New Chapter For Cherry Creek As Construction Commences Colossal Year

by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles

Ten New Projects To Convert Cherry Creek’s 16-Blocks Into Colorado’s Top ­Urban Community By The End Of Decade

by Glen Richardson

Changing Cherry Creek: Here’s what architects- ­developers are ­proposing for the ­former Sears store site at 2nd Ave. & ­Adams. Demolition is set to ­begin April 1. ­Completion is ­anticipated as soon as the third quarter of 2025.

The push to build new office, retail, and apartment projects in Cherry Creek North as 2024 gets underway is unlike anything the district has ever seen. Construction is set to experience its best year on record, with developers launching 10 projects as the new year begins.

The latest construction boom, moreover, mostly ignores the $1 billion Cherry Creek West mall project, though it is inching closer to reality along University Blvd. Construc­tion at that site isn’t scheduled to start until at least the third quarter of 2024, with the first building not ready for occupancy until 2027. A gargantuan development, nonetheless, authorities say the project will create 50% of new Cherry Creek Valley jobs and 30% of new households through the year 2040.

This year’s construction ricochet will like­ly push the district into becoming the new epicenter of the Mile High City, as downtown continues to struggle. For several years now, companies have established offices or headquarters in Cherry Creek, increasingly solidifying the district as the Mile High City’s hub.

Mixed Use Move

As businesses add more space along the district’s 16 blocks, this much is clear: Once simply a shopper’s haven, developers are converting the neighborhood into a live, work, and play destination. Moreover, due to crime and homelessness issues downtown, more travelers are choosing to stay in Cherry Creek-Glendale hotels.

While more of a mixed-use district, the area nevertheless has developers once again adding retail space to the latest Cherry Creek projects.

The district’s thriving office market, as ex­­pected, remains one of the nation’s best. The latest construction trend suggests an in­­crease rather than slackening in office demand.

Schnitzer Eight-Story

Swift Schnitzer Start: Expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2025, Schnitzer West, LLC, broke ground at 201 Fillmore on this eight-story building on Nov. 4, 2023.

Schnitzer West, LLC, broke ground back on Nov. 4, 2023, at 201 Fillmore on an eight-story building it expects to complete by the third quarter of next year (2025).

The building’s 130,000-sq.-ft. of office space on seven floors will house one of Colorado’s largest independent oil and gas firms. Antero Resources is currently headquartered near Union Station on Wynkoop St. The 8,600-sq.-ft. of ground floor retail space will feature a restaurant, plus another eatery is tentatively taking the rooftop terrace.

The development will have five levels of below-grade parking, with 250 spaces for office and retail use. There will be secure loading docks for tenant’s use.

Scraping Sears Site

One of the largest and definitely Cherry Creek’s longest anticipated, demolition of the Sears Building at 2nd Ave. & Adams is set to begin April 1. The site will be replaced with a blend of office and retail spaces in a five-story package. Like the 201 Fillmore project, completion is probable by the third quarter of 2025 albeit more likely by year’s end. The 90,000-sq.-ft. site will feature a mix of masonry, steel, and glass.

With the Crate & Barrel building, size of the parcel totals 9.4 acres. According to plans, the Crate & Barrel building will be demolished down to grade level, though the parking garage will remain. It will be re­placed with a new five-story mixed-use res­idential-apartment building. BMC Investments CEO Matt Joblon is working with Crate & Barrel on relocation to a new temporary or permanent space, possibly within the site.

Broe Building Bulge

Broe Buildup: In addition to launching an eight-story office project on Clayton this month, Broe wants to demolish its 10-story 50 S. Steele St. office site and build this 12-story, 378-unit apartment building with ground floor retail.

Broe Real Estate Group — the multi-billion-dollar developer headquarters on Clayton St. in Cherry Creek — is beginning the second phase of its office redevelopment project by launching an eight-story, 175,000-sq.-ft. mixed use office project at 250 Clayton. Completion is anticipated in early 2026. Tenants will have access to floorplates as large as 27,000-sq.-ft. The site will also include retail space. Broe plans to later demolish the parking garage and building at 252 Clayton St., and build another seven-story office building there.

Broe has also asked to demolish the site of its 10-story office building at 50 S. Steele St. They seek to build a 12-story, 478-unit apartment complex with ground floor retail across from the eastern end of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center.

As 2023 closed, Broe purchased the 587-unit Seasons of Cherry Creek apartment complex on E. Ellsworth Ave. One of the largest real estate transactions in Cherry Creek history, Broe paid $225 million. The 480-unit complex is spread across three buildings on 5.2 acres.

