DENVER | Main Development Thread #7

[RiNo Randy]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

The topic is "Parking"

RIP to Magna Kainan and the original 1UP
June 27, 2026 By Antony Bruno -- Westword


Mayor Mike to the rescue

How (and why) Denver’s mayor got private parking lots to set $5 prices
un. 29, 2026 By Andrew Kenney -- Denverite

One thing that may be acknowledged but underappreciated is the widespread ongoing inflation. While there's no way of measuring the impact it is likely changing people's habits. Whether it the 'price' of meals at restaurants or people just pulling back on eating out in general the impact is there.

Did Magna Kainan offer validated parking in the Novel parking structure?

I haven't a clue.

But they should have if they didn't...

[RiNo Randy]

More housing planned for Denver...

This time it is adjacent to York Street Yards, which has been quietly leasing out to near capacity.

https://www.developingmycity.com/denver/news/3897-steele-street-affordable-senior-housing-denver

Here is an image, courtesy of Naked Denver. Note, that space is currently being used by Rivian as overflow parking/new inventory storage.

[TakeFive]

Central Park is on a Roll

Grocery chain Aldi proposes first store in Denver
July 2, 2026 By: Thomas Gounley -- BusinessDen

Aldi plans to open a store in Denver’s Central Park neighborhood.

It’s the first known store proposal within the state. The grocery chain said in January that it planned to enter the Colorado market, with 50 stores in and around Colorado Springs and Denver.

Plans submitted to Denver this week call for a 19,500-square-foot store to be built on 2.3 acres at 9111 E. 40th Ave., between a Cracker Barrel and a Chick-fil-A.

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Marczyk’s Burger Night gets a permanent home in Northfield

After 24 years, Pete Marczyk’s famed Burger Night has found a permanent home. The founder and CEO of Denver grocer Marczyk Fine Foods, which hosts the regular cookouts during the summer at its Uptown and Colfax outposts, is set to introduce a new concept next week at 7980 E Northfield Blvd.

“We know it’s a competitive space and very crowded,” Marczyk said of the burger industry. “But we think we can do it differently and better, just like the ethos of our whole company.”

When Marczyk FineBurger opens Wednesday, it will be an “incredibly faithful” version of the original Burger Night, Marczyk said. But he won’t be running the place. The operator is Tom Sprung, who owns the local firm Sprung Construction.

Photos credit Max Scheinblum/BusinessDen

[TakeFive]

It was bound to happen sooner or later

Contractor sues DDDA-backed theater over unpaid work
July 2, 2026 By: Matt Geiger -- BusinessDeen

There’s drama unfolding at the Denver Immersive Repertory Theater before the first performance. The theater at 15th and Blake streets, backed by a $400,000 loan from the Denver Downtown Development Authority, was sued last week by the general contractor building it out.

Littleton-based Beaver Construction Consulting alleges that the theater at 1431 15th St. owes the firm $269,000 for unpaid work.

The theater owned by Steve Wargo and Blair Russell said in a statement that DIRT “has endured some unforeseen challenges that have caused significant operational delays and financial impacts towards completing construction on our building as originally envisioned.”

[TakeFive]

New City of Westminster Courthouse Under Construction
June 30, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

The new facility, which is being designed under the leadership of Anderson Hallas Architects with FCI Constructors serving as the construction manager and general contractor, will replace the existing structure, which is more than 60 years old and is no longer suited for modern courthouse operations.

The new courthouse is being built on the same site as the existing courthouse while the existing courthouse remains in full operation.

Courtesy Westminster/360 Engineering

[TakeFive]

Interesting proposal

Originally Posted by RiNo Randy

More housing planned for Denver...

This time it is adjacent to York Street Yards, which has been quietly leasing out to near capacity.

I like the York Street Yards so good to hear leasing is going well; I assume the lease rates are attractive to prospects.

I'm the last to understand 'design' but that looks a bit depressing to me.

While we're on the topic

The Housing Bill Sitting On Trump's Desk Isn't The Game-Changer Many Hoped — Or Feared
June 30, 2026 By Noah Zucker, Philadelphia Bisnow

The federal housing bill... is the most significant housing policy in a generation. But while it is a step toward expanding supply, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act will not be a game-changer for the commercial real estate sector.

This should give more juice to the low-income housing tax credit program, which was expanded via the reconciliation bill passed last summer, Enterprise Community Partners Vice President of Policy Liz Osborn said.

“There’s a lot of goodies in the bill,” TruAmerica CEO Bob Hart said. “I’m not saying they’re significant, but they’re sending the right message to the development community and small cities.”

