In a recent post on the DenverInfill Blog (scroll down to the last entry on Thursday) I was tipped off that the construction crane for the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences was to be erected.  I thought it would happen over the weekend but was out on Friday at the Spire site and saw they had the street closed off.  I decided to walk down and see it first hand.

I have never actually seen a construction crane being erected so for me this was very cool.  I arrived after what looked like 2 sections had already been installed.  I could not stay until the end but was amazed by the logistics involved.  The rest of the pieces sat on flat bed trucks.  I am really looking forward to seeing the Four Seasons start coming out of the ground and rise all 45 stories in our skyline!  (You can see construction progress here.)

After months of waiting I was happy to read last week in the News, Post and Denver Business Journal that the highly anticipated SPIRE project at 891 14th Street is back on track after replacing the financing they lost last August.  I attended the groundbreaking and was very discouraged when their construction financing fell through.  It has been difficult the past few months walking past a “dead” construction site.

Within hours of the press release and stories in all of the papers the buzz and din of construction could be heard at the site.  I took a walk over just to see it for myself and it was awesome to see that crane back at work.  If progress goes like it did at One Lincoln Park we should see a floor poured every 7-10 days.  I was glad to read that they still plan on finishing in 2009.

I feel that this project is a critical litmus test for the housing market in Downtown Denver and will serve as a catalyst for further projects like it.  With half of the 503 units being priced below $400,00, its location right next to a light rail station, proximity to the 16th St. Mall, and not to mention being a LEED certified building, I cannot imagine that sales will be a problem.

Probably most exciting of all is that this building at 41 stories, will be a great and welcome addition to Denver’s skyline.  Standing there at the corner it is already clear how this building will transform this part of 14th St.  I can’t wait until prices and floorplans are released.

Last week’s Denver Business Journal article (for print subscribers only) provided numerous details about what has been going on at the Champa Center at 16th & Champa in Downtown Denver. I have blogged about this project on two previous occasions (10/16, 1/11) as it has progressed.

Creekside Development Co., the building’s owners, plans to completely renovate the exterior facade, add balconies to the upper level, and modernize the interior (I really hope this involves removing the overwhelming awning!). All of the ground floor retail tenants have closed or moved to temporary locations. Aspen Gifts and Payless Shoes will return sometime in the spring in a new configuration. Floyd’s, currently operating out of temporary space on the 3rd floor, will expand to 4,500 square feet.

The Library Bar & Grill will actually be located in the basement of the building in a 13,500 square feet space. From what I saw on their website it will be a kind of Rock n Roll/Coyote Ugly/Hooters kind of bar. It appears that this will be their second location outside of Tempe, AZ but their “future plans” section of their website said “coming soon”.

Champa Center’s sole office tenant, the Social Security Administration, will not be renewing their lease and will move out in late summer or early fall. Between March and June all of the retail spaces will be finished and all tenants should be open for business just in time for the Democratic National Convention. I walked past last Friday and it was quite a transformation to see one huge combined ground floor retail space. I expect construction fencing and partial sidewalk closures to come soon.

With the modernized interior and new facade I do not think they will have a hard time re-leasing the office space and will be interested in who takes over the space.  Most important will be the reactivated street level experience created on the 16th St. Mall.  As I mentioned before I think with these improvements and new tenants we will see both strong day and nighttime use of this very visible spot.  I will continue to provide updates through completion.

On January 14th Downtown Denver welecomed its newest eatery - Jason’s Deli.  I first blogged about Jason’s Deli on August 30th.

I can vouch for their French Onion Soup and Chef’s Salad which were both really good.  One great feature of their website is that it allows you to order online and then pick it up at the store.  This will become increasingly a huge timesaver as it is already mobbed by 11:30 everyday. 

Their salad bar looks good although I have not tried it yet.  They have a huge dining space as well as separate check out lanes for dining in or take out.  I am so happy to have another option to choose from for lunch on the 16th Street Mall.  Welcome Jason’s Deli!

In my October 16th blog entry I wrote about the Petroleum Building at 16th & Broadway being renovated. It appears the exterior work is finished.

It looks as if the final work varies slightly from the rendering in the CREJ in that there is just the taller red spire sans the extra bands I thought were going to be added. I think this looks great and is a fun way to update an older building.

Historically accurate and energy efficient? Yes! Both a Rocky Mountain News and Denver Business Journal article break the news today that veteran real estate developer Evan Makovsky came to an agreement with the Landmark Preservation Commission to install energy efficient windows in his Steele (aka Fontius) Building currently being renovated along the 16th Street Mall.

This is really great news and I am glad the two groups could work together to come to a compromise. This is a great example for future historic renovations in how to incorporate green or energy efficient elements into their projects. John Rebchook’s blog has a rendering provided by klipp architects here. Scaffolding covers almost the entire building at this point and it will be really amazing to watch this renovation happen. Congratulations to both Evan Makovsky and the Landmark Preservation Commission.

