Downtown Denver has evolved from a commercial trading center focused on agriculture, natural resources and banking to become a vibrant residential city. Many sub-neighborhoods each with its own unique style compose downtown living. A residential renaissance is underway with the crown jewel being the restoration of Union Station. To keep up-to-date on Denver’s ever changing downtown area, follow the Denver In Fill blog, created in 2004 by Ken Schroeppel.
LODO
Dana Crawford is the visionary who foresaw the future of the then “cowtown Denver” and planted the seed of urban redevelopment. First, she converted Denver’s Skid row to the present Larimer Square and second, by converting the abandoned Flour Mill Building to Denver’s first loft living in Lower Downtown aka LODO.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park was one of the first large scale newly built residential developments in this former industrial area of Denver. East West Partners, the development team responsible for much of the newer development in Vail and Beaver Creek, brought their expertise to downtown Denver. For people looking for the ultimate urban experience, Riverfront Park offers some of Denver’s most exclusive lofts, condominiums, townhomes and new apartment towers.
Golden Triangle
Once considered more of a business center for the Judicial System and the Denver Mint, the Golden Triangle has recently become a cultural and residential hotspot. The boundaries are Speer, Colfax and Broadway. Due to its city-close proximity, many new condominium and loft projects have drawn people to this neighborhood. Cultural landmarks are The Denver Museum of Art, The Clyfford Stills Museum, The future home of the Vance Kirkland Museum as well as The Denver Public Library Main Branch. Look for future redevelopment of surface parking lots and one day the restoration of a historic school.
LOHI
Lower Highlands or LOHI is located on the hill west of downtown and anchored by Jefferson Park. Historically this area was comprised of towns separate from the settlement of Denver. The town of Highlands was Denver’s first suburb. Today, rapid redevelopment sits beside original victorian homes. Look for eclectic architectural styles, giant milk cans and re-purposed mortuaries. Jefferson Park is the 6.7-acre park located on W 23rd Ave & Clay St.
RINO
River North or RINO is development along the Platte River as it flows out of downtown. For much of the river’s course it follows Brighton Blvd. Mickey and Kyle Zeppelin have been the lead developers in RINO with mixed use projects such as TAXI and foodie haven The Source (a re-purposed 1880’s foundry) some of their many projects. This will be the first stop out of Union Station on the train to the airport
Ball Park
Surrounding Coor’s Field, the home of the Rockies, this neighborhood has a mixture of nightlife and urban living. Look for continued growth of residential development along the Broadway and Park Avenue corridors.