If you’ve been following DenverInfill for a while, you know that the historic Fontius/Steel building at 16th and Welton on Block 162 in Downtown Denver has been a major focus of this website. Thanks to John Rebchook at the Rocky Mountain News and the architects at Klipp, here is a rendering of what the Fontius will look post-restoration:
Of course, the new Fontius looks a lot like the old Fontius in terms of its overall appearance, but the ground-floor retail spaces will get renovated back to their original design and the whole building will get a full makeover, so when complete, it will be a striking addition to the Downtown experience.
The Fontius (new name pending) will become retail and office space once renovated. The Urban Land Institute also recently helped Evan Makovsky with ideas for the new development on the rest of Block 162. Makovsky and team are currently contemplating the ULI’s recommendations and are working to develop a revised development plan. While it will be another year or so before the final plans for the new development are complete, renovation of the historic Fontius should be finished in time for the DNC in August.
Scaffolding around the Fontius building–what an amazing sight!
By the way, if you haven’t visited John Rebchook’s new real estate blog at the Rocky, check it out here.
The rendering depicts a surprisingly spare yet elegant exterior design. A high end retail presence would not seem out of place.
What happened to the temporary use of the rest of the block for the DNC?
Wow that looks amazing…perfect for a highend retailer 😉
I was hoping to move into a loft here. Oh well… 🙂
Before they put up the scaffolding, I was walking down 16th street and I turned to look up at the Fontius. It's funny what a good ole fashion cleaning can do. I had never noticed the stone masonry work at the top of the building before. I gazed at it for a while and contemplated how awesome it will be once done!
What happened to the old Fontius sign?!
Fontius is a lovely building. Congrations Denver and congratulations DenverInfill for making it an issue.
This building is very elegant in its proportions and details. It bridges the victorian and art deco periods in a understated manner. Who was the original architect?