Colorado Real Estate Journal - June 1, 2016
Saunders Construction recently topped out the Dairy Block project, a mixed-use development in Lower Downtown that will feature office, retail and a luxury boutique hotel, The Maven. “For Saunders, this is a really exciting project that is going to be a tremendous addition to Lower Downtown,” said Tom Alford, vice president of operations for Saunders Construction. “The project is coming together fantastically well … even with a wet spring and the various challenges of working in LoDo next to Coors Field, we are on schedule, the quality of work is great, and we are showcasing Saunders’ hallmark of speed to market.” Due to open next spring, the Dairy Block is situated along Wazee Street, between 18th and 19th streets, on the historic Denver Windsor Dairy Block. Dairy Block was designed by Johnson Nathan Strohe, which designed the hotel, in tandem with Shears Adkins Rockmore Architects, which designed the office piece. The building will reflect the historic LoDo warehouse district’s brick masonry and simple structural expressions, according to Jim Johnson of Johnson Nathan Strohe. “Appropriately, the material palette for The Maven is masonry and steel with large expanses of glass, particularly relating to Coors Field,” Johnson said. “The upper suite levels of the hotel are clad in zinc and adorned with simple glass balconies. Careful detailing of all materials reflects the heritage of this former lumber crafting site.” Dairy Block will be a reflection of its LoDo setting. “The Maven Hotel and Dairy Block project are designed to create a unique experience for urban enjoyment similar to The Crawford Hotel within a different design vocabulary,” Johnson said. “It’s an exquisite reflection of the LoDo neighborhood in contextual architectural design, using massing, scale and materials to connect with the pedestrian vibe and cadence of its existing neighbors.” In addition, activation of the private alley between 18th and 19th streets will provide authentic food, beverage and music opportunities seamlessly integrated with the hotel lobby, according to Johnson. Developer McWhinney broke ground on the project in May 2015. The project will feature 260,000 square feet of office space, a hotel and a mix of restaurant, retail and lobby spaces on the ground floor. The variety of uses did present some interesting design opportunities. “The multiple uses are synergistic to the ultimate experience,” Johnson said. “With a continuous high-ceiling lobby spanning the street front along Wazee, the new building will be a gift to the street.” Coordination of building systems, including HVAC, steel and concrete, was shared between Shears Adkins Rockmore (office) and Johnson Nathan Strohe (hotel and lobbies) with the help of a common structural engineer. “Upon opening within the next year, Dairy Block will transform this area of LoDo with a next generation addition to one of the most successful historic districts in America,” Johnson concluded. Located midblock along Blake Street and just one block from Denver Union Station, this new development is located at the epicenter of the Denver transportation corridor. It has immediate access to mass transit, including the downtown Denver circulator external link, is in close proximity to major highways, and is within walking distance of sports venues, restaurants and entertainment. Designed and built with a commitment to sustainability, the project is anticipated to become LEED Gold certified by the U.S. Green Building Council.