Development—Denver, Colorado

Denver Dry Goods Building

The 100-year old Denver Dry Goods Building in downtown Denver closed in 1987 as department stores across the country consolidated and focused on growth in the suburbs. Jonathan Rose Companies created a leasing, financing and organization plan that utilized twenty-three sources of financing to convert this historic building into a mixed-use site that includes: affordable and market-rate rental housing, market- rate condos, offices and three large retail stores occupying the basement, ground and second floors of the building.

This successful redevelopment project completed by Jonathan Rose Companies and its partner, The Denver Urban Renewal Authority, inspired more than twenty other mixed-use/historic renovation projects in downtown Denver.

Green features of the building include its pedestrian and transit oriented locality, insulated glass and façade to improve thermal performance, and large windows that provide day lighting. Residential cooling is supplied by energy efficient evaporative coolers while a digital building management system monitors the rehabilitated and new central chillers that control the commercial space temperatures. The building also features early applications of variable speed motors and other energy saving devices recommended by the Rocky Mountain Institute's Green Building Program.

Tenants such as Aveda are supporting the green mission of the building through the successful integration of green core and shell specifications with green tenant improvements.

Selected Awards

1999
  • American Institute of Architects/ Committee on the Environment, Top Ten Green Buildings
1995
  • National Trust for Historic Preservations National Preservation Award
1997
  • Ahwahnee Community Livability Award,
1996
  • Urban Land Institute Award for Excellence, Finalist
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“In short, the Denver Dry project is a stellar example of how the renovation of an historic building can enrich the urban fabric of a major American city.”

Martin J. Landers, AICP

President, American Planning Assoc.Colorado Chapte

Project Profile

Conversion and restoration of an historic building for green mixed-use, including affordable and market-rate condos, office and retail space

Download Project PDF
Project Team
Architect:
Urban Design Group
Retail Architect:
Klipp
Project Status

Completion: 1999

Total Project Size / Budget
350,000 sq ft
$48 million