by Valley Gadfly | Mar 18, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
Playing practical jokes on the first day — April Fools’ Day — showers the start of a month known for lovely weather, blossoming gardens, and springtime bliss, as days get longer, brighter.
“April Come She Will,” by the music duo Simon & Garfunkel, signaled that it’s a time of year for change and new beginnings, a time for outdoor adventures, and joyous feelings.
Here are our green traffic light choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as April is a reminder that something better is around the corner and the Valley shouts, “Go!”:
Experience the multi-instrumentalists blending of Celtic, Americana, Folk, and Indie Rock as the Colorado Symphony presents Elephant Revival with Bonnie Paine doing vocals at Boettcher April 3, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Don’t miss the warm and funny River City Musical “The Music Man” playing at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 5-7, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-987-7845.
Snag seats to grasp the spirit that shot Michael Jackson to fame at the Colorado premiere of MJ at the Buell Theatre, April 10-28. Information: 720-865-4220.
Let the big, and beautiful sound of the city’s giant organs wrap around you again by taking the Organ Crawl Bus Tour on Aug. 12. Information: 303-447-8679.
Host jaw-dropping events for 12 or 1200 your guests will never forget at Infinity Park Event Center. Pick from 8,600-sq.-ft. ballroom, an outside stadium, or small spaces. Unforgettable concerts, festivals. Information: 303-248-7100.
Treat the family to over 100 restaurants featuring more than 20 international cuisines along On Havana Street in Aurora from 6th Ave. to Dartmouth. Select from a range of casual to fine dining spots. Information: OnHavanaStreet.com.
Swing over to the sprawling Topgolf entertainment venue with the family to enjoy the Shalom Park Fundraiser April 17, 6-9 p.m. Information: 303-400-2219.
Catch the Takt Trio — trio for violin, horn, and piano, alongside Brahm’s horn trio – at the Newman Center April 19, 7:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7720.
Hatsune Miku sings at Mission Ballroom’s Miku Concert & Expo, plus enjoy Japanese-local artist workshop April 22, 8 p.m. Information: 720-577-6884.
You’ll love Ballet Ariel’s Silver Anniversary Dance Collection at the Lakewood Cultural Center April 27-28, 7:30 p.m., 28th 1 p.m. Information: 303-945-4388.
Join this year’s “Minds Matter” as they celebrate their 20th Anniversary serving Colorado students. This year’s extra special fundraiser is at Glendale’s Infinity Park Event Center April 27, 6 p.m. You’ll be inspired by the students and their stories while enjoying a crafted dinner and cocktails. Denver-based “Minds Matter” helps high school students from low-income families succeed in college, create their future, and change the world. Information: 720-663-7297.
April is really when the stunning, invigorating season starts to feel like it’s happening. Barren trees burst into tiny blossoms, and we can count on a handful of long, perfect days.
The climate is generally warm, creating a season of bliss, of blooming gardens, and a time for romance. The changing nature of the season is a metaphor for changing moods.
April rain is not a cause to complain; it’s busy preparing the terrain for spring to sustain. When April Fools’ Day arrives, believe nothing, trust no one, just like any other day.
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Main Articles
District’s First Ever Data Driven Study Of BID’s Growth Exposes Rising Congestion, Slowing Business, And Declining Quality Of Life
by Glen Richardson
Creek Car Congestion: District’s growth has had biggest impact at 1st Ave. & University. New Cherry Creek West project will worsen traffic problem, BID’s data analysis forewarns. Photo by Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite
One of the most dynamic business and residential areas in the Mile High City, development in Cherry Creek North has exceeded the 10-year forecast. The attraction of businesses and their office space needs, moreover, is accelerating the desire of certain businesses to relocate to the district from other areas of the city.
With the impressive growth has come traffic congestion, parking, and transportation problems. The first ever data driven analysis of the Business Improvement District’s (BID) actual growth and development since 2012 has just been released. Study is being distributed to various RNO’s, neighborhood organizations, plus city agencies. Those with comments and concerns should contact their city councilman.
