Arapahoe Square is essentially being split in two. Check out these renderings of what this section of Denver may end up looking like!
There are a handful of development projects planned for the portion of Five Points northeast of downtown. Most of the projects slated are geared toward assisting homeless and low-income individuals. At the same time, a hand full of other projects aim to take the parking lot-dense area and transform
Riddled with parking lots and vacant chunks of land, developers envision something a bit more beneficial for all. In 2011 there was a push for redevelopment by the creation of an urban renewal authority in the area. This URA allows some projects in the location to receive taxpayer support through increment financing. Even more recently, the city just went through a zoning change that now allows developers to add mid- and high-rise buildings.
Aside from any high-to-mid-rise building, there are initiatives going forward to establish affordable housing for lower income families and the homeless. The St. Andrew's Episcopal Church lies on the boundary of the square and hopes to be an area of change. The church hopes to build a multi-story building to house low-income or homeless people in the parking lots north of the church.
According to the Downtown Denver Partnership, developers presented five projects that will total in 344 residential units between 2012 to 2016. Now, in the next two to five years, six projects aim to bring about 1,110 units to Arapahoe Square. Here are just a few of those lot-filling ideas:
Alexan at Arapahoe Square & 20th Street Station
[gallery size="large" columns="2" ids="12873,12874"] Trammell Crow Residential Co. is adding a 13-story, 355-unit apartment home at the south corner of Welton Street and Park Avenue. Along with "Alexan at Arapahoe Square," Trammell will also build another 12-story, 354-unit apartment building at the southeast corner of 20th and California. The Alexan's are expected to open in early 2018. The average apartment is expected to be about 780 sq. ft. and rent is expected to be $1,900 per month.St. Andrews Episcopal Church Tiny Homes
St. Andrews are considering creating eight tiny homes in the parking lots north of the church within this year. According to Ally Dodge, the church's spokeswoman, the long-term plan is to develop a multi-story structure on the lot for low-income or homeless individuals.
2200 California Street
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Via. The Denverite[/caption]
There goal is to transform a building that once held luxury Porsches and collectible cars, into a brewery, an escape room, and a restaurant later this year. Last May, Vanwest Partners invested $3 million for the close to 102-year-old location at 2200 California Street.
I Candi Carwash area
Oyster International purchased the I Candi Car Wash property last year. Currently there are no plans officially submitted for the location, but, according to the city, a 130-unit structure with 24 parking spots has been proposed for the spot.
2075 Broadway Lofts
The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless was approved last spring to develop a six-story 101-unit apartment building at Broadway and 20th Street. The building aims to meet the needs of Denver's homeless population.
21st Street
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Rendering Via Downtown Denver Partnership[/caption]
The Downtown Denver Partnership and fellow city planners have been envisioning "multi-modal improvements" along the entire span of 21st Street. This plan aims to create a destination for the Arapahoe Square and Ballpark neighborhoods. The changes will include a festival street (much like Pearl Street) on 21st between Blake and Lawrence streets. The partnership and the city are planning a two-month demonstration of the improvements beginning mid-June.
Are you ready for these big changes to Arapahoe square? Let us know what you think!
