DENVER | Main Development Thread #7

[DenvertoLA]

To sidetrack away from civic park for a second. If we’re seeking attainable ideas that deliver downtown Denver a grand outdoor area for pedestrians, I think there is one main opportunity. That is closing Wynkoop st from 16th-18th.

It’s not a large park, but it would be a grand plaza akin to those in Europe. A bonus to this idea is the cost benefit ratio is amazing.

[Cirrus]

Originally Posted by mr1138

it would be great to "have something more like Wash Park or Cheseman Park, but walkable to downtown."

If somebody can show me an example of a "central park" that is under 20 acres and really works, I'm prepared to eat my words. "Square parks" aren't really the kinds of park I am talking about.

I get the difference from a square, although I don't get the sense you really mean a big forest park either, quite exactly. Maybe a "shade and strolling park" is a quick description of what you mean?

I guess I just don't agree that a big park specifically downtown is all that high a priority, particularly since the Mall Way is such a nice strolling space. If we're adding new parks, I'd prioritize having a nice square every few blocks. And let people who want a bigger park take a transit line to reach it.

Maybe Denver has such a geographically small genuinely walkable area that it feels like it's downtown or bust?

I will say that DC has a couple of spaces that are more "shade and stroll" than "square" that might fit your definition. Meridian Hill Park at 12 acres is probably the best example (compared to Rittenhouse's 8 acres).

And Boston Public Garden is only 25 acres. Granted it's immediately adjacent to the 50 acre Boston Common, but Boston Common is just the barrier you have to walk through to get to the much-nicer Public Garden.

[mr1138]

Originally Posted by DenvertoLA

To sidetrack away from civic park for a second. If we’re seeking attainable ideas that deliver downtown Denver a grand outdoor area for pedestrians, I think there is one main opportunity. That is closing Wynkoop st from 16th-18th.

It’s not a large park, but it would be a grand plaza akin to those in Europe. A bonus to this idea is the cost benefit ratio is amazing.

I totally agree and this almost seems like a no-brainer. The Union Station wing plazas turned out FANTASTIC, but it would still be SO much better if we could just take Wynkoop Street out of the equation and let the plaza extend all the way to the storefronts on all sides. At this point those plazas don't really feel like a "square" - but they COULD feel this way if the street were removed.

Originally Posted by Cirrus

Maybe Denver has such a geographically small genuinely walkable area that it feels like it's downtown or bust?

You may be exactly right about this. If "downtown" felt large enough to be inclusive of Cap Hill, Cheseman would fit the bill just perfectly. The shame of the current situation is that people do need to take a transit line in order to reach a bigger park (except this is Denver, so people just drive instead).

But in either case, looking for 50+ free acres for a park in downtown is a bit like trying to find Diagon Alley in London - it just isn't there. Which is why I keep coming back to the Riverfront, because that's the only possible place we have near downtown for the kind of park I'm talking about.

And yes, I suppose I am talking about a "shade and stroll." And I don't see it as an either this or that kind of situation. My favorite cities have both these kinds of parks AND nice squares every few blocks. This should not be a mutually exclusive choice.

Meridian Hill Park begins to fit the bill - but this still isn't quite what I'm talking about. I'm thinking something more like Patterson Park in Baltimore. It's about the ability to go on a 45-60 min long walk completely inside the park and not feel like you are just walking loops around a track. No 12 acre space is ever going to pull that off.

[TakeFive]

Quite Timely

Originally Posted by DenvertoLA

To sidetrack away from civic park for a second. If we’re seeking attainable ideas that deliver downtown Denver a grand outdoor area for pedestrians, I think there is one main opportunity. That is closing Wynkoop st from 16th-18th.

It’s not a large park, but it would be a grand plaza akin to those in Europe. A bonus to this idea is the cost benefit ratio is amazing.

Wynkoop Street in downtown could be Denver’s next car-lite ‘shared street’
July 22, 2024 By Nathaniel Minor -- Denverite

The Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure is commissioning a study of Wynkoop between 14th and 19th streets through the heart of Lower Downtown and near some of its biggest attractions like the Cherry Creek Trail, Union Station and Coors Field.