The analysis is the mastermind of retired longtime Cherry Creek resident volunteers David Steel, former President of Western Development Group; and Wayne New, former Denver District 10 City Councilman. The pair piloted the study because they care about the community and want to maintain the quality of life and success that all businesses and residents now enjoy. Furthermore, the business-residential leaders have more than 40 years of real estate experience in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
Creek Data Analysis
Cherry Creek North’s growth has had the greatest traffic effect on 1st Ave., University, and surrounding neighborhood streets. The
Steel-New data analysis of the district emphasizes that fact and is key to recommendations they are making. Bottom line: The more difficult it becomes to move around the district, the less appealing it will become.
Albeit the pending Cherry Creek West development is planned on Cherry Creek Shopping Center property, it will have a significant impact on 1st Ave. traffic and its efficient movement through Cherry Creek.
The proposed 1,918,170-sq.-ft. development will create the highest grouping of high-rise buildings in the Cherry Creek area. More important to 1st Ave., the seven-building development will create 1,922 vehicle trips during the evening (PM) peak hour. That’s at an intersection that has already reached its maximum vehicle capacity according to traffic standards.
Building Toward Gridlock
West End Traffic Trap: Despite being on Cherry Creek Shopping Center property, massive Cherry Creek West project will add to gridlock at the 1st Ave. & University intersection.
Cherry Creek West development vehicle trips will only add to the present 1st Ave. traffic movement problems. In addition, the East West Partner’s Large Development framework document estimates that 3,000 new jobs will be added, increasing the vehicle trip counts.
Using the 2013 national standard ratios to calculate Cherry Creek West vehicle trips per evening (PM) peak hour, the number of vehicle trips was determined to be 1,922 trips for all three building uses.
Three of the seven proposed buildings will be devoted to residential use and will be required to abide by the City’s affordable housing requirements, which would reserve 10% of the units for low to moderate income households. The framework description lists the residential buildings as having 598 units.
Project Cutback Proposed
To reduce the traffic impact from Cherry Creek West, the study recommends the following changes to the development plans:
Reduce the building heights from the proposed 12-13-stories to 8-stories, which would be consistent with Cherry Creek BID Zoning. Change the numbers of proposed office buildings from four to three, and change the number of proposed residential buildings from three to four.
Since community residential space is needed more due to the number of existing and new office space developments, new mixed-use development should emphasize residential use. Increasing the residential square-footage will have a dramatic reduction in traffic volumes generated by the project. The vehicle trip standard for office use is approximately three-times the standard for residential use, and the standard for retail use is five-times the level of residential traffic trips. An estimated 713 traffic trips per evening (PM) peak hour should assist in lessening the traffic impact on 1st Ave. and University.
Parking-Valet Service
Additionally, the study urges the continued support of Cherry Creek North’s BID Zoning. The pair say the 2014 rezoning process was a productive, cooperative process that greatly enhanced the previous BID zoning to allow and promote greater development within its boundaries. They emphasize, however, that it is important to recognize the rezoning requirement be maintained in order to minimize future growth and mobility problems.
Short term, the value of a BID Parking Benefit District should be studied. Such a district would tie the economic benefits of performance parking directly to improving the quality of life in the immediate area. Residents and businesses are more receptive to such a district as the revenues are reinvested in the neighborhood. Additionally, the value of a Parking Benefit District should be considered. They reduce traffic congestion while increasing local sales tax revenue.
With parking difficulties identified in Denver Moves Cherry Creek as a major problem, Steel and New also suggest a centralized BID area for a paid valet service should be organized and tested. It would provide a convenient one-stop spot for customers and residents using cars to park and shop in Cherry Creek. They also believe the 2013 Development & Traffic Study be maintained on a timely basis to project future growth and needs accurately. Lastly, they urge a professional planner-traffic engineer be engaged by BID to update the study.
Clayton-Sears Site
District Data Duo: First ever data driven analysis of BID’s growth was created by longtime resident volunteers. They are from left, David Steel, former President of Western Development Group, and Wayne New, former Denver District 10 City Councilman.
The Clayton-Sears development — the other Cherry Creek west-end development about to begin construction — is also expected to impact 1st Ave. traffic.
