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DENVER -- The Sports Castle is still sitting empty after Sports Authority moved out and aside from a few pop-ups, there hasn't been much activity. New plans submitted to the City of Denver would redevelop sites around the iconic building that's probably most well-known as the former home of Gart Bros. Sporting Goods.
If this sounds familiar, another developer previously submitted plans to the city back in February. That proposal was replaced with a new project that would include two 13-story buildings.
City officials say the application that was received is not for the Sports Castle Building. Denver-based architect Shears Adkins Rockmore has proposed a mixed-use development located at 1050 Broadway and 1001 Lincoln. The development to the north of the Sports Castle would be mixed-use residential with retail on the ground floor, and on the east side it would be a senior living development.
"I have really good memories of the Sports Castle, it’s kind of always been a historic (building) for those of us who grew up here," said Lindsay Anthis, Assistant General Manager for the Broadway Market.
Anthis helps manage a brand new food hall across the street and she's excited to see what the project could bring to the area. She's also glad to see the castle being preserved.
"I mean, that building, I think anybody can appreciate it whether you grew up here or not. It's a beautiful building, I don't think any Colorado native would want to see it torn down, building around it I think is a great idea," said Anthis.
The Capitol Hill United Neighbors will be reviewing the plans to ensure the new buildings meet the needs of the neighborhood while holding true to the core values of the community. President Travis Leiker said the Sports Castle is a unique piece of Denver history and he hopes the developer can strike a fine balance of incorporating it into the new design.
"It’s iconic in terms of it’s design structure and historical significance and I would hate for Denver to lose that," said Leiker.