Betwixt & Between

Plotting to build on every plot, Alpine Investments will erect a mixed-use office- retail building on a 0.57-acre site at 2645 E. 2nd Ave. between the Cherry Cricket and the Clayton Hotel & Members Club.

Development of the site will require the demolition of the one-story rear portion of the Cherry Cricket, where restrooms are located. The front of the restaurant building along E. 2nd Ave. will remain. The office building will include three levels of below-grade parking plus ground-floor retail space.

The two-story portion that currently houses Cherry Creek Tailoring & Alterations and cocktail bar Forget Me Not, however, will be bulldozed.

More From BMC

Major Housings: BMC Investments is building an eight-story major league apart­ment complex at Milwaukee and 3rd Ave. The structure will feature 30,000-sq.-ft. of ground floor retail.

In addition to the Sears building site, MBC Investments is breaking ground on two projects along Milwaukee Street as 2024 begins. One of Cherry Creek’s most active-successful developers, BMC is adding a seven-story mixed-use project at 242 Milwaukee St. It will feature 84,000-sq.-ft. of office space and 10,000-sq.-ft. of retail plus 202 parking spaces.

On the corner of 3rd Ave. and Milwaukee, an eight-story apartment structure is being erected. It will have 156 luxury units plus 30,000-sq.-ft. of ground floor retail. Being designed for those seeking a moderate-sized floorplan, units will average 885-sq.-ft. The site will include studios, junior one-bedrooms, and two-bedroom plus den units.

A rooftop pool, outdoor grilling area, fire pit, and dining area are planned. More: Sauna, co-working areas, meeting rooms, and bike repair shop are included. A resident lounge and parking garage will also be built.

A Pair On 2nd Ave.

Cricket Or Not: Alpine Investments is erecting this office-retail building on an 0.57-acre site between the Cherry Cricket and the Clayton Hotel & Members Club at 2647 E. 2nd Ave.

Residents have come to expect Cherry Creek to be in constant change. However, that hasn’t been the case for a trio of projects a block apart on the south side of 2nd Ave. For at least two — at 2nd and Steele and 2nd and St. Paul — construction is set to break ground. A lot directly east of the Cherry Creek Grill at 2nd and Adams has sat empty for two years. Owned by Bow River Capital’s Blair Richardson, it was first proposed as offices and later a five-story condo site. Construction remains unlikely.

Directly across Steele Street from the Grill, where Patxi’s Pizza closed a year ago and Bloom by Anuschka does business, a five-story, 37 condo development will be built. The $50-million project will have 3,532-sq.-ft. of ground-floor retail and 4,360-sq. ft. of restaurant space. There will also be a 75-space underground garage.

A block further west at 190 St. Paul St. —where Italian restaurant Piatti has sat empty since Christmas of 2021 — a five-story, 272,000-sq.-ft. condo project will be built by luxury brand Waldorf Astoria. The site will have a 5,360-sq.-ft. restaurant and 3,532-sq.-ft. of retail plus a 70-space underground parking garage.

Space On Cook

Dallas-based Mill Creek Residential is breaking ground on a six-story, 110 Apartment complex on the southwest corner of 2nd Ave. and Cook Street (155 & 165 Cook St.). The structure is replacing a pair of three-and-four-story office buildings. Completion is expected in early 2025.

Rough Road Ahead

The impressive growth proposed and promoted with Cherry Creek’s latest developments is certain to create transportation, traffic congestion, and parking problems. Residents living in the neighborhood care about the district’s future, and want to maintain the quality of life and success they now enjoy.

The attraction of businesses and their office space needs has accelerated the desire of certain businesses to move to Cherry Creek from other areas of the city. Actual develop­ment has already exceeded the 10-year forecasts.

Next month the Chronicle will look at Cherry Creek’s first major analysis of BID’s growth and development. The report offers tough recommendations that need to be made before it is too late to make a difference.

Look, Love, Leap: Valentine’s Lineup List

by Valley Gadfly | Jan 19, 2024 | Main Articles

Here’s Your Leap Year Formula For ­Finding Fun, Friendship, And Love In Unexpected Places

 by Glen Richardson

Canine ­Companion: Snoopy, the pet dog of the hapless Peanuts character in the ­Charlie Brown ­comic-strip, is the most beloved ­character in the history of comics.