The site will feature 126,000-sq.-ft. of new four-story buildings plus ground floor retail space. An 867,000-sq.-ft. eight-story apartment building with 25 residential condominiums is planned above the existing Clayton parking garage.
Vehicle trip counts and traffic flow for the Clayton-Sears development will also have impact on 1st Ave. traffic flow. The project, moreover, will impact traffic on 2nd Ave., Columbine Street, and Clayton Lane. Fortunately, a large percentage of the project is devoted to residential use which produces fewer vehicle trips than retail uses.
Intersection Gridlock
How busy is the University Blvd. and 1st Ave. intersection? The Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) says it averages more than 50,000 vehicles every day. Moreover, DRCOG says the stretch of University Blvd. just south of 1st Ave. tallies more than 45,000 cars daily.
Overwhelmed by the traffic, commuters driving through the intersection contacted Denver7 Traffic Expert Jayson Luber in Sept. of 2023. The intersection traffic was “driving them crazy,” they told the reporter who has been with Denver7 since 2006 and reported traffic for KOA Radio prior to that.
The intersection supports cars traveling in multiple directions, Luber was told by the Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI). Cars going through the intersection are turning in multiple directions and must also provide time for people to safely cross on foot, all in about the span of two minutes. Moreover, they emphasized the two minutes is divvied up between all the different movements at the intersection. The morning light timing, the city told Luber, is designed to allow for more traffic to flow heading into downtown and prevent backups on University Blvd. and Speer Blvd. It is just the opposite in the afternoons, with more time allotted for eastbound traffic out of downtown.
Link Provided To View BID’s First Ever Data Driven Analysis
The Chronicle has provided a link to the full data driven analysis of BID’s actual growth and development since 2012. Titled “Reinvesting in the Future,” it is a progress Report and Analysis on Cherry Creek Growth, Development, Traffic, and Impacts on 1st Ave. View the study at: glendalecherrycreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Cherry-Creek-Analy sis-1-8-24.pdf.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Travel
Shamrocks & Shenanigans Set To Color Denver Green; Then Bunny Kisses & Easter Wishes Make Us Good Eggs
by Glen Richardson
May your heart be light and happy, may your smile be big and wide, the Mile High City is again Shamrockin’ & Rollin’ to Dublin Day in Denver.
Always celebrated with enthusiasm, with a bit of Irish blarney and a touch of magic too, St. Patrick’s Day begins at 9:30 a.m. on March 16 with the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River and one of the largest in the U.S.
With an Irish kiss, plus a snog o’ bliss, this month is egg-stra special with Easter falling on March 31. Hallelujah! Denver ends the month bringing baskets full of spring things to do ranging from egg hunt extravaganzas and bunny bolts to scrumptious spring feasting.
Mile High March: The largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade west of the Mississippi River steps off at 9:30 a.m. on March 16.
Magic Irish March
The parade will start on Wynkoop St. at 19th Ave., turn southeast down 17th Ave. before turning northeast on Blake St. — renamed Tooley St. for St. Paddy’s Day — then continue on Blake St. until 27th Ave. For a good viewing spot, people begin arriving at 6 a.m.
As in previous years, the parade is expected to draw more than 200,000 spectators. It will feature 10,000 plus participants, including Irish step dancers, marching bands, bagpipers, and elaborate floats.
The Mile High version is renowned, drawing nearly half a million people downtown on parade day. The St. Paddy’s Day crowd is believed to be Colorado’s largest single gathering in one place.
Pub Grub
Cherry Cricket Ballpark. Both the Cherry Creek and Blake St. locations offer deals in honor of St. Patrick’s Day, but the downtown space offers close access to the parade. Enjoy beer specials all weekend — including green Coors pours — plus Irish dishes such as Irish beef stew. Information: 303-297-3644.
The Irish Rover. This S. Broadway pub with a long lineup of Celtic brews, plus outdoor and rooftop seating, is the perfect St. Paddy’s Day spot. Try the Corned Beef Reuben & Fries, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers & Mash. There’s a Tent party on the 17th, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Information: 303-282-4643.
