As you Downtown Denver fans know, developer Evan Makovsky recently acquired the majority of Block 162 with plans to renovate the historic Steel’s (Fontius) building, as well as construct a major mixed-use development on most of the rest of the block. It will take a year or two to fully study and develop the best uses and design for that new mixed-use project. In the interim, Mr. Makovsky and the Downtown Denver Partnership would like to make good use of the parcels along 15th and California where the old Bank of Denver and Republic Hotel buildings are under demolition.

Got any good ideas? Here’s your chance to help out. Please read the following press release from the Partnership:

Downtown Denver Partnership Launches The Ultimate Urban Space Initiative for Makovsky’s Block 162

The Downtown Denver Partnership is appealing to the community for creative ideas on interim uses a significant portion of Block 162, the Downtown block between Welton Street, California Street, 15th Street and the 16th Street Mall. This call for ideas is in response to the request of Evan Makovsky of Shames Makovsky Realty Co. Makovsky acquired the majority of Block 162, including the Steel’s Building (otherwise known as the “Fontius Building”), in summer 2007.

Until Makovsky assembled this property, the fragmented property ownership of Block 162 had discouraged development efforts for many years, resulting in a severely under-utilized parcel of land in the core of Downtown Denver, just one block away from the Colorado Convention Center.

“Block 162 could be greatly enhanced during the period of time in which redevelopment options are being studied, and we are thankful to Evan for giving the Partnership this opportunity to lead the process,” said Tami Door, President & CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “In the end, whatever use is designated must be temporary, while creating an exciting use of the space. This will not only provide a much needed upgrade to the appearance of this block, but could also encourage the redevelopment of adjacent properties.”

The location for this temporary project is the current site of the Republic Hotel and the Bank of Denver buildings, both undergoing demolition. It has an area of 31,250 square feet, with 125 feet of frontage on 15th Street and a 250 foot frontage on California Street. The goal is to have this project completed for the Democratic National Convention in August of 2008.

Submission Process for The Ultimate Urban Space: All ideas should be submitted to [email protected] for evaluation, and should contain the following information:

1. Name and contact information for person submitting idea
2. General concept (200 word maximum)
3. Possible sources of funding and/or sponsorships

The deadline for submissions is October 5, 2007.