... manufactured housing players will score a big win with the removal of the permanent chassis mandate. ... It is expected to reduce construction costs by up to $10K per unit and open up the sector to new lenders.

"manufactured housing" is more challenging in Denver due to land costs. But perhaps some of the surrounding areas can benefit. There's a ton of Mobile Home Parks down here but when built land was "dirt (sand) cheap." They do provide nice horizontal density at least. Nicer parks have grassy, treed park areas with pools and or tennis courts.

[TakeFive]

A noteworthy "passing of the torch" is worth a post

Whether you were a reader of Westword or not -- imagine nearly fifty years.

The long goodbye: Westword editor Patricia Calhoun enters the next era
June 30, 2026 By Patricia Calhoun

Yesterday, I climbed the staircase at the Denver City & Council Building to the just-renovated Denver City Council chambers on the fourth floor. When I first made this trek (a lot more nimbly), Bill McNichols occupied the Mayor’s Office and city council consisted mostly of good old boys, who’d enjoy schmoozing over cigars and Scotch after meetings.

This time, I walked over from the Westword office to hear the promised proclamation, and to think about all the people who’ve climbed those steps as they worked to make this city a better place, whether as a public official…or as a journalist pestering public officials.

She's “leaving the operational issues in the hands of a capable team” but will still do some writing as editor emeritus.

Happy Trails

[TakeFive]

Denver’s Newest Luxury High-Rise Opens its Doors in the Golden Triangle
June 30, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

Greystar... has announced that The Parson, its new luxury community in the thriving Golden Triangle neighborhood, is now open for in-person tours. Located at 990 N Cherokee, the high-rise community offers panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline...

The Parson comprises 309 luxury residences, including 21 studios, 161 one-bedrooms, 95 two-bedrooms, 9 three-bedrooms, and 23 penthouses, available in two- or three-bedroom floor plans, with square footage ranging from 547 to 3,260.

Designed by Ziegler Cooper Architects with interiors by ESG Architecture and Design, The Parson features elevated finishes, including custom light fixtures, engineered hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, and tiled backsplash.

The Parson -- 990 Cherokee Street








Images courtesy Ziegler Cooper Architects

From your home to the amenities and the moments in between, The Parson is an inspired experience. The residences feature trend-forward interiors with curated finishes and the latest appliances. While the amenity collection makes this a destination in itself – from impressive lounges and gatherings to an Instagrammable pool and sun deck, to calm retreats and thoughtful wellness features. All set against the ever-present backdrop of panoramic views, spanning from the city skyline to distant mountain ranges.

Two months base rent free...

Note: While it seemed like forever to finish this project, it is the twin building to the earlier project next door.

[TakeFive]

AI Overview

The Civic Lofts apartments at 360 W 13th Ave in Denver's Golden Triangle were recently sold for $30 million—a 48% drop from their previous purchase price in 2021. The massive discount was driven by an excess of apartment supply in the submarket.

The 14-story high-rise building includes 9 floor plans ranging from 328 to 961 square feet. However, the property has a history of operational and regulatory challenges. Local reports have highlighted issues with expired elevator and residential licenses, along with extended maintenance outages.

Civic Lofts -- 360 W. 13th Ave.




Images per Zillow.com

CBS Denver News carried one story about this miserable place back in January, 2025.

Great location if you like eating breakfast at Dozens


Courtesy Dozens

[TakeFive]

Somebody had asked about how well Amacon is doing?

UPDATE:

Downtown condo developer pays $10M for more land
July 6, 2026 By Thomas Gounley -- BusinessDen

A Canadian firm building a downtown Denver condominium complex has purchased the land next to it for a possible second project.

Amacon, which is based in Vancouver, British Columbia, paid $10.6 million last week for the 0.64-acre parking lot at 1925 N. Broadway. That works out to $378 a square foot.

This was the plan all along but obviously they held an 'option to buy' for the 2nd parcel which they've now exercised.

In 2023, the firm proposed a second, similar project immediately behind Upton Residences. Vdovine confirmed the company is still pursuing it.

“Amacon is confident in the future of Denver and we continue to see strong long-term demand for thoughtfully designed condominium communities,” Vice President of Executive Operations Stepan Vdovine said in an email.

Photo courtesy Justin Wingerter/BusinessDen

[COtoOC]

Originally Posted by TakeFive

Central Park is on a Roll

Grocery chain Aldi proposes first store in Denver
July 2, 2026 By: Thomas Gounley -- BusinessDen


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Marczyk’s Burger Night gets a permanent home in Northfield





Photos credit Max Scheinblum/BusinessDen

The location of the new Aldi is tragic but I'll check it out. Once Aldi's, TJs and WF open up, the 80238 will have about every grocery option in Colorado, minus a Safeway.

