DenverUrbanism Blog

Back in December we took a look at the old Xcel Energy office building that was being converted into a dual-brand hotel. Since then, the project is now complete and both hotels are open. This is also the first dual-branded hotel to open in Downtown Denver containing the Homewood Suites and the Hampton Inn & Suites.

I had to capture this building at both day and night. The street presence this building adds to this segment of 15th Street is phenomenal, especially at night given this is a very dark not-so-pedestrian-friendly area in our downtown. This is a 12-story building that is divided in two for each hotel. The Hampton Inn will have 120-units occupying floors 2 through 5, and the Homewood Suites will occupy floors 6 through 12 with 182-units. There are two separate check in desks but the amenities, pool and fitness room, are shared.

There is a drive-up valet loop which does require cars to cross over the sidewalk just like its next door neighbor, the Hyatt Regency. In these two pictures alone, you can clearly see how this building engages the street level much better than how it used to. It’s also all about the details between the artistic awnings, lit columns and blue accented entryways.

Heading down Welton, you will find an outdoor patio and entrance to the hotel bar. The lobby has also been opened up. When walking around the building, you will have floor-to-ceiling glass views of the lobby.

This adaptive reuse project is something this segment of 15th Street really needed. Between the new protected bike lane and the aLoft under-construction, this street is beginning to see a transformation that will help enhance the pedestrian experience on 15th Street.

Today we are heading over to Capitol Hill to look at an adaptive reuse project called Shift Workspaces. The building at 383 Corona Street used to be a very underutilized building with only a couple offices in it. Now, it is used for shared workspaces or coworking. This is an open environment where you can either rent out a desk or cubicle for yourself all the way up to renting private conference rooms and offices for your small business. This space is geared towards small businesses, entrepreneurs, start-ups, and independent professionals who all work together in a very comfortable environment. Not to mention, they even have a small workout room! I had a great opportunity to peek inside thanks to Brian Lantzy of Boutique Apartments. Let’s take a look!

On the ground level you are greeted with a very relaxing, industrial-esque workspace environment. This is primarily where you can rent out a table for a group, or a desk for yourself to get some work done.

Continuing around on the ground floor, you have private conference rooms which have the option to open up via a garage door. The room with the couches is now better utilized by getting converted to an office with tables and chairs.

You will also find a kitchen and common area which is great for networking or taking a break. Did I mention they always have coffee?

Going upstairs, there are cubicles, along more private workspaces. Some workspaces include a secure cabinet for secure storage. There are also configurations upstairs that are made for small groups that may not need an entire office.

Coworking is becoming popular especially here in Denver. Shift is running at full capacity which is a great sign given this is a fairly recent development. Head on over to their website for pricing and additional details.