden.com/2015/07/21/uptown-apartment-project-sold-for-7-3m/ .

Ahhhh yes 17th and Lafeyette is where that 2 story medical building was. Now i see why Ken spanked me for posting that old rendering. That site could end up being an apartment development after all!

RyanD · #**4928** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 7:29 PM**

EDIT: Wrong thread

corey · #**4929** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 8:09 PM**

The DIA train terminal and Westin looks amazing! I think it is much better than Calatrava's original design. It looks sharper, cleaner and modern. The blue glass goes with the glass of the existing terminal. I thought Calatrava's design was kind of tacky and cliche (bird's wings for an airport design? Brilliant!). Actually, I hate most of his designs as I think he just rips off from Aero Saarinan and Le Corbusier. No complaints from me about how this building turned out. The interior is especially amazing.

The Dirt · #**4930** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 8:29 PM**

Calatrava is a hack that designs the same white cheese grater bridges and hair clip buildings over and over.

EngiNerd · #**4931** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 8:57 PM**

http://www.denverrealestatewatch.com/2015/07/24/denver-planning-unveils-citizen-academy/

Quote:

They will cover:

Citywide Planning: How does a city of more than 650,000 set a vision for its future? Learn how to identify and rank transportation and land-use strategies to build sustainable and well-connected communities citywide.
Neighborhood Planning: What are your neighborhood’s best features? What would make it healthier, more livable, and better connected? Learn how neighbors have worked together to determine what character-defining features to preserve and enhance, while opening doors for appropriate reinvestment to keep their area vibrant.

Zoning:Zoning can help translate a community’s broad vision into sticks and bricks. Learn about Denver’s context- and form-based code and how it strives to improve the health, safety, prosperity and quality-of-life for all of Denver. Learn helpful tips about how to use the code, including online tools available at DenverGov.org/zoning.

After the pilot phase this fall, the academy may continue and expand in 2016.

Hopefully they include a session on how to not be a prick and file for historic landmark designation the day before a building is about to be torn down.

EngiNerd · #**4932** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 9:00 PM**

Excellent photos of the nearly finished 1601 Wewatta building from Denver Urban Review. Really like the way this one turned out.
http://denverurbanreview.com/2015/07/a-final-look-at-1601-wewatta/

Pedalrob · #**4933** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 9:33 PM**

A zoning change request has been submitted for 2250 Champa, which is currently a parking lot. Developer is iUnit.
Looks like "IUNIT IS THE WORLD’S FIRST SOCIALLY ACTIVE SMART APARTMENT UNIT, FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH SMART DEVICES" according to their website.
They also have one planned for LoHi.

DownhomeDenver · #**4934** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 9:40 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedalrob

A zoning change request has been submitted for 2250 Champa, which is currently a parking lot. Developer is iUnit.
Looks like "IUNIT IS THE WORLD’S FIRST SOCIALLY ACTIVE SMART APARTMENT UNIT, FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH SMART DEVICES" according to their website.
They also have one planned for LoHi.

Beat me to it again!! LOL. This is cool though, it would be nice to see this ugly parking lot...and I mean ugly parking lot, get developed.

Stonemans_rowJ · #**4935** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 10:05 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedalrob

A zoning change request has been submitted for 2250 Champa, which is currently a parking lot. Developer is iUnit.
Looks like "IUNIT IS THE WORLD’S FIRST SOCIALLY ACTIVE SMART APARTMENT UNIT, FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH SMART DEVICES" according to their website.
They also have one planned for LoHi.

Where in Lohi?

Pedalrob · #**4936** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 10:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stonemans_rowJ

Where in Lohi?

No information provided. According to the website it will be in the "trendy" loHi neighborhood. So depending on your point of view that is a very large area or it doesn't even exist.

TakeFive · #**4937** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 10:14 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by corey

The DIA train terminal and Westin looks amazing! I think it is much better than Calatrava's original design. It looks sharper, cleaner and modern. The blue glass goes with the glass of the existing terminal. I thought Calatrava's design was kind of tacky and cliche (bird's wings for an airport design? Brilliant!). Actually, I hate most of his designs as I think he just rips off from Aero Saarinan and Le Corbusier. No complaints from me about how this building turned out. The interior is especially amazing.

That's exactly what I wanted to say but me words got stuck.

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngiNerd

http://www.denverrealestatewatch.com/2015/07/24/denver-planning-unveils-citizen-academy/
Hopefully they include a session on how to not be a prick and file for historic landmark designation the day before a building is about to be torn down.

That's a pretty cool idea. Was it seventwenty who offered to do this and give us all summaries?

TakeFive · #**4938** Posted **Jul 27, 2015, 11:01 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pedalrob

No information provided. According to the website it will be in the "trendy" loHi neighborhood. So depending on your point of view that is a very large area or it doesn't even exist.

Best I could find on this iUNIT idear is an interview at Multi-Housing News Online by By Leah Etling with founder Brice Leconte from December 29, 2014.
Their factory will be in Idaho for the module construction. They're micro units.

Quote:

MHN: How does that translate to the building design?

Leconte: For this first project, we are focusing on building a smarter, smaller unit. It’s better laid out, with smart storage solutions and space usage. We are working with with IKEA to furnish the units. We will take advantage of the 9-foot high ceilings to have storage on the walls, using their Besta cubes. It will have a very contemporary look—think Apple Store meets IKEA.

Whateva

TakeFive · #**4939** Posted **Jul 28, 2015, 1:50 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Octavian

Courtesy DIA.

"The Westin at Denver International now accepting reservations"
by TheDenverChannel.com Team - Jul 27, 2015

Quote:

The online reservation system opened on Monday. Reservations are currently available for stays beginning on or after Dec. 1. Guests can stay in one of 519 rooms or 35 suites, or use the conference center in the 433,000 square foot building, shaped like a pair of wings.

navyweaxguy · #**4940** Posted **Jul 28, 2015, 2:59 AM**

I wish I still worked at the Westin Tabor Center, I could stay at the airport one for free.