CREJ

DECEMBER 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \

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“We call it sensible sustainability,” says Beckman. “That

means we’re not jumping through a bunch of hoops and

spending a lot of money to achieve a goal, but rather we’re

looking at things like how I site the building, what sides

do I open up, what sides do I close down. These types of

decisions early on make it easier.”

“Obviously, you take a look at what the building demands

are early in the project,” Dooley says. “You look at the me-

chanical systems, electrical system and the skin. Portman

chose a very high-performing glass skin and you start the

mechanical and electrical design accordingly.”

Beckman ponders the sustainability question a bit more

and looks over toward his creation. “It comes down to this:

You find an inherent balance in comfort and energy and

achieve that balance through some pretty thoughtful ways

that makes it all make sense.”

With completion just weeks away, optimism for Union

Tower West and the likelihood of more Denver projects

with the Portman/Hensel Phelps team seem likely.

“The Portman relationship is one we want to continue,”

says Dooley. “They’ve been a great partner on this project

and it’s certainly a relationship that we want to foster and

continue. They’re a powerhouse in the development world

and have the architectural influence, as well. They’re situ-

ated quite well to work with a partner like (Hensel Phelps).”

Garland and Beckman shared Dooley’s desire to work to-

gether in the future.

“Nothing we can announce right now in Denver, but we

hope to have future projects,” says Garland. “We are big fans

of the city and have looked at several other opportunities.”

“I would love more projects in Denver,” Beckman says. “I

would like to get involved more in Denver, more with the

Denver real estate community and more with the Denver

development groups. I think we have a very special project

in Union Tower West and I think the project and the ideas

behind the project can thrive here.”