A new urban mixed-use project named Beleza is coming to Brighton Boulevard in the River North district.

The first phase of the new infill development, located at the north corner of Brighton Boulevard and 31st Street, will consist of 66 residential condominium units and approximately 20,000 SF of retail space (restaurant/bar and a specialty grocery store) in a 14-story tower. Two underground and two above-ground parking levels will also be included. The project is being developed by Curt LeRossignol and Neil Boucher of River North Properties LLC. The project architect is Techné Architecture and the general contractor is Tom Martin Construction.

The entire development site owned by River North Properties totals approximately 8 acres and is located between Brighton Boulevard and Arkins Court north of 31st Street. Visible in the GoogleEarth aerial below, the assemblage consists of the property right at the corner of 31st and Brighton and the two large warehouse buildings immediately to the north. Several additional mixed-use buildings are envisioned for the site as future phases.

Here’s a rendering of Beleza’s first phase (images courtesy of Techné Architecture):

One of the interesting aspects of the project is its proximity to the South Platte River. The developers are currently working with the City of Denver’s Parks & Recreation and Public Works departments on the possibility of vacating a portion of Arkins Court north of 31st Street. This would allow for the creation of a new park that would stretch for several blocks along the northwest side of Beleza to the banks of the river.

Currently there’s a temporary sales office for Beleza at 1620 Market Street, with a permanent sales office in development at 1575 California scheduled to open in mid-September. The project website is http://www.live-beleza.com.

I’ll post more about Beleza, the developer’s efforts to create a new park along the river, and other unique aspects of the project in a future blog post.