[TakeFive]

Originally Posted by COtoOC

The location of the new Aldi is tragic but I'll check it out. Once Aldi's, TJs and WF open up, the 80238 will have about every grocery option in Colorado, minus a Safeway.

With two 'graduating' sons I doubt it will ever be your main source for groceries.

Consider that the new King Soopers along Colorado Blvd is 103.000 Sq. Ft. while Aldi's will be only ~ 20,000 Sq. Ft. OTOH, Grocery stores like King Soopers always put the frequently purchased items on opposite ends of the store to encourage getting exercise. With an Aldi's you can do that walk with a handful of steps. lol

[TakeFive]

It's been a long time coming...

AI Overview -- credit DBJ

The five-story, 40,000-square-foot office building at 1300 Logan St. in Denver's Capitol Hill neighborhood is slated for demolition. Owned by Colorado PERA, the building has sat
vacant for about a decade.

The Public Employees' Retirement Association vacated the 1970s-era structure years ago, shifting operations to its adjacent building at 1301 Pennsylvania St. Local contractor
Hillen Corp. submitted permits to tear down the 40,000-square-foot office and its connecting pedestrian bridge

1300 Logan Street


Courtesy PERA

The building had been considered 'very leasable' but as time went by and especially post-Pandemic it became clear nobody wanted the space.

Speculation is for luxury apartments but that could be a few years off or maybe sooner?

[TakeFive]

For many Elitch Gardens is waiting for fancy urban redevelopment. For others Elitch Gardens is something very different.

Elitch Gardens continues to entertain after a century of growth
Jul 6, 2026 By Nate Belt -- KDVR

DENVER (KDVR) — As locals celebrate Colorado’s 150th anniversary, one of the state’s most popular attractions isn’t far behind. Although enduring some drastic changes throughout its lifespan, Denver’s Elitch Gardens opened only 14 years after Colorado became a state, and much of its past is still present as it evolves into the future.

Not many people know what makes this park tick better than Joe Bruce, a ride mechanic who’s had his hands on just about everything here. “It’s very rare that you find a job that you actually enjoy doing and do it well,” Bruce said.

Which is why he’s been with Elitch Gardens for more than three decades, through many of the park’s biggest changes.

What if Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE)

were to buy Empower Field after the Broncos move to their new stadium for the purposes of eventually moving Elitch Gardens there. Elitch Gardens sits on 62 to 65 acres while Empower Field at Mile High sits on a roughly 80-acre site.

[TakeFive]

Uptown office complex eyed for conversion to be auctioned off
July 8, 2026 By Thomas Gounley -- BusinessDen

An Uptown office complex once eyed for conversion to apartments is hitting the auction block. Capitol Center, at 1600 Sherman St. and 225 E. 16th Ave. in Denver, will be
auctioned off between Aug. 17 and 19, according to a listing on LoopNet. Bidding starts at $1.5 million.

Capitol Center consists of two buildings totaling about 155,000 square feet. The larger of the two is Capitol Life Tower, at 12 stories and nearly 135,000 square feet —
just 18% of which is occupied. The second is the Colorado Trust building, with 22,000 square feet across two stories.

NOTE:

The Colorado Trust Building: a 22,857 sf, Classical Revival landmark constructed in 1924 by Denver architect Harry James Manning. Faced in yule marble with terra cotta trim,
the building is listed on both the Colorado State Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places.

Capitol Center - (LoopNet)




Courtesy LoopNet

Capitol Center offers an opportunity to acquire a landmark two-building office complex in the heart of Denver's Capitol Hill submarket, steps from the Colorado State Capitol
and Civic Center Park.

• Turnkey cash-flowing opportunity with multiple long-term in-place tenants and consistent parking lot income.
• Fully renovated in 2017, including upgrades to the lobby, front porch, rooftop lounge conference center, common areas, and fitness center

[TakeFive]

Builders look ahead, plan for their future

Hensel Phelps’ Rocky Mountain Region Moves to Broomfield
June 30, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

General contractor Hensel Phelps has relocated its Rocky Mountain Regional Office from Thornton to Broomfield. The team officially moved into its new office at 2 International Court, Broomfield in early June, marking an exciting new chapter for the region as it continues to grow and expand.

