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.
Saint, would you prefer a tower crane with a useless website…or would you prefer a glitzy website with no construction whatsoever. Let's think of 1401lawrence.com.
lol, Anon 9:33. Good point and well served! I would prefer a tower crane AND a website with some sort of information on it. But yeah, if your two options are it, then I'd take the former.
My understanding is that the Spire is waiting for sales to begin until they are within two years of completion – something about taxes? I dunno. Who needs a fancy website if you aren't starting to sell yet? but i agree with anon 9:33 – the crane is up! 15 floors are done! I can see it raising from my house, let's all celebrate another high rise in Denver!
Poor 1401. I'm still wearing black.
The ground level / base needs a lot of work, but the tower is pretty well executed. It definitely reads as industrial-chic to me, just modified from the usual red brick LoDo variety.
I lived in Boston when Faneuil Hall was redeveloped in the 70s and in San Francisco when South of Market was cleaned up in the 80s. The artists in both areas who were struggling to stay alive before the transition are "thriving", not just surviving …to this day. Plus, those areas were recreated with the same diversity of retail, arts, parks and residential that I am told the city and developers in River North are planning.
As for supporting the arts, I understand the Beleza plans to host events on the grounds showcasing local artists and will encourage its residents to choose RiNo art in their decor.
We need to stop being so afraid of anything new that comes along and encourage Beleza-style "green" sustainable, energy efficient developments every chance we get – There are too many high rises being built that suck up our energy and water.
We need to support residential communities that will help Denver create a more secure economy, too. The direction the Beleza is setting for River North development could well become be an example other US cities.
I, for one, am looking forward to leaving my home in Capital Hill and enjoying a safe and scenic biking trip north along the river and ending up in the RiNo Arts community. Go Beleza!!
Rumor has it that the project is now funded and will break ground in the next 60 days. There's a tractor out there cleaning up debris.
Oh and don't be upset directly at Beleza, Denver plans on the Brighton being the Gateway to Denver from I-70, a project planned for the next 10 years. In this economy, this means a lot more jobs, don't complain too much! 😉
I see an "available" sign up on the land where Beleza was suppose to go? Land for sale? Anyone have any information on that?