Rendering courtesy Craine Architecture

SOVA, a 12-story apartment project is planned to take shape at the northwest corner of 19th and Grant Street in Denver’s Uptown neighborhood.

The building will feature 211 apartments and 6 of the units will be walk-up townhome style units that will activate Grant Street.

Denver-based Craine Architecture is the firm that designed this project and the developer is McWhinney.

Amenities featured at SOVA are a fitness room, a community room, a golf simulator and a 4th floor courtyard. A sky deck will be showcased on the 12th floor.

SOVA was formerly titled Grant House.

Rendering courtesy Craine Architecture

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Rendering of 2850 Blake Street courtesy Shaw Construction

Above is a rendering of the planned 182-unit apartment project at 2850 Blake Street in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood. The development has been titled Modera River North Arts

Mill Creek Residential is the developer, Denver-based Studio PBA is the architecture firm that designed this project, and Shaw Construction will be the general contractor on Modera River North Arts.

The building will house 180 apartment units in a six-story building.

Mill Creek plans to break ground at the end of the 1st quarter of 2016 with final units delivered near year end in 2017.

To see Denver Urban Review’s first article on Modera River North Arts click here.

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Denver-based Elevation Development Group developed MOTO.

In addition to the apartment units the structure provides ground-level retail space for two tenants. Black Eye Coffee and Proper Barber Shop have filled these two spaces.

The Denver office of Gensler is the architecture firm that designed this building.  The 6-story building has a pool deck on the second story. The owner of Black Eye Coffee invited Denver Urban Review inside to snap a few pictures of the shop.

Several other apartment projects are currently under construction in Denver’s Golden Triangle and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. Just a block to the south at 7th Avenue and Sherman Street is the 7|S Denver Haus apartment building. On Broadway and 8th Avenue is the VIA Denver project. In the Golden Triangle the Joule and Eviva apartment projects are also under construction. Legacy Partners has an apartment project that is planned at 14th Avenue and Speer Boulevard that has yet to break ground.

Here are some closeup photos of MOTO:

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Dan Craine founder of Craine Architecture.

“I am glad we actually have to go through the Landmark Preservation Commission and there is some greater voice that forces you to slow down.”

-Dan Craine

Dan Craine is the founder of his eponymous Denver-based architecture firm Craine Architecture. Dan is from New York, but you would not guess this to be the case as there is no vestige of a New York accent. He does not evoke a fast-paced pushy east coast vibe that Coloradans often believe goes hand in hand with being from that part of the country. Dan has a thoughtful and friendly demeanor.

Craine Architecture is the firm behind the design of The Wheatley, Detroit Terraces, and the planned 2560 Welton project.

Denver Urban Review caught up with Dan this week to learn more about his firm and to gather his thoughts on Denver’s architecture.

DUR: How did you end up in Colorado and how did Craine Architecture come to be?

Rendering of planned 2560 Designed by Craine Architecture.

Dan Craine: I went to Colgate University in Upstate New York. My major was economics, but I always wanted to be an architect and I took a bunch of art courses. I worked in Manhattan for awhile in the finance world. I then moved to Boston and took a summer program in architecture. I really wanted to be an architect, but I thought I was too old at 24 or 25. I went back to work in the world of finance at a mutual fund company in Boston and I said I want to go back to school for architecture. My brother was out here (Colorado) teaching skiing and I wanted to get out of that New England smaller school mentality, so I applied to a bunch of schools on the west coast and ended up going to the University of Colorado at Denver.

DUR: Did you start your own firm right away?

Rendering of the Detroit Terraces. Designed by Craine Architecture.

Dan Craine: In the 90s out of school I worked for David Tryba. I love his work and I love him as an architect. Then I started a firm with a guy named Carlos Alvarez who does a lot of high-end single family custom residential right now. In 2003 we split ways. He wanted to stay that route, but I wanted to get into more commercial work, larger work and we had an amicable split. In 2003 I started my own firm and brought on a partner in Jeff Framh. Then everything fell apart in 2008 and we were doing condo work and resort work. We broke apart then because you had to make some tough decisions. And in 2010 I started Craine Architecture. I maintained all my previous relationships with developers and when they started to get busy I got busy. We have a really good studio here with really talented people from all over the place.