Corned Beef & Cabbage: Slice of Irish- American culture is no longer served in Denver except at Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s. Enjoy for lunch and dinner on Monday March 18.
Monaco Inn Restaurant. Corned Beef & Cabbage originated as part of Irish-American culture, but is no longer served in Denver. A dozen years ago this South Monaco Parkway restaurant started serving the dish as the Saint Patrick’s Day special. Restaurant is closed on Sunday, but is serving on Monday, March 18, for lunch and dinner. Information: 303-320-1104.
Scruffy Murphy’s. Rustic knickknack- filled Irish bar and beer garden on Larimer St. serves up suds, Scotch & snacks, plus live music. Kitchen serves a few Irish mainstays like Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash. Information: 303-291-6992.
Easter Ends March
Worship Services
Easter Sunrise Service: Easter begins early with the Colorado Council of Churches’ 77th Easter Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater at 5:30 a.m. on March 31. Gates open for services in a dramatic and spectacular setting at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship service music begins at 5:30 a.m., with services starting at 6 a.m.
Free and open to the public, seating and parking are on a first-come basis. Reserved parking-seating is sold out. The event is not collecting food donations this year.
Stunning Sunrise: The 77th Easer Sunrise Service at Red Rocks Amphitheater is March 31, 5:30 a.m. Gates open at 4:45 a.m., pre-worship music begins at 5:30 a.m.
The Blood Brothers — a six-piece band that plays rock, folk, country, blues, and worship music — will entertain. Additional details were not available as the Chronicle went to press. Information: 303-825-4910.
Cathedral Basilica: Holy week at the Basilica on the corner of Logan St. and Colfax Ave. has the church’s most beautiful liturgies. Holy Saturday Vigil is 8:15 p.m., Easter Sunday Mass is at 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-831-7010.
Saint John’s Cathedral: Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Colorado at 1350 N. Washington St. Easter Services are at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., & 11 a.m. There will be an Easter egg hunt for children following the 9 a.m. services on the East Lawn. Information: 303-831-1350.
Egg Hunts
Celtic Charm: This rare variation of the three-leaf clover, according to Irish tradition represents luck, love, faith, and hope.
Infinity Park: Get the kids excited about Easter early by taking them to the Glendale Easter Eggstravaganza at Infinity Park’s Turf Field on Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. There are three age group hunts: Ages 0-3, 4-6, and 7 to 12. Only one parent is allowed in egg hunts for children under the age of seven. No parents are allowed with children age 7+. Parking is in P1, located on the northeast corner of Kentucky & Cherry. Information: 303-639-4711.
Four Mile Park: One of the Valley’s biggest and far from conventional Easter Egg Hunts is at the 12-acre Four Mile Historic Park March 30, with events at 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The event includes a search for golden eggs, each concealing special prizes.
This year the park has crafted three distinct egg scrambles catering to kids of all ages. The youngest — aged four and under — can partake in a hunt in the kiddie corral. Meanwhile, older kids — aged five-nine and up — can engage in two separate hunts.
Post-hunt includes photos with the Easter bunny, and spring-themed crafts. A kid-friendly concert by Animal Farm features Inspector Magic. There’s also a Victorian Egg Rolling contest plus Magical Egg Chairs. Delectable snacks are available from food trucks, plus shopping at the Spring Marketplace. For adults, the Four Mile Bar features mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and a fully stocked bar. Information: 720-865-0800.
Egg-citing Eating
Egg-citing Egg Hunt: Four Mile Historic Park hosts one of the Valley’s biggest Easter Egg Hunts on March 30, at 8:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m.
Edge Restaurant: Hop over to the Edge Restaurant & Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel downtown for their annual Easter brunch. A raw bar, appetizers, salads, several entrée options, plus a carving station are usually offered. Information: 303-389-3050.
Ellyngton’s: Celebrate the holiday with breakfast and Easter brunch in the restaurant’s regal 19th-century dining room at the Brown Palace Hotel. Choices usually include waffles, pastries, omelets, salads, sushi, grilled meats, other choices. Information: 303-297-3111.
Fire Restaurant: Experience brunch at the indoor-outdoor Easter setting in the ART Hotel on Broadway. Spring omelets, much more, plus a Bunny Menu for the kids. Information: 720-709-4431.
