Landscape architect prospers in tough economy
On the long plane ride from Denver to China, landscape architect Craig Karn read the best seller, “The World is Flat,” by Thomas L. Friedman.
“Hey, that is us,” Karn thought, while reading the book about how there are increasingly no geographic or other barriers to doing global business in these days of heightened technology.
“Our tiny little firm is doing this giant, transit-oriented, re…
Celebration on Wednesday for 2020 Lawrence
The public is invited May 15 to attend the official grand opening of one of the most energy-efficient apartment high-rises in the nation - the 10-story, 231-unit 2020 Lawrence in Denver’s Ballpark neighborhood.
Tesla Motors will demonstrate how its electric cars can be charged at one of the stations at 2020 Lawrence and details of the nation’s first-of-its kind rooftop greenhouse will be discussed at the even that will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The celebration…
Mental Health Center receives LEED Platinum certification
The Mental Health Center of Denver’s Recovery Center recently was awarded LEED Platinum certification, representing the first major reuse and revitalization of a building in the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center campus in Denver.
The certification is part of MHCD’s vision of being the greenest mental health facility in the country.
“We believe that the Recovery Center is the only mental health facility in Colorado and the second in the nation…
Public, private sectors produce sustainability strategies
Public-private partnerships have long proven to benefit both sectors if the parties involved remain focused on the goals they seek to gain from the relationship. For years, private-sector companies have realized that by partnering with public programs, often they are able to reduce expenses, which is a sought-after goal for any business. More recently, the commercial real estate industry has begun to capitalize on the concept that sustainability strategies do not just benefit a co…
Containers used for innovative project on Larimer
Denver-based Gravitas Development Group announced today it has broken ground on an innovative retail development in the Upper Larimer area that is constructed out of 29 reclaimed shipping containers.
The nine commercial spaces, with a total 7,360 square feet, will be constructed with containers at 25th and Larimer streets that previously had been used for transporting goods around the world. It will open this summer.
Individual spaces range from 320 to 1,280 sf. Sim…
GSA, design-build partners balance sustainability, history
After nearly two years of construction, work is complete on what is slated to be the U.S. General Services Administration’s first site net-zero energy building on the National Register.
The GSA recently rededicated the 95-year-old Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse at 400 Rood Ave. in Grand Junction.
The $15 million project, financed with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, is designed not only to be the GSA’s first site net-zero energ…
Colorado continues to be among LEEDing states
Colorado continues to be a LEEDer – at least when it comes to green building.
The U.S. Green Building Council released its annual list of the top 10 states for new LEED certifications in 2012, on which Colorado ranks No. 3. Last year