Today we are heading back to Uptown for a quick look at One City Block. Last month I did an update and we saw the framing was topped out on the north buildings while the south buildings were still going vertical.
Not too much has changed in six weeks but we can clearly see one outstanding feature start to show. Today’s update can be summed up in five words: Look at all that brick!
I usually like to conclude posts on a positive note but last week there was a tragedy. Evan Lichtenfels, a development director at RedPeak (the developer of One City Block) had unexpectedly passed away which is very unfortunate news for RedPeak and the development community. I’m sure Evan had a huge part in making this project a reality and would have been incredibly pleased with the outcome. John Rebchook wrote a very touching post about Evan, make sure you head on over here to read it. One City Block is going to look phenomenal in Uptown and I can’t wait to see the south buildings take form!
RIP Evan. You left a great legacy. Beautiful building! I want to see more like these.
Wow, the level of detail in the windows and brick in that last photo is impressive, something we don’t see very often.
Redpeak is amazing!!!! Thank you for a gorgeous development!! And, it was very saddening to learn that Evan passed away.
Love it. Timeless design.
I think this is one of the best and maybe the best, looking apartment building going up in Downtown. At first I was a little skeptical but i think it is coming together quite nicely. Well done! Evan should be proud!
Nothing like the real thing being as good as or better than advertised.
I wish RedPeak was developing more around Denver. You see? You CAN, in this current market/economy, still develop a classy, beautiful structure that is meant to stand the test of time. I hope this property is overwhelmingly successful to the point where all the other developers in Denver that are putting up buildings that look like they’re made of cardboard are forced to take notice.
Well done Evan. RIP.
Superb building(s). Why can’t we get this type of architecture and brick materials in LODO, instead of the crappy more modernistic things they are putting up? This would fit LODO better than anything erected there in the past 10 years! Let’s hope Redpeak builds something in the LODO area- perhaps the long vacant parking lots on Market between 18th and 19th.
I really don’t understand how the LODO design group (or whatever they are called) have allowed some of the buildings to be built there in the past few years.
I don’t understand your point. The LoDo design review standards require almost all brick for new LoDo buildings. Which buildings built in LoDo under the design district standards are you referring to that don’t have brick?
I am referring to the ugly combinations of brick and whatver trendy material is popular that particular week.
Stucco, or whatever the correct terms is for industrial type coverings, and aluminum claddding for example.
And how abouth the gray brick mess built on 18th and Blake for example?
That building does not remotely fit in with the wonderful original buildings in the LODO district. Not only the color of the brick but the design is really odd and not in character with the buldings around it.
I am all for contemporary architecture but that one particular district deserves better. More like the Redpeak building were are all raving about.
I too am a little confused. Almost all of the major infill that has happened in lodo over the past 20 years has reflected, if not directly mimicked, the historic brick warehouse look. 1400 16th St., 1550 17th St., 1890 Wynkoop St., 1899 Wynkoop St., 1515 Wynkoop, 1400 Wewatta to name just a few. It’s only very recently that they’ve added a couple modernist buildings like the grey brick mess on 18th, Sugar Cube and 16 Market. Some I love (like Sugar Cube), some not so much (like the grey brick mess), but they definitely are made out of quality materials.
The fake stucco stuff isn’t even allowed in LoDo, IIRC.
So refreshing to see some quality architecture, for a change! Yes, let’s hope Red Peak inspires more good stuff — which is badly needed around Downtown. Design groups and planning boards can put borders around projects, say no to size and shape, but they can’t really impose elegant buildings on developers. What this shows is that some architects and builders are a lot better than others.
I concur with all the positive comments on the development and Red Peak and the condolences for Mr. Lichtenfels. This is in my view the best design in the downtown area and very much meets my taste in architecture. I go by the project every few weeks to watch it come alive. The folks in West Highlands need to see this.
Thanks for the link. Great read. So sad.
My thoughts and prayers for those wonderful children and all the family.