The site of Denver’s storied Pagliacci’s restaurant in the Highlands neighborhood will soon host a new multifamily project named Lumina. A local team led by TreeHouse Brokerage & Development is finalizing plans for 61 boutique-style rental lofts in a five-story building designed by Denver architects Tres Birds Workshop.
Inspired by the history of Pagliacci’s and Colorado’s abundant sunlight, Lumina will feature a curved façade accented by a decorative screen that creates dynamic patterns when penetrated by light. The design offers a streamlined building with visual flair, but one that also fits into the context of the rapidly changing LoHi neighborhood. Along with the delicate metal screen, rooftop plantings will add a natural element to the building.
The original Pagliacci’s signs, purchased with the property, will be installed as a decorative element and an unofficial historic marker.
TreeHouse’s Clem Rinehart says he and partner Jonathan Alpert are sensitive to the fact that the 66-year-old restaurant was a favorite of many locals and an important part of the neighborhood’s character and history. They also feel a responsibility to the history of Pagliacci’s.
“We always plan our projects to add to a neighborhood in terms of improved use and design, but in this case, it was especially critical to us that we create something interesting and special while honoring the history of the site,” Rinehart says.
He adds that when the previous owners decided to close the business and sell the property, they selected TreeHouse’s offer over several others because “we are a local group interested in creating something new on the site—instead of another restaurant—while paying homage to what was there before.”
Along with developer TreeHouse and architect Tres Birds Workshop, owner-investor Cavaliere Enterprises is playing an active role on the development team. Cavaliere is led by local father-daughter team Greg and Edee Anesi.
Edee is also the owner of Anesi Fine Art and a resident of LoHi. “The fact that we’re all residents of northwest Denver gives us a unique perspective and a sense of ownership,” says TreeHouse’s Alpert. “We all love Denver’s urban neighborhoods and share the mission of developing them in a unique and thoughtful way.”
Lumina will contain a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom rental lofts and will be constructed to maximize energy efficiency. Construction is scheduled to begin in late summer and will be complete in fall 2014. Pre-leasing will begin during summer 2014.