Valentine’s Day is the holiday to express your love, whether with your significant other, best friend, your kids, or anyone else. Begin the month preparing to celebrate the most romantic day of the year, February 14th — Valentine’s Day!

In case you hadn’t noticed, 2024 is a leap year. Oh yeah, baby, one extra day on February 29th! Leap Year has a rich history with romance.

Folklore suggests the tradition began in Ireland in the 5th century, with a deal brokered between St. Brigid of Kildare and St. Patrick. Or maybe it was in 13th Century Scotland, when Queen Mary established a law that women could propose to any man they liked during a leap year, with refusal being allowed only if the man was already engaged.

Regardless of its origin, it’s a big deal in Denver nowadays. To fan the feelings of your buddy, beau, sidekick, or soulmate here’s the Chronicle’s V-Day guide to loving things to do:

Love Menagerie

This February the Denver Zoo is going wild, celebrating Valentine’s from February 3 to 14, by offering a limited number of half-off daytime admission tickets and showering the Zoo with love …including exclusive Animal Experiences plus themed Valentine’s Day treats.

Long Lasting Love: Take your love to this year’s Denver Botanic Garden’s Orchid Showcase. A symbol of love, luxury, and beauty, it’s perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

On Valentine’s Day, there’s a Singles’ Safari — the first ever — with yard games and tons of swipe-right snacks. Animal Experiences, a photo station, seasonal craft cocktails, and à la carte eats are featured.

Also offered on the 14th is a four-course dinner in the Komodo Room of Tropical Dis­covery, the Zoo’s indoor rainforest. Attendees will enjoy a prix fixe meal of four chef-crafted courses, including exclusive Wild at Heart Animal Encounters. Information: 720-337-1400.

Grow Your Love

Worth more than a carnation, more elegant than a rose, and symbolic of life, love, and happiness, treat your love to the Denver Botanic Garden’s annual Orchid Showcase now through Feb. 19. Symbolizing romantic feelings and passionate relationships, it is the picture-perfect way to express your love. You’ll see hundreds of exotic blooms, including rare orchids. Open in the Orangery from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., the Showcase is included with admission. More: Supplies of Fantasy O

Perfect Pairing: A little red wine makes the ultimate Valentine’s Day beverage. Try a rose sparkler for added panache, the acidity keeps the mood uplifting and flirty.

rchids will be on sale Feb. 3, 10, and 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You can also celebrate the month of love by joining the Botanic Garden’s captivating Love Potions from the Vine Tour, Feb. 11-14. Escape the winter chill in the Boettcher Memorial Tropical Conservatory with this tour of purported aphrodisiacs and learn the secret romantic lives of tropical plants.

Finally, flowers and plants are used year-round to send messages of love, happiness, and joy. Children and families can decorate a Valentine display to share with loved ones this month during the Garden’s Make & Take Garden Valentines. You’ll learn how using a variety of dried natural plant parts and crafting items. Space for children and grownups to create together is provided along with supplies. You and your family pro­vide the ideas and creativity. Information: 720-865-3500.

Lyrics Of Love

Music Magic: Music is an ideal Valentine’s Day option this year. Among the toe-tapping options is Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show, Feb. 10. Photo by Sandy Reay

Music doesn’t stimulate lovey-dovey feelings in everyone, but it can sure make you swoon. Every couple has a song. Love and music are two lights of one candle. Music portrays feeling through melodies, rhythms, tunes, and lyrics. Here’s the Chronicle’s playlist of Valentine concerts, shows, singing, comedy, and dances:

For an upbeat, rhythms & blues start to the month, swing to the beat of the Motown Valentine’s Day Concert with the three MoMezzos at Dazzle Feb. 8, 6:30 p.m. The powerhouse trio feature music from Motown and beyond and take guests on a musical journey through favorite love songs. Information: 303-839-5100.

For toe-tapping, up-tempo entertainment, don’t miss Swallow Hill’s annual Dakota Blonde Valentine’s Day Show in Daniels Hall Feb. 10, 8 p.m. Part bluegrass, part acoustic rock, their musical sound, humor, and stage presence will have you falling in love. Information: 303-777-1003.

Piano-Violin duo perform a Romeo & Juliet candlelight concert at Trinity United Methodist Church on Broadway Feb. 9, 6:30 & 9 p.m. Information: 303-839-1493.

Head Over Heels: A love affair between taste and tradition, the Monaco Inn Restaurant is offering three specials with dessert or glass of Prosecco on Valentine’s Day, 5-9 p.m.

