Neighborhood Redevelopment Project's Future Questionable

Development company, Cherokee Denver recently had to give ownership of a 16-acre portion of the site known as the Gates Rubber Factory back to Gates, Corp. due to lack of financing to finish the extensive environmental cleanup that has been underway since 2001.  Another portion of the site that was sold to Trammell Crow Residential has already seen the development of 475 apartments.  The City of Denver, through the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, has pledged $85 million toward the project, which would create a "residential and retail hub designed around access to public transportation", according to this Denver Post article.  Although no public money has been spent to-date, the City will be able to issue those funds if redevelopment continues during the next 25 years. The site is located several blocks west of the Venture office, and we hope to see continued redevelopment as the economy improves.

Seattle Firm Uses Old-School Technology, Innovation to Go Green

This interesting article in GreenSource describes how Seattle-based architecture firm, Weber Thompson takes a "less-is-more" approach to sustainable design.  The 40,000 sf Terry Thomas building was designed to, "operate efficiently without using a lot of expensive technology".  It's central courtyard works with vents, controls, and window openings to channel warm air out and cool air into the building, making air conditioning unnecessary.  Energy consumption was cut by 50% without the use of photovoltaic technology, and the building received LEED-Platinum (interiors) and LEED-Gold (core & shell) ratings. Check out the image gallery for a closer look at this impressive building. 

Possible Extension for First-time Homebuyer Credit

The $8,000 tax credit that has helped 1.4 million first-time homebuyers since it was put in place last year may be extended for an additional 6 months. The credit, which is set to expire on December 1, has helped to, "spark a rebound in the sluggish housing market", according to this Denver Business Journal article. The National Association of Realtors is supporting this tax credit extension.

Construction Underway at Botanical Interests HQ

Check out the first round of construction photos from Botanical Interests HQ. Venture Architecture worked with the Broomfield-based seed company to design new office space and remodel their existing offices.

Companies Paying More to Lease LEED Office Space

LEED [Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design] buildings are being snapped up by commercial tenants willing to pay higher lease rates to live and work better in their office space-- and look good doing it. Check out this article in the Denver Post:
"Colorado Businesses Chasing a New 'Green'".

Good Design Sells

This article, written by Venture founder, Martin Goldstein, was published in the 9/2/09 - 9/15/09 edition of the Colorado Real Estate Journal.

"Fighting the Real Estate Fight with Good Design"

One way to combat today’s real estate troubles is to pay more attention to the details during the design process. It’s easy to become consumed with the business of real estate, but now is the time for owners, project managers, and owner representatives to invest additional time and attention into the design process. While the design itself cannot solve a real estate inventory glut, a well-designed project, and one that is well thought through, will lease or sell faster and will in the long run improve the value of the property.

Remodel in Denver's Pennsylvania Historic District Complete

Substantial completion has been achieved on the excellent and extensive remodel of a 6,000 sf single family Victorian residence in Denver's Pennsylvania Historic District. The Levin Family took residence on Tuesday, September 1st. Be sure to click on the 1040 Pennsylvania blog, "This Abused House" . It captures the ups and downs of their experience throughout the remodel process. The owner had a strong vision and deep commitment to this project that led the design and construction teams. Look for photos in the coming months on our blog and soon to be updated "Projects" section of Venture's website portfolio.

Dovetail Solutions Begins Construction This Month

Dovetail Solutions, Inc. is slated to begin construction on Thursday, September 10. This amazing PR firm with a unique focus on corporate, public, and non-profit partnerships will see a complete remodel over the coming weeks. Responsible for countless PR and political campaigns, Dovetail Solutions, Inc. is a highly talented group ideally located in an historic building at the southwest end of LoDo's Larimer Street Shopping District. We are honored and excited to support this firm and its remodel project.

www.dovetailsolutions.com