“We want to take a deep dive to fully understand all the activities that occur on Wynkoop, determine its limitations and what changes and enhancements might be feasible for it to better serve our community,”

Maintaining vehicle access is likely more important to some people than others. For Example:

Denver Union Station and The Crawford Hotel Complete Renovation
January 16, 2025 By LODGING Staff

DENVER, Colorado—Denver Union Station and The Crawford Hotel recently completed a refresh, including updates to the Great Hall and each of the hotel’s 112 guestrooms.

Credit: The Ingalls

Of course the The Crawford Hotel is owned by Sage Hospitality Group (Walter Isenberg). The larger Denver Union Station, is owned by the Union Station Alliance.

When you have the kind of money invested that these parties do you don't want to see others hurt your investment. How they feel about the options I don't really know; just guessing.

[Cirrus]

Originally Posted by mr1138

II'm thinking something more like Patterson Park in Baltimore. It's about the ability to go on a 45-60 min long walk completely inside the park and not feel like you are just walking loops around a track. No 12 acre space is ever going to pull that off.

Fair enough. Agree the riverfront can be that, and think we can achieve bigger than just Commons Park. The Platte Trail & Cherry Creek trails themselves are... underdesigned. They'd be nicer as linear parks instead of just trails. Consistent shade & seating, plus a little public art and a thoughtful rebrand, would go a long way.

[TakeFive]

Just My Opinion

When I think of parks, I think of families; I think of kids; I think of "baseball/soccer, Mom and Apple Pie."

When I dated someone with kids (or dogs) or just two people who wanted to walk along a lake... whether in SE Denver, SW Denver or NW Denver I've been there done that and rarely been disappointed. Denver-owned Mountain Parks which overlook the whole metro area are awesome.

Closer to the City Center are several 'signature' parks. Five of the Top Ten Denver parks according to Tripadvisor:

1. Washington Park
2. City Park
3. Denver Mountain Parks
4. Cheesman Park
5. Sloan's Lake Park

It's also important to pay tribute to Capitalist Robert W. Speer who gave us scenes like these:


Courtesy Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite


Photo courtesy of Visit Denver


Courtesy GREAT RUNS

Also interesting is that sometimes Capitalists can be easily misjudged.
Credit History Colorado

After Speer’s death, his estate was found to be surprisingly small for a man so deeply involved in real estate and politics. His lack of wealth helped disprove the detractors who had speculated for decades that he was using his power to enrich himself at the city’s expense. In reality he had been a formidable manager of city funds who consistently oversaw surpluses, all while investing in civic monuments and improvements that increased the welfare and pleasure of the citizenry and that continue to define Denver to this day.

[TakeFive]

Putting a wrap on LMC's Golden Triangle story

BusinessDen reported that the Denver Art Museum paid $7M for a Golden Triangle parking lot. It was one of the parcels that LMC (Lennar multifamily) had purchased for development.
This parcel was to be a 16-story apartment but it remained in moth balls.

In December 2023, Lennar Homes put up all their apartment properties For Sale. KKR purchased 5,200 units for $2.1 billion including the Denver properties.

Not sure who was in title on this sale to Denver Art Museum (it doesn't matter) and it's the end of the trail for LMC in Denver.

One last look at my favorite LMC project:


Courtesy Citizen West 10th/Shears Adkins Rockmore

[TakeFive]

.........


16th Street


Photo Courtesy Office of the City Forester - City and County of Denver

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

16th Street

I agree that it does look good. Only question is why does that portion of 16th street have more tree density (Market through Arapahoe) versus the rest?

[The Dirt]

I saw that the final survey for the Downtown Denver Area Plan is out.

I'm glad to see some actual good ideas in this survey. I didn't know making Broadway bidirectional was on the table, but glad they're considering it. If they're going to do that, then they should just remove Lincoln between 14th and Colfax to expand Civic Central Park lawn. They may as well rip out 14th street between Bannock and Broadway, as well.