Chicago jazz singer Elaine Dame entertains on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Dazzle with the Annie Booth Trio, 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.

To see an unforgettable comedy sing-along, take your love to dinner during the V-Day Dueling Piano Show at Fortissimo Feb. 14, 7 p.m. Information: 720-789-5280.

For a romantic musical show, attend the Feb. 14 Candlelight Concert at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, 6:30 & 9:15 p.m. Information: 303-360-5360.

To spice up your life, see the burlesque, aerial acts, singing, and comedy at Clocktower Cabaret’s Feb. 14 Cupid’s Delight, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-293-0075.

Dance the night away to live music dur­ing the Shroomski Valentine’s event at Ironworks on Larimer St. Feb. 15, 7-11:30 p.m. Information:720-946-7721.

Or, consider sending a singing telegram to your love at home or a Valentine’s dinner. Orange Peel Moses delivers awesome performances. Information: 303-931-8466.

Love Of Food

Flaming Foster: Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café, a cozy Mayfair gem, is an ideal V-Day dining spot. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed table side.

To wine and dine your darling this Valentine’s Day, the Mile High City’s best choices remain resolutely local at heart. Slick chain eateries in new developments may bring crowds, but neighborhood restaurants foster a sense of togetherness featuring incredible cuisine in unique and distinctive spaces with cozy character. Tuck into one of the Chronicle’s three top choices:

Jimmy’s Jersey Street Café — a quaint neighborhood eatery in the Mayfair neighborhood at 932 Jersey St., eatery serves tasty Italian fare and seasonal entrees. A little gem of a restaurant with an exceptional menu and beautifully presented food. If you like Italian food, great service, and being treated like you are appreciated, go to Jimmy’s

for Valentine’s Day. The piece de resistance is the Bananas Foster for two, flamed tableside. Information: 720-328-9481.

Monaco Inn Restaurant has been serving in the Monaco Square at 862 S. Monaco St. Parkway in the Washington Virginia Vale neighborhood for more than 30 years. Owned and run by Emmanuel Tsikoudakis and Chef Terry Vaidis, the restaurant of-

fers both Greek & American cuisine. Long known for its holiday service, Valentine Specials are offered Feb. 14 from 5 to 9 p.m. Choices include New York Steak with Deep Fried Shrimp, Lamb Chops with Grilled Shrimp, or Grilled Salmon. Choice of Dessert or Glass of Prosecco included. Regular menu is also available. Information: 303-321-1104.

Shells & Sauce is a jazzy little trattoria serving classic-creative Italian-American fare in the heart of Congress Park. The cozy neighborhood restaurant at 2600 E. 12th Ave. serves a variety of home-made lasagna, meat, and fish, plus other entrees. Boasting an extensive wine list to pair with anything you and your Valentine choose, there are delicious dessert options to top off your special evening. Whether you sit on the rooftop or in the main dining room. the service is great. Information: 303-377-2091.

Runaway-Love

If running is your love language, race to this year’s Valentine’s Day 4 Mile at Washington Park Feb. 11, 9 to 11 a.m. Information: 720-838-6185.

False Unit Figures Fueling Homeless Crisis, City Audit Finds

by Valley Gadfly | Dec 15, 2023 | Main Articles

New Audit Reveals Denver Is Delivering Fewer Units Than Required, Costs Climb For Taxpayer-Funded Affordable Housing

by Glen Richardson

As 2024 begins, residents want to know if Mayor Mike Johnston met his $50 million promise to move 1,000 of Denver’s homeless off the streets by year’s end. Many others — like Councilmember Stacie Gilmore, who resigned as homeless committee chair — have concluded the administration’s homeless pledge is nothing more than “a dog and pony show.”

Facing the facts: Denver has the nation’s 10th-most homeless people. At year’s end there were 802 homeless people getting monthly payments of from $50 to $1,000. One group receives $1,000 a month for 12 months; another received a $6,500 lump payment and then $500 a month for 11 months; and the final group receives $50 a month for a year. For this year (2024), Mayor Johnston proposes to spend $242 million on homeless-affordable housing.

Street Sweep Scene: Denver continues to perform “sweeps” of homeless encampments under new Denver Mayor Mike Johnston.              Photo: Kevin J. Beaty

A new financial examination by ­Denver Auditor Timothy M. O’Brien, however, reveals that finding housing or giving out money — without managing inherent and built-in factors — may b

Street Squalor Struggle: Despite providing money, plus developing and prioritizing affordable housing projects, Denver’s homeless crisis continues to surge as 2024 begins. Photo (left): Hart Van Denburg/CPR

e an emotional feat, but won’t accomplish the city’s objectives.

