This evening, Denver City Council approved by a 12 to 1 vote the controversial “Historic Urban Edge District” in Lower Downtown, which includes design provisions that would allow the construction of high-rise on a single parcel at Speer and Market on Block 242, the site where developer Richard “Buzz” Geller has proposed to build a 31-story condo tower. For background on this development, please see my blog of February 1, 2007.
Shortly after the approval of the bill creating the HUED, Council passed by the same 12 to 1 margin the PUD (Planned Unit Development) or site-specific zoning for Mr. Geller’s project. Just like the HUED provides for two development options on Block 242 (a high-rise with a smaller footprint or a low-rise with a larger footprint), the PUD also provides the developer with the same two development options.
Mr. Geller still has a long way to go before his project can break ground but, at this point, he has a use by right to build a 375-foot tower (400-foot including spire), and must now get the tower designed and have it proceed through the city’s usual development review process.