Take the survey here: https://sasakistrategies.typeform.co...wnareaplan.com

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

I agree that it does look good. Only question is why does that portion of 16th street have more tree density (Market through Arapahoe) versus the rest?

I had presumed that it was the width of the mall, errr street, along that section that enabled the third row of tree boxes to be put in. Seem like since that was part of the DURA Skyline project there was an additional setback for the buildings that permitted this versus further up the Street/Mall.

[wong21fr]

Originally Posted by DenvertoLA

To sidetrack away from civic park for a second. If we’re seeking attainable ideas that deliver downtown Denver a grand outdoor area for pedestrians, I think there is one main opportunity. That is closing Wynkoop st from 16th-18th.

It’s not a large park, but it would be a grand plaza akin to those in Europe. A bonus to this idea is the cost benefit ratio is amazing.

Seems like the Skyline Park renovation in it's totality could address this to a large degree.

[mhays]

I love the concept design for Skyline Park. It looks like great use of space on each block. By breaking each block into multiple rooms, with unifying elements but also distinct separation, it will feel much bigger than the acres used. It's a great mix of active and passive uses. The mix of uses0 in every direction (even if office heavy) will keep it busy if there's a reason to go there.
(Looking at this version from a few years ago: https://denvergov.org/files/assets/p...3_06302021.pdf)

Actually I'm jealous that Seattle doesn't have anything like it. We desperately need a decent park in the center of our downtown vs. at the edges. Denver built its "Commons" when we didn't build ours, and also has a better park right in the exact center that we lack.

Skyline's original design looks better than the previous redo btw. It's in the same link.

Page 21 has an interesting diagram of areas that were more than a five-minute walk from a park. It's missing some potential inclusions like the plazas at Union Station and some green space at the federal courthouse (much of which seems to be strangely walled off to outsiders), but it's interesting anyway. At minimum a few pocket parks would be beneficial.

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by wong21fr

I had presumed that it was the width of the mall, errr street, along that section that enabled the third row of tree boxes to be put in. Seem like since that was part of the DURA Skyline project there was an additional setback for the buildings that permitted this versus further up the Street/Mall.

Makes sense. I guess I assumed the width was the same along the entire street.

Seems like traffic is definitely picking up on the street lately.

Nice to see that Otra Vez is reopening soon.

[AHS1983]

One can watch 16th Street live via

https://www.youtube.com/@forsight8378/streams

[TakeFive]

Noted for (better than average) contribution --

Originally Posted by mhays

I love the concept design for Skyline Park. It looks like great use of space on each block. By breaking each block into multiple rooms, with unifying elements but also distinct separation, it will feel much bigger than the acres used. It's a great mix of active and passive uses. The mix of uses0 in every direction (even if office heavy) will keep it busy if there's a reason to go there.
(Looking at this version from a few years ago: https://denvergov.org/files/assets/p...3_06302021.pdf)

Actually I'm jealous that Seattle doesn't have anything like it. We desperately need a decent park in the center of our downtown vs. at the edges. Denver built its "Commons" when we didn't build ours, and also has a better park right in the exact center that we lack.

Skyline's original design looks better than the previous redo btw. It's in the same link.

Page 21 has an interesting diagram of areas that were more than a five-minute walk from a park. It's missing some potential inclusions like the plazas at Union Station and some green space at the federal courthouse (much of which seems to be strangely walled off to outsiders), but it's interesting anyway. At minimum a few pocket parks would be beneficial.

[TakeFive]

Speaking of Parks

Baker’s Dailey Park reopens after a year of construction
Jun. 04, 2025 By Paolo Zialcita -- Denverite

Just two blocks from a busy section of South Broadway, hundreds of Baker residents enjoyed a sunny Saturday to celebrate the reopening of Dailey Park after over a year of construction ... the neighborhood association threw a party at the park to celebrate the reopening, complete with free ice cream, live music and food trucks.

“The neighborhood families are very excited to have their playground back,” Fluto said.

Getting Quirky on this Baker Urban Hike in Denver
By Chris / Denver By Foot

Quirky. Diversified. Historic. Those may not be the three ways that you’d describe Baker, but after this neighborhood walk, you might pick up these descriptors.

