Denver is trailblazing a progressive redevelopment called Steam on the Platte by rediscovering the city’s oldest (and newest) urban neighborhood.
Steam on the Platte is a 3.2-acre, mixed-use project in Denver’s abandoned industrial corridor near the Platte River, located near the I-25 viaduct at 14th Avenue and Zuni Street. Construction will begin in fourth quarter of 2015, and the first phase will be completed by third quarter of 2016. The project is being led by Denver’s Urban Ventures LLC and White Construction Group.
The project’s name honors the juxtaposition of industry and nature, connecting the character and energy of the area’s industrial steam plants and smokestacks with the Platte River’s movement and sustainability.
Advocates tout its convenient downtown location, a light rail stop, bike path, sports arena access and riverside setting to make it desirable for businesses and residents who crave an authentic blend of Denver’s historical and edgy culture.
“The idea of new life in this industrial corridor is transformational, both culturally and economically,” said Paul Washington, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development, and champion of the redevelopment. “Steam on the Platte is a catalyst for both the redevelopment of Sun Valley and the Platte River, which are high priorities of Mayor Hancock.”
The project hearkens back to the Denver of the late 1800s. Steam on the Platte includes the largest remaining undeveloped exposed brick-and-timber warehouse in the city, which had been neglected for several decades.
Urban Ventures and White Construction will transform the 65,000-sq-ft warehouse into creative new office space. In addition, an existing building that features a bowstring roof adjacent to the river will host a restaurant slated for completion in late 2016 or early 2017. Future phases of development include additional commercial office and residential space.
“Steam on the Platte is the perfect blend of environment and industry, inspired by the spirit and energy of Denver,” said Susan Powers, president and founder of Urban Ventures. “We discovered a local gem that just needs some polishing.”
Urban Ventures and White Construction formed a partnership in 2014 to acquire and redevelop the property. The development team has selected tres birds workshop as architect for the renovation of the site’s signature warehouse. White Construction Group will be the contractor for the project. This team is recognized for its historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects recycling former industrial properties.
SAP technology-consulting firm NIMBL is the anchor tenant for the renovated warehouse and will set the stage for other tech and creative businesses to join the community.
“This redevelopment is aligned with our core values for revitalization, discovery and leadership,” said Yosh Eisbart, CEO and co-founder of NIMBL. “We embrace the project’s old-and-new impact and are excited about being part of a major activation within this historic neighborhood.”