Last Friday I attended the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the Ritz Carlton Denver. You can read the details in this Denver Business Journal (DBJ) article. I was more than amazed by the transformation of the former Embassy Suites hotel. I went to the fixture liquidation sale just after they closed the Embassy Suites so it was a night and day comparison. Of course, the giant pile of travel irons and room full of old mattresses were gone!

The Mayor, City officials and other business dignitaries including John Elway himself were all on hand to cut what appeared to be a large rope of greenery. Inside the lobby and common areas were stunning. All of the color, fabric, lighting, and furniture choices were perfect. Right when you enter there is a gorgeous foyer with a grand staircase that takes you up to the ballrooms and pre-function spaces.

Just off the lobby and opposite the check in desk is Elway’s. The Downtown Elway’s is remarkably different than the Cherry Creek version. Elway’s downtown is much more urban in its color scheme and lighting. I predict it will become quite the power meeting spot very quickly.

At the top of the staircase is a stunning blown glass chandelier that was very reminiscent of a Dale Chilhuly piece. What struck me most about the Ritz Carlton Denver was how the scale and feel was that of someone’s private grand residence or even an exclusive club. Even with that vibe, it still is approachable and un-pretentious at the same time.

I was very lucky to be invited to a celebratory luncheon immediately following the ceremony in one of the Ritz ballrooms. The room was very warm and beautiful and I am certain I saw where they used some of the actual gold paint. Our three course meal was very good and consisted of potato mushroom bisque, parmesan crusted halibut and a decadent pistachio mousse dessert with gold painted sugar accents. Every course was presented in synchronized service - everyone got served at exactly the same time - which was a first for me.

Denver getting a Ritz Carlton is just the beginning as we head into a new era of heightened visibility for Denver both regionally, nationally and internationally. If you go on the Ritz Carlton website and see where other locations are being developed you can see we are in great company. I have no doubt the Ritz will get their five star rating and about a year or so later be joined by the Four Seasons just up street. Also joining this new class of hotels will be the W Hotel and residences that should come on board around the Four Seasons in about 2010.

I look forward to going back to the Downtown Elway’s for cocktails or perhaps dinner very soon. I really hope they participate in Denver Restaurant Week in February too. Welcome Ritz Carlton Denver! (Photos will follow)

Both a Denver Business Journal (DBJ) and Rocky Mountain News article confirm that the Denver Pavilions as been put up for sale. No listing price will be set and some offers are expected by the end of January.

This is a big deal given how centrally located the center is in our Downtown. I used to visit the construction site when I would be home on college break and really enjoyed watching it be built. The DBJ article (for print subscribers only) reveals that the four original major tenants; Hard Rock Cafe, United Artists Theaters, NikeTown and Virgin Megastore might be nearing the end of their initial 10 year leases. Bill Denton, co-owner of the Pavilons with Entertainment Development Group (EDG), speculated that if the Pavilions does not sell in 90 days there most likely would be a change up in the tenant mix but would not give specifics.

I have only known the Pavilions with these major tenants - along with Barnes & Noble - so it is hard for me to imagine any of them not being there. That said change is good and maybe a bit of a shake up could breathe some fresh air into it. In addition to those anchor spots there is other available square footage that could be combined for some new bigger tenants or possibly expansions or relocations as well. Space is tight over in Cherry Creek North and the Cherry Creek Mall and this could be the perfect storm to really transform the retail mix for Downtown. Retail space at Union Station is years away and the floor plates at the Tabor Center are not nearly as flexible.

Perhaps we could land a House of Blues? Maybe a Pottery Barn now that they are no longer in Cherry Creek? What about an Old Navy? I can only dream of an H&M, Sephora or Zara!

With the historic renovation of the Steele Building (formerly Fontius) on one side and the Adam’s Mark impending transformation into a Sheraton on the other, this part of Downtown is pivotal for this section of the 16th St. Mall. I will follow this story and provide updates as they develop.

I first reported about a new development at the Champa Center at 16th & Champa in my October 16th blog entry. At that time the only hint of change was the liquor license application for the Library Bar & Grill and the vacated Snappy Nails and Sonic spaces. Since then a lot has changed.

Since that entry both Aspen Gifts and Payless Shoe Source have both closed. Workers have been working at tearing down walls and sealing up the former lower level food court creating a new continuous ground level retail space. One temporary sign at Payless indicated they would reopen sometime in March. I have heard a rumor that big changes to the facade of the building might be in store as well. It would appear that once finished there will be the Library Bar & Grill next to a brand new Payless.

It will be very exciting to witness the transformation of this building into a lively, activated space right on the 16th St. Mall.

Back in my October 15th blog entry I first reported on a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory store soon to open up in Downtown at the Denver Pavilions. They worked fast and just before the holidays they were open for business!

I really like how the awnings tie together and think it is a great re-distribution of the space leftover from the Sunglass Hut downsizing. I am more of a Godiva person but will have to make a point to stop in and sample some of their confections soon. It would appear that it is their second location Downtown and that the location in Writer’s Square across from the Tabor Center will remain open. Welcome Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory!