Several of you have asked me, “What’s going on at the corner of Colfax and Clarkson?” The answer is… a new Argonaut Liquor store! The Downtown Denver institution of 50-plus years is constructing a new building. The new Argonaut will shift over a half block to the corner of Colfax and Clarkson where a parking lot and a former small restaurant building was located. The new building should be finished in October. Here’s an article by John Rebchook of the Rocky Mountain News about the new project, and here are a couple of renderings of the new building:
The renderings are courtesy of Buchanan Yonushewski Group architects.
Thats kinda strange how they have a facade facing the alley. My only guess why is that the old building will become the new parking lot since main street zoning prohibits setbacks on new construction. And since the land is already owned by Argonaut, they can just level the old building and turn it into a lot. Too bad, but still better than what was there before!!
The new building has a "charm" about it. That's about it. I'm also curious how the parking lot is going to be landscaped as well. I'm surprised the tearing down of the old building and replacing it with a parking lot is even allowed under MS zoning as Anon 8:44 said.
MS zoning requires NEW construction to come all the way to the sidewalk. But no zoning law can force construction or prevent demolition on private land (unless the structure is historic). As long as Argonaut wants to leave the land vacant, they can use it as a parking lot. And judging by the alley facing facade, I'm guessing they are planning on leaving that site a lot for a long time.
Um…zoning laws can and sometimes do prevent new pay parking lots. In fact, I believe that is the law in Downtown. Query whether the zoning laws can or do prevent "free" parking lots that can only be used when patronizing a business.
Mixed feelings here. I was fearing the Clarkson side of the building would be just a blank wall. They only half fulfilled my fears. I was hoping for an entrance on the corner. Knowing the parking lot would be where the current building is, I certainly wasn't expecting this.
A few questions:
I remember the DBJ article saying there will be 120 parking spaces. I may be way off here but this seems like a lot. Are there any plans for a parking structure?
Also, is there a second floor? I assume not and the window are just for anesthetics. Either way, its definitely an upgrade for my liquor store of choice.
Don't forget that the existing parking lot is going to increase in size also. The building moving is a plus, but the other details are not thrilling.
They need the parking…have you been there when its busy? It's worse than Whole Foods in Cherry Creek….People love their liquor. The old building is ugly and run down it will be better as a parking lot.
It also shows a building remaining where the current Argonaut is. So I wouldn't be too concerned, they'll probably lease out that building rather than demolish it, and keep the parking lots in the front and back. The facade probably matches the length of the Clarkson facade, which mysteriously ends half way down.
The picture clearly shows how the Robinson family is not interested in development, but rather a use for there formerly dilapidated restaurant site (now demolished). Robinson's – I beg you to sell your remaining land on Colfax at Washington and Pearl, and save all of us from additional architecturally bland, uninspired, low-density, single-use, auto-oriented development. There is no doubt the liquor store will continue to do well, but I recall the city practically begged you to do more with your land than this.
BorYinG.
Meh. Not too special nor too bland. In the end it will better the current block and surrounding areas. I'm glad to see trees on the sidewalks, DEFINITELY a plus for atractiveness and beautification.
To anon 10:04-Agree on the need for a corner entrance on Clarkson. I'm sure it involves the fact that too many entrance points pose a security problems as well as inhibiting inside ergonomics for checkout lines, centrality, etc.
Look on the bright side! They put in a corner entrance, just not on the corner you wanted. 😉
I don't see why a law would prohibit new lots. As much as parking lots suck, the only other option is a vacant dirt lot. The city isn't all powerful. If they prohibited a parking lot, the owner of the property could just refuse to sell the land or build on it making it even more useless and ugly. The gov. can't legally force anyone to spend extra money to build something they otherwise wouldn't have, and eminent domain can only constitutionally be used in extreme circumstances.
Don't get me wrong, I agree the plan is bland and boring. But I also believe strongly in the legal rights of property owners. If Colfax cleans up and becomes more desirable for development, the land value will go up and Argonaut will sell. But so long as it makes financial sense to keep it for parking, thats their legal right as a property owner.
All this for a liquor store on Colfax? I used to live at Colfax / Humboldt and was wishing that they could find better land uses along this street than a liquor store !
Hey that liquor store makes BANK! And its been an "icon" on Colfax for years. They're not going anywhere any time soon and yeh, the parking was definitely needed!
Infill development is better with booze!
blah, blah, blah, blah, blah who really cares about the looks of this building or where the doors are? Yeah for the new better looking building with doors. Period!
Now can someone please get me a drink!
Not familiar with the site and so can't comment on that, but the building itself is very handsome (at least from the front). It’s important to remember that landmark buildings are only interesting if they are the exception, which means as a rule you need lots of attractive but unextraordinary filler. This is great filler.
I assume the second level will be for office space. Too bad there won't be a third level of apartments or condos.
yep, the second level is for office space and also they will have a wine tasting room and an employee lounge with vending machines and everything, i thinks it is a well deserved and well needed makeover. i used to work there and it was like a prison with those white, windowless walls. so im stoked about the new one