DENVER – Larimer Square’s steward wants to further revitalize the historic area downtown by putting in new affordable housing, green roof spaces and other housing and business spaces.
Larimer Associates CEO Jeff Hermanson is partnering with Denver-based Urban Villages, a real estate developer, to put together a proposal that will be sent to city planners in coming months that will outline the redevelopment.
The partners say they would put in two new buildings that would be located in the alleys and courtyards of Larimer Square. One would be dedicated to affordable housing, while the renovations would also include adding rooftop gardens and new business spaces to the alleyways.
Hermanson and Urban Villages say they believe that adding such spaces will allow people to live and work in downtown Denver when they would otherwise not be able to do so.
“Our intention is to invest heavily in the block so that it continue to stand the test of time,” Hermanson said. “We want to preserve all that is special and historic while ensuring this iconic block remains vibrant for generations to come.”
The team says it hopes to start construction in 2019 if it can get approval from the necessary city officials.
“We anticipate this project will stand alone amid the transformation Denver is experiencing through the thoughtful integration of historic properties and modern amenities,” said Urban Villages’ chief development officer, Jon Buerge.
The partners added that part of the interest in the redevelopment came from concerns over some of the buildings’ old and deteriorating infrastructures.