Before we explore the inside of Dairy Block, let’s sidetrack and take a look at the two-tower 1709 Chestnut apartment project as it has progressed significantly since we last visited it in December; so much that the south tower is almost as tall as its neighbors Union Denver and Cadence.
Let’s start out with the south tower which will eventually top out at 12 stories. Because of the split zoning on this lot, the south tower will go up to the maximum allowable height of 140 feet, exactly the height of Union Denver and Cadence. The tower is currently up 11 stories and has one more floor to go. At first glance, the parking structure enclosure on floors two and three seem somewhat off putting however, the entire facade of this tower will be red brick and glass. Speaking of glass, it is starting to go up on the fourth floor. Head on over to our announcement post for a rendering refresher.
The north tower is also making great vertical progress. This tower has a maximum allowable height of 250 feet and will top out at 24 stories. It is currently six stories up with 18 more to go.
We all know that Union Station is still going through an incredible boom so how about some panoramas to show just that! Here we can see that the cranes for 16 Chestnut, across the plaza from 1709 Chestnut, were recently jumped. 16 Chestnut is also making great vertical progress.
Lastly, here is an aerial panorama showcasing 1709 Chestnut. You can really see how much of an impact this project is going to have on the Union Station neighborhood.
Next time you are in the Union Station area, be sure to check out the up-and-coming dense, urban street wall along Chestnut Place. The sight is breathtaking!
I feel sorry for the folks in the folks living behind Union Tower West whose only view is of a nice, ugly parking garage…
Not a fan of above ground garages either, but which folks do you feel sorry for? The adjacent buildings for the most part all have similar parking garages on the lower levels, with the exception of Whole Foods which is like a double height ground level. They have oriented their entrances and al fresco space away from this building. “behind” this building is the Glass House parking podium. let’s say you do in fact live in one of the lowest floors in one of these buildings, or you live in Alta City House, do you really expect a view?
You can’t tell me there is a difference between the screened Glass House parking podium and the parking garage of Union Tower West. You’re not going to have a view either way, but I’d much rather look at a concrete or brick wall than a bunch of parked cars. What is the point of screened parking at the street level if wherever you live it’s your only view? Why should Denverites be forced to lower their expectations to accommodate car ownership?
I get your point, but please…. All over the world, even in shining cities like Copenhagen and London, some residents see a parking garage outside their window. I’ve seen it with my very own eyes and could post photos if the forum allowed it. I’m no fan of parking podiums–or our society’s obsession with the private automobile–but not everyone can afford a de-luxe apartment in the sky, and not all housing price points can include a gorgeous view. Most Denverites (or Londonders, or whoever/wherever) who enjoy the urban experience do so with the understanding that the rewards of city living may require a tradeoff in some aspect of daily life–possibly the view from their windows. And in Denver it’s still more than likely that they own a car, meaning they too may contribute in some way to someone else’s less-than-ideal living room or balcony view. People the world over adjust their expectations and still live fulfilling lives.
i wonder if they have ever thought about building a road underpass for 18th underneath the railroad tracks