Avoidance of the obvious

This mixed-use concept was a winner of the 2014 Welton Design/Development Challenge, led by Denver's office of Economic Development Opportunity (DEDO). The challenge, initiated by then-Mayor Michael B. Hancock, was intended to create, “bold, transformational change,” where “intentional public investment meets smart, strategic partnerships.” This “creative predevelopment strategy” Hancock said, would “work to demonstrate the possibilities of the Welton corridor to the larger development, investment and retail community,” and “honor this historical neighborhood while igniting some real momentum into jobs, housing and retail for Five Points.” Paul Washington, DEDO executive director at the time, stated that “with its proximity to downtown, excellent transit and historical cache, there is no reason that this important corridor can’t be the next retail and housing hot spot.”

Spanning three lots along the Welton Corridor in Denver’s Five Points Cultural Historic District, the development strove to create a sophisticated environment and “Innovation Office Space” for growing, creative businesses that had passed their incubator stage and developed into established companies. The project included roughly 18,000 SF of commercial, residential, retail, and restaurant space. Although the project was awarded a grant, the project was unable to be realized, and it was declined with great respect and appreciation for the opportunity it afforded.