Local Jones: For a tasty holiday morning in Cherry Creek North, do brunch at this classic bistro in the Halcyon Hotel. Always delightful. Information: 720-772-5022.
Monaco Inn Restaurant: Presenting annual Easter special from noon to 8 p.m. Restaurant is serving Colorado Spring Leg of Lamb with Greek potatoes, Greek Salad, and Avgolemono Soup. Menu also has other Greek & American specialties. Saganaki appetizer, plus homemade baklava for dessert. Information: 303-320-1104.
by Valley Gadfly | Feb 19, 2024 | Valley Gadfly
March is a meteorological smorgasbord. The month is full of contrasts: Some days it’s rainy and gloomy; on others, it feels like summer is just around the corner as we shift to spring.
Flu season is finally over, and the days are getting longer. Gardens, and weeds have started growing. Plus, we get more time outside. Daylight Savings starts on March 10.
Here are our magic March choices for shopping, dining, and entertainment as lads and lassies look for the Rainbow’s Pot O’ Gold and kiddos hunt for Easter’s Golden Egg:
You’ll be bedazzled as Gregory Goodloe entertains at downtown Jazz Club Dazzle March 1, 6:30 p.m. The singer and R&B-jazz guitarist claims Billboard’s Smooth Jazz Contemporary Number 1 spot. Information: 303-893-5100.
Experience Space Between Threads — a climate weavings & sculptures exhibit — at Denver Botanic Gardens, March 3 to June 9. Information: 720-865-3500.
Catch concert by Planina at Swallow Hill March 9, 8 p.m. Group plays tunes from country of Georgia following 2-week trip. Information: 303-777-1003.
Sinatra sensation Derek Evilsizor brings the Rat Pack’s swing and swagger to Cherokee Ranch Tribute Show March 15, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-688-5555.
Stay fit, have fun by joining the Glendale Sports Center. No joining fees, no contracts, and membership includes classes! Programs appeal to every age, fitness level. Trainers create blueprint, help you execute. Information: 303-639-4711.
March to Monaco Inn Restaurant for St. Paddy’s and Easter deals: Serving Corned Beef & Cabbage for lunch & dinner March 18. Double holiday feast: Serving Easter specials on March 31 from noon to 8 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
Celtic Pipes & Drums, Aubrey Jacobs, & the Celtic Steps entertain for St. Paddy’s at the Newman Center on March 16-17, 2:30 p.m. Information: 303-871-7715.
Catch singer-actress Madonna as she brings her London launched Celebration Tour to play the Ball Arena March 19, 8:30 p.m. Information: 303-405-1100.
Hear the Colorado Symphony & Chorus perform Mozart’s Requiem at Boettcher Concert Hall March 22-24, 7:30 p.m., Sat. 1 p.m. Information: 303-623-7876.
Enjoy the playful and inventive repertoire of pianist Ethan Iverson playing jazz and classical music at Dazzle March 28, 6:30 p.m. Information: 303-839-5100.
Enjoy a cocktail hour, dinner and wine, plus a program to celebrate International Women’s Day at this year’s Junior League of Denver fundraiser at Mile High Station March 8, 6 p.m. The League is currently working to disrupt the cycle of poverty for Denver women and their families. The Great Family Artists dance band performs, plus live and silent auctions. Black Tie is optional at the 12th annual event emceed by CBS’s Lauren Whitney. Information: 303-892-0270.
This March features a hilarious holiday mash-up, as St. Patrick’s Day and Easter go head-to-head. Leprechauns and Easter Bunnies battle for a hill to hide the Pot of Gold or Golden Egg.
Both are spring hooplas. St. Patrick’s is perceived as the middle day of spring in the Irish calendar. Easter is near the vernal equinox, when there are equal periods of light and darkness.
Both holidays adore humor. The Irish are always “Dublin” over with laughter. When Easter Eggs hear a funny joke, they crack up. Irish you a blissful St. Patrick’s Day!
— Glen Richardson
The Valley Gadfly can be reached at newspaper@glendalecherrycreek.com.
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.