DUR: Is your focus infill projects?

Dan Craine: We do some suburban work. We have done work in Loiusville, we are doing work in Arvada and Lakewood. But I really like the infill work I love the dialogue right now in Denver in terms of the pace at which design, development and construction that is happening and the junk that is out there, what is junk? what is not junk? It is a complex equation. Four years ago if you were a developer you were still really losing your tail. People were really concerned and conservative with how much money they wanted to spend and then there was this pace of absorption and new projects. I think it is a great dialogue and we’re actively trying to get involved with Historic Denver and trying to get actively involved with urban design committees and it is all about that dialogue. There is going to be a time when we look back and say what happened?

DUR: 50 years from now, when people look back at this chapter in Denver’s development, are they going to say this was not the best era in architecture?

Rendering of The Wheatley. Designed by Craine Architecture. This project is currently under construction in Five Points.

Dan Craine: I think they are going to say it was not the best. I think there is a lot of buildings being built that appear to be temporary. It just has that feeling. We all know it is a very tough equation with time, how long are these economic cycles? capital, risk, quality. In some way you have to blend all those together. There has to be a sensitivity to context. We are doing a lot of work along Welton and I am glad we are. I am glad we actually have to go through the Landmark Preservation Commission and there is some greater voice that forces you to slow down. Building materials drives budget, but there is a lot of temporary looking, and colors being used that are very temporary and fashionable. Some of the conversation is that all of these buildings have to be somewhat special, but what we are lacking is, because we are building so much, it would be great if a lot of them were just contextual. Just the good context gets rebuilt or restructured. It is great to see people moving back into Denver. I was just talking to a guy who is looking to do a project in Arapahoe Square and Arapahoe square has been untouched; no one has touched it in forever. It would be really nice to do a lot of solidly designed buildings, where not every single one of them was not designed to be heroic there.

DUR: How do you feel about skyscrapers?

Dan Craine: I really like skyscrapers. I was driving down I-25 just the other day towards downtown with my wife and we were talking about how Denver needs a couple more that really stand out. Right now the cash register building is Denver’s most well known skyscraper and it was not even originally designed for Denver. You see it in logos and you see it on the side of trucks. It would be nice to have a couple that are more well known than that.

Rendering of 2560 Welton courtesy Craine Architecture.

The post An interview with architect Dan Craine appeared first on Denver Urban Review.

Other Denver projects currently under construction that are designed by Craine Architecture include but are not limited to the Decatur Point residential development in Jefferson Park and the Detroit Terraces project that is taking shape near City Park.

An RTD light rail stop is located adjacent to this property at 25th and Welton. The development team consists of Palisade Partners, Civil Technologies, and Confluence Companies. At this point a ground breaking date has not been announced. Currently the property is a surface lot. This planned project is slated to include residential units, second floor office space and ground floor retail.

All renderings are courtesy Craine Architecture:

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Rendering of new interior design to the ballroom at Hyatt Regency Colorado Convention Center. Rendering courtesy Rowland+Broughton

The Denver office of Rowland+Broughton has announced that it has been selected as the interior design partner for the upcoming renovations at the Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center.

New interior design is slated for 35 meetings rooms, the 30,000 square foot Centennial Ballroom, the 14,000 square foot Capitol Ballroom, and pre-function areas. Rowland+Broughton stated that the new design “will focus on imparting a true sense of Colorado spirit and place. The nearby Rocky Mountains will be evoked through layers of texture and natural earth tones within a framework of contemporary design details.”

“We are honored to be a part of this high-profile project in the heart of Denver,” said Rowland+Broughton Principal Sarah Broughton. “It’s a terrific opportunity to merge the urban sensibilities of our Denver studio in alignment with Hyatt brand standards and sustainability goals, our design team will extend both a new modern aesthetic and professional functionality to the Conference Center. In turn, guest experiences will be energized and uplifted as well.”

The Hyatt Regency is located in downtown Denver at California Street between 14th and 15th Streets adjacent to the Colorado Convention Center. It opened in 2005 and this hotel houses 1,100 guest rooms.

Hyatt Regency DUR 2015.

