32nd and Lowell Building Update

RedPeak has decided to pull out of the project due to increasing building prices and competition from other apartment developments in the NW Denver area.

 

I have to say, after hearing the news, I was speechless. For the last three years, this project has divided the neighborhood. Some feel building a high-rise apartment/condo building will bring tax revenue and jobs to the economy, while others think this will take away from what many consider to be Denver’s best neighborhood.

My hope is that the next developer builds something that will be aesthetically pleasing for at least 100 years and creates some community space for the whole neighborhood to enjoy.

If I were the developer, I would create space very similar to The Source in the RiNo neighborhood with apartments above and a large parking garage. I would prefer not to have any apartments, however, I’m a realist and I know the land is too expensive not to have apartments, condos or office space occupying the three lots.

The Source at Highlands

If you have never been to The Source, picture an 1880’s iron making building converted to a indoor farmer’s market. There is artisan food, shops, two great restaurants (Acorn and Comida Cantina), bakery, brewery, butcher shop and many more business that occupy the 26,000 square foot space.

If the next developer decides to create something similar to The Source, I would also recommend adding some space for families with small children. A small jungle gym with event space would be great. Recently I hosted a large party for my daughter’s first birthday and I found it difficult to find space in the Highlands that would allow for food and adult beverages.

  The Plaza at 32nd and Lowell

It's safe to assume the developer will build something that generates the most revenue per square foot possible, thereby making the most profit for his/her investors, I think a great alternative would be for the city to create a plaza at 32nd and Lowell and block off the street to all motor vehicles. Imagine 50-100 tables with colorful umbrellas scattered throughout the 32nd and Lowell intersection. What a great place to meet your friends and neighbors for brunch on Sunday mornings. Local restaurants could share the space and even host live, local music, making brunch at Highlands Square one of the top 10 experiences when visiting Denver.

Barry Kunselman                                                                                                               barry@porchlightgroup.com /(303) 887-0588 / barrykunselman.com