The newly renovated 37,500-square-foot office space will also serve as home to the Hensel Phelps Services team. The move reflects the ongoing expansion of the Rocky Mountain Region and positions Hensel Phelps for future growth in Colorado and throughout the surrounding areas.

Hensel Phelps

How long has Hensel Phelps been in Colorado

AI Overview

Hensel Phelps has been operating in Colorado for 89 years. The multibillion-dollar contractor was founded in June 1937 in Greeley, Colorado... While it began as a local home builder, it has grown into one of the largest employee-owned contractors in the United States.

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Pinkard Becomes a Catamount Company
July 7, 2026 -- Mile High CRE

Pinkard Construction is becoming a Catamount Constructors company. One of Denver’s most trusted general contractors is joining forces with a national employee-owned platform, bringing its deep client relationships, local expertise, and decades of community trust into a partnership built for the long haul. Clients and partners from both companies gain access to expanded resources, expertise, and leadership while preserving the local relationships, market knowledge, and responsiveness that have earned their trust.

[TakeFive]

Builders look ahead, plan for their future

Previously Kiewit Corporation built a new regional headquarters in Lone Tree.

Kiewit Corporation Regional Offices

In 2021, Kiewit, one of North America’s largest and most respected engineering and construction organizations, opened a new regional office in RidgeGate. The 12-acre site is home to a 400,000-square-foot, two-building campus that will eventually house 1,700 employees and features a public coffee shop and restaurant at street level. Its front door is less than 100 steps from the adjacent Sky Ridge Light Rail Station.

10055 Trainstation Circle Lone Tree




Courtesy Kiewit

Sale - Leaseback

AI Overview

Omaha-based Kiewit Corp. sold its 400,000-square-foot RidgeGate Campus in Lone Tree, CO, to Benderson Development and CGA Capital for $205.2 million. The engineering and construction firm will remain on the 12-acre site, having executed a 20-year lease to continue operating from the location.

[TakeFive]

Builders look ahead, plan for their future

Mortenson chooses to stay in Denver, build new HQ in RiNO

AI Overview

Mortenson, a major builder and developer, opened its new 4-story headquarters in Denver's RiNo Arts District in early 2025. Located at 3083 Walnut Street, the 65,000-square-foot building houses over 300 employees and features ground-floor retail, private outdoor patios, and a rooftop patio.

3083 Walnut Street






Courtesy Mortenson

Meeting the Demand for a Live, Work, Play Environment

Designed in partnership with Colorado-based Open Studio Architecture and developed and built by Mortenson, the four-story, 65,000-square-foot addresses the demand for a live, work, play environment.

Pushing the Boundaries of Sustainable Design... 3083 Walnut was designed and built with energy-efficient technologies and sustainable practices to significantly reduce the building's environmental impact:

• 45% reduction in carbon footprint: 3083 Walnut emits 45% less carbon dioxide (CO₂) compared to a standard building of similar size and function.
• 36% efficiency improvement over local ordinance requirements: 3083 Walnut’s energy systems are more efficient than those mandated by local regulations.

The new building is more than just a workspace—it’s a hub for over 300 professionals and a home base for Mortenson’s growing presence across key sectors including sports, renewable energy, federal projects, and data centers.

Postscript -- Mortenson is building the new soccer stadium:

As the Construction Manager for this transformative project, Mortenson is partnering closely with Denver Summit FC, CAA ICON, Gratacon, and Populous to deliver one of the most intimate and advanced purpose‑built women’s sports venues in the United States

[TakeFive]

It's that time of year -- CNBC has released their 2026 state rankings.

America’s Top States for Business 2026 -- Colorado dropped from #11 to 25th.

Infrastructure is now the top-weighted category; it only moved up one notch but they also changed how they analyze Infrastructure. As a result Colorado's ranking dropped from #11 last year to 32nd this year. It's more dialed into what companies are looking for in today's changing world.

https://siteselectorsguild.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/SoSS-2026-PulseCheck_3.20.26.pdf

Infrastructure Capacity Is the Top Concern by a Significant Margin

Utility/infrastructure capacity (electric, water, natural gas) dominates as both a top factor impacting location decisions (76% of respondents) and the #1 site elimination factor.

There's also this:

And they want it all without red tape. For the first time in 2026, we are factoring ease of permitting into our rankings.

Here's the Colorado specific page

The state is still rated high for WORKFORCE, QUALITY OF LIFE and quite high for TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION.

I assume that Colorado "Politics" couldn't care less about these ratings
and they are entitled... and being rated 25th is not awful just a lot lower than where they 'came from'.

And I've said forever DEN/DIA is still a huge asset.