Unit Count Con

The audit’s most glaring discovery: Denver’s Department of Housing Stability is not delivering the required number of units. Fact: Denver developed 32 fewer units for very-low income and 301 fewer for moderate-income households than required by the city agreement.

Equally disturbing: The agency reported 203 units for rent at “market rates,” claiming they count as part of the agreement to develop affordable housing.

Lack of oversight is to blame, according to Auditor O’Brien. “If affordable housing is a priority, leaders need to effectively use resources, show accountability for housing goals, and commitment to helping those in Denver who need it most,” he asserts.

Shoddy Upkeep

Auditors also found a lack of oversight to maintain safe-habitable housing units for people in the lowest income ranges. Not only are these people subject to health-safety risks, but the city could lose part of its affordable housing inventory due to damage and disrepair.

A random check of 20 affordable ­housing projects funded by the Department of Hous­ing Stability — plus an affordable housing project used as permanent housing and funded with program funds — examiners found building doors unlocked or propped open; doors missing handles; water damage; pet or human waste in public areas; plus, trash and debris.

More: Broken windows; dirty or damaged carpets; potential fire code violations, which were reported to the fire department; large cracks and other damage to exterior brick or foundations; evidence of pest infestations; ex­posed electrical wires or damaged electrical features; window and screens missing or damaged; inoperable or malfunctioning elevators; standing water in public areas; and damaged interior and exterior lighting.

Fewer New Units

Even more troubling, auditors found plans for new units are falling below requirements in the city’s taxpayer-funded agreement with the Denver Housing Authority. Denver partners with the Denver Housing Authority on their “DHA Delivers for Denver Program” — commonly called “D3.”

Broadway’s Best: Purchased by the Denver Housing Authority and completed in 2022, this 655 Broadway Bldg. rents to income limited elderly and disabled.

The audit discovered the housing authority reported some units were being rented at market rate, instead of at affordable rates for people with low-income levels.

Moreover, the housing authority also de­veloped fewer units for low-and moderate-income individuals than required. Bottom line: Investments may and many times exceed what was agreed upon. There is no clarity on how many housing units will be delivered or if the units will be affordable for people who need it most. “The city needs stronger oversight to confirm the affordable housing results it promises,” says Auditor O’Brien. “It’s clear the city is too trusting in third-party partners and as a result the people who need the most help could be left out.”

Half Have High Rent

Just as shocking and upsetting, the audit reveals that half of the units in the city’s D3 agreement exceed the rents allowed by that agreement.

The housing authority reported 203 market-rate units paid for by the city’s D3 agreement were rented for between 60% and 90% of area median income. The housing authority claims this counts toward contract requirements because they are lower than the average rental prices in Denver, which are about 120% of the area median income.

While about half of these ar

Loose Connections: Audits of 20 affordable housing projects funded by the Department of Housing Stability found shoddy upkeep, including exposed-damaged electrical wires.

e rented at rates for people in the target income, the lower-than-average prices are not guaranteed if market conditions change — resulting in potential rent increases and loss of affordability.

District Deals

Additionally, some City Council districts are receiving more affordable housing resources than allowed. Specifically, districts 1, 3, 8, and 9 all received more affordable housing funds than allowed.

Further, district 3 was restricted to receiving fewer funds than other districts because of existing affordable housing investments. While the agreement allows the department to grant a waiver to any one district, except district 3, discussions about waivers are ongoing.

The housing authority is also counting units developed with “different city funding sources” as part of the D3 project, further inflating the results.

Clinch & Confirm

Finally, the audit found several other areas in which the city can make improvements to maintain and improve the city’s affordable housing struggle.

First, the city is not ensuring contractors are complying with wage laws on affordable housing projects. These projects may be sub­ject to federal wage requirements or the city’s prevailing wage ordinance.

The Department of Housing Stability also needs to verify income annually for residents. The department also needs adequate

controls over its data, including what is used to populate public dashboards.

Agree To Improve

The Department of Housing Stability has agreed to implement nearly 90% (17 of the 19) of the audit recommendations.

It is disappointing, however, that the department chose to disagree with two of the audit recommendations. Those ­proposals would significantly improve the city’s inspection and maintenance of homeless units. Furthermore, it would ensure affordable housing is sanitary and safe.

The audit found issues at 14 of 21 homeless properties, despite inspection forms from the city showing no issues at the same properties.