Founded on the banks of the Platte River by William and Elizabeth Byers in 1859, just north of where James Beckwourth, a former slave, settled the same year, Baker neighborhood squares out with Sixth Avenue, Lincoln Street, Mississippi Avenue, and the South Platte River. Enjoy this urban hike, perhaps one of Denver’s quirkiest, which takes you on a 2.5 mile meander.

Photos credit Chris/Denver By Foot

TRUE STORY ~ 35 years ago a friend bought a house in Baker for investment; consequently, I became familiar with and fond of Baker -- the neighborhood. END OF STORY.

[TakeFive]

Belleview Station to expand with 22-story tower in Denver
Jun 9, 2025 By Maddie Rhodes -- KDVR

DENVER (KDVR) ... Belleview Station is a nine-block walkable district at the Denver Technological Center on the corner of Interstate 25 and East Belleview Avenue in south Denver. It already holds restaurants, shops and a hotel, and now, it’s getting another block.

Another development, Block F, was approved at Belleview Station. The district said the new space spans over 3.3 acres and adds over 944,000 square feet to the area. The new block will include a 22-story mixed-use tower with 634 residential units, almost 11,000 square feet of retail space and 781 structured parking spaces.

Rendering Block F


Courtesy of Belleview Station

“Since Belleview Station broke ground the development has enjoyed steady success based on the team’s original vision, our location in the heart of southeast Denver and the popularity we’ve achieved among businesses, retailers, restaurants and people in general,” said Brooke Bansbach Maloy, Vice President, Front Range Land & Development Company, the master developer of Belleview Station.

[TakeFive]

The Garrett Companies Announces 2 New Multifamily Developments Totaling $145M
June 9, 2025 -- Mile High CRE

The Garrett Companies, one of the largest multifamily developers in the U.S., has announced it will build two new apartment communities in Colorado’s Front Range: a 224-unit project in Longmont and a 163-unit property in Colorado Springs. The combined development value of the two communities is $145 million.

Wintrust provided a construction loan for the Longmont property. National Bank of Indianapolis provided a construction loan for the Colorado Springs property.

Longmont: The property is minutes away from the Village at the Peaks retail and entertainment hub and a Costco-anchored shopping center. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027. The architect is Humphreys & Partners. The estimated development value: $90 million.

Colorado Springs: The property is only 15 minutes from the Colorado Springs Airport and within walking distance of Costco, Target, and Sprouts. First and Main Town Center, the heart of Colorado Springs’ retail landscape, is a five-minute drive. Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026. The architect is Ware Malcomb. The estimated development value is $55 million.

The name didn't at first ring a bell but the HQ in Indiana reminded of reading about a developer who had built (or bought) a number of projects in the Denver areas. They're strictly a suburban developer.

At least there is some new construction in the area.

[TakeFive]

1900 Lawrence Recognized with Best Tall Building Americas Award
May 29, 2025 -- Mile High CRE

1900 Lawrence, a 31-story office tower completed last year in Denver, has been recognized by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) as an Award of Excellence winner in the Best Tall Building Americas category of the CTBUH 2025 Awards Program. CTBUH recognizes projects, practices and individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of tall buildings and the urban environment, with an emphasis on sustainability and human well-being.

The project was led by Riverside Investment & Development in partnership with Convexity Properties and designed by architecture firm Goettsch Partners (GP).

1900 Lawrence


Courtesy Goettsch Partners (GP)

Monfort Companies Signs 10-Year Lease at 1900 Lawrence
June 10, 2025 -- Mile High CRE

Monfort Companies, a community-minded investment and development company based in Colorado, has signed a 10-year lease at 1900 Lawrence, a newly completed Class A office tower in downtown Denver. This lease represents a new chapter for Monfort as it continues to scale its operations and invest in the long-term vibrancy of Denver’s urban core. The company will move into its new headquarters in October 2025.

With the recent launch of Monfort Investment Corp., the firm’s asset management business, the time had come to find a space that reflects its growing team, expanded service offerings and long-term vision.