Much has been made in various forums about the impact and character of the design of the new 1800 Larimer on the Downtown Denver skyline.  With its unique facade treatment, it’s quickly landed in the love-it-or-hate-it conversations of downtown enthusiasts.  Today, however, I drove by the building for the first time since construction barricades were removed to reveal the street presence of the building.

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You should know that I am not typically compelled to stop my car (I know – should have been using B-Cycle!) to take pictures of anything.  But I was so impressed with the relationship of 1800 Larimer to the street environment that I did just that.  Say what you will about the impact on the skyline, but the biggest social and psychological impact of almost any building on the general population is the way in which it engages the “floor” of the city.  I found 1800 Larimer to exhibit an elegant transparency and welcoming vibe at the building’s main entry – quite a feat considering the less-than-hospitable nature of the majority of buildings facing Larimer Street between 20th and 17th.  The new experience along this block was a pleasant and unexpected surprise.  Taken without the benefit of the sun, the pictures probably don’t do it justice – so I recommend that you get down to Larimer Street and experience it for yourself.

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