General Manager Ed Bucholtz, Hyatt Regency Denver at Colorado Convention Center, commented: “Working with Rowland+Broughton has been an extremely positive experience. Their professionalism and flexibility has made it possible to create a modern, updated feel for the Conference Center that’s in keeping with the hotel’s original architecture and will complement both business and social gatherings. We look forward to welcoming our customers in mid-September.”

Rowland+Broughton provides architectural, urban design, and interior design services. They have offices in Denver and Aspen.

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That being said, the first project on our June construction tour is the Country Club Towers. Prep work at this site has been taking place for the last few months, but now construction is taking place in earnest. This project will include two 30-story residential towers. The Broe Group is developing this project just west of Downing Street and on the south side of Speer Boulevard.

The Speer Boulevard Apartments are featured in the below photo at Speer Boulevard and Grant Street. This residential project has one more floor to go before it tops out at 6 stories.

The base for a construction crane has been installed at the site of the 7|S Denver Haus apartments.  Once completed this project will include 115 apartment units.

Also under construction in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood is MOTO apartment project at 8th and Sherman Street.

Pictured above is the 8th Avenue and Broadway apartment project. The exterior finishes are now beginning to be applied.

Below are two pictures of the Joule apartment project that is under construction in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood at Speer Boulevard and Cherokee Street. This development is seeking LEED certification.

As the midday sun was reaching its peak in the sky, the clouds began to thicken. I proceeded north where I snapped a picture of the dual brand Hyatt House/Hyatt Place Hotel. Exterior work on this project is nearing completion. This 21-story hotel is slated to open this fall.

Here is a most exciting addition to the construction update, the 40-story 1144 Fifteen Street skyscraper. Denver Urban Review published the new renderings of this project and to see all 5 renderings, take a look at Friday’s article.

Image courtesy Hines.

The construction fence is now up at the 1144 Fifteenth Street site. Construction will begin in earnest in the coming days.

At Fourteenth and Lawrence of course is the 22-story 1401 Lawrence office project that is under construction in downtown Denver.

Below is a picture of the Denver Chalk Art Festival that was taking place in and around Larimer Square. Not exactly construction related, but for sure one of Denver’s great annual events. Unfortunately just a few minutes after I walked through the festival the weather quickly changed moods and a tropical downpour began. Not sure if the artists use some kind of special chalk, because it looked like the artwork was not ruined from the rain.

Looking down Wewatta towards 16th Street is the Triangle Building where the last phases of construction are taking place.

It was at this point that the downpour began and I scampered to the nearest coffee shop to keep the camera out of the rain. The clouds parted just as fast as they arrived and since I was in the area, I wanted to see how the Platte River and Cherry Creek were looking —I have never seen that much water in Confluence Park before

Anyways, getting back to the construction tour. The next project on our list is the 34-story Confluence luxury apartment project at 15th Street and Little Raven. Excavation work continues on this project.

Over in the Union Station neighborhood is 10-story 1601 Wewatta (above) office building that is being developed by Hines. Last week it was announced that two tenants have signed to lease space at 1601 Wewatta—Hogan Lovells LLP will lease office space and the Colorado Athletic Club will be opening a fitness center in the building.

Seen below is the construction site of the Kimpton Hotel. This project will also include a boutique office space.

Pictured below is the construction site of the 17W mixed use development that will feature a Whole Foods on the ground floor and 600 apartment units. The total height of this project is 13 floors.

Shown above is the Union Tower West construction site. This mixed-used development will showcase a boutique hotel as well as leasable office space contained within a 12-story building. Union Tower West will take shape at 18th and Wewatta.

Work is wrapping up on the Elan Union Station project at 19th Street and Chestnut Place. This project will feature a King Soopers on the Ground floor.

By the time I had made my way to LoDo to take a look at the progress of the Z Block project the clouds had returned. A great deal of excavation work has taken place at the Z block site in the last month. This project will feature a hotel managed by Sage Hospitality and 200,000 square feet of office space. Prologis recently announced that they will be leasing space in this building. Z Block is seeking LEED Gold certification.

Pictured below is the Alexan Uptown residential project at Logan and 19th Avenue. It will feature 372 apartment units in a 12-story building.

The sun came out for the last stop on our Denver construction update. The 26-story SkyHouse project has just begun to go vertical at 18th and Broadway.

I hope everyone has a good week and thank you for stopping by. There really is a ton of construction going on around Denver these days. The next few months will be exciting as several of these projects are moving from “hole in the ground stage” to going vertical.

Cheers,

Justin

P.S. below is a photo of the Denver skyline I captured from Diamond Hill last week when we had the full moon.

Denver Skyline from Diamond Hill. DUR June 2015.

The post Denver construction update: June appeared first on Denver Urban Review.

Pictured above is the 2300 Welton project that just began construction. The development will include 223 residential units. This project was designed by Denver-based Humphries Poli Architects.

Also under construction in Denver’s Five Points is The Wheatley at 25th Street and Welton. This development will include 14 for-sale town homes, 82 apartments and space for ground floor retail. This site was the location of the Phillis Wheatley Young Woman’s Christian Association which operated from 1916-1964. Phillis Wheatley was the first published African-American woman and first published African-American poet.

Pictured above is the Larimer Row townhome project in Denver’s River North (RiNo) neighborhood. This project is taking shape 34th and Larimer. Once fully completed will include 28 townhomes.

Factory Flats broke ground this month and is a for-sale condo development. It will include space for ground floor retail. This project is located at 3198 Blake Street. Factory Flats is targeting LEED and ENERGY STAR certifications and each unit will be solar-powered.

Pictured above is the Backyard on Blake development. This project includes the adaptive reuse of an existing brick structure and new construction to create a development that will feature, office, retail and residential components.

Pictured above is the Hartley Flats project that is nearing completion at 27th and Walnut Street. This project will house one and two bedroom apartment units.

Above is the construction site of a mixed-use development on Brighton Boulevard that stretches between 31st Street and 35 Street. Featured in this development will be condominiums and retail space.

Below is the site of the new Great Divide Brewing Co brewery at 35th Street and Brighton Boulevard.

Above is The Crossing at Denargo Market apartments located at 2525 Wewatta Way currently under construction at the confluence of Denver’s Ballpark and RiNo neighborhoods. This development includes 321 apartment units in a 5 story building, wrapped around a 6 level parking structure.

Pictured above construction continues on the Freight Residences located at TAXI. Unlike most of Denver’s current apartment projects under construction, Freight Residences is designed to attract young families. The lobby of the building will serve as a children’s art area. Zeppelin Development is building this 48-unit project.

The post RiNo and Five Points construction update appeared first on Denver Urban Review.

The ART Hotel spring 2015 DUR.

Rendering of 4th floor lobby at ART Hotel. Image courtesy ART hotel.

The ART Hotel has announced Executive Chef Chris Jakubiec will be heading FIRE Lounge & Terrace, a new restaurant in the soon-to-open hotel located at 12th and Broadway in Denver’s civic and cultural district. This restaurant will utilize locally-grown and sustainably raised foods. Ingredients will be sourced from local farms, like Millberger Farm, Friends Fields Farms and Fiber of Life.

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Construction begins at 2300 Welton. Image courtesy Humphries Poli Architects.

Rendering of 2300 Welton. Image courtesy Humphries Poli Architects.

Rendering of 2300 Welton. Image courtesy Humphries Poli Architects.

Ground has been broken and construction has begun on the 2300 Welton residential project in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. Two structures will be built on the site where a total of 223 units will be housed. This project was designed by Denver-based Humphries Poli Architects and they provided DUR with insight into the design elements of 2300 Welton.

“Humphries Poli Architects’ design of 2300 Welton, a workforce housing development, reflects the characteristics of the Five Points community. The site consists of two buildings, one at 2300 Welton and the other at 501 Park Avenue West. The sloping roof line along Park Avenue West creates a relationship between the two buildings separated by the alley. The off-white façade of the 2300 Welton building is balanced by the dark charcoal façade on the 501 Park Avenue West building. The design does not attempt to portray the buildings as one, but conveys their relationship through color and geometry. The two structures combine to form a unified whole under a sloping silhouette fronting Park Avenue,” states Humphries Poli Architects

The general contractor for this development is Calcon Constructors. This project joins a handful of other projects under development and planned for the area including Palisade Partners’ mixed-use development at 25th Street and Welton—The Wheatly.

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