Denver’s Lower Downtown has been transformed by the new mixed-use development McGregor Square. The project includes a 176-room hotel, 104 residences and commercial and retail outlets as well as the Colorado Rockies Hall of Fame. Most importantly, it has revitalized a key downtown neighborhood.

The project was a once-in-a-lifetime design-assist opportunity for Encore Electric, whose preconstruction team was responsible for helping to maintain the overall budget while finding ways to reduce costs and deliver the owner’s vision. Encore managed the electrical construction, life-safety systems and technology solutions. The work included installing security, access control, networking and audio-visual systems. 

Photo courtesy Encore Electric

Encore also worked closely with general contractor Hensel Phelps to organize all the construction trades in meeting life-safety needs. Life-safety systems for a high-rise project of this size are paramount, and the design includes three separate fire command centers with three networked fire alarm control panels for each building. Because the parking and common areas are shared by hotel guests and residents, the systems are interconnected. 

Photo courtesy Encore Electric

Technology was integrated in every part of the project. Encore’s technology solutions team was heavily involved in the design of both telecom and security, which required extensive collaboration between the technology designers and Hensel Phelps. For example, the residential tower access control is all mobile-device enabled, as it is for the parking, fitness, pool and condo facilities as well. A large format video screen in the plaza is visible from various restaurants, shops, bars and even an outdoor seating area, bringing the action of the ballgame going on next door to visitors and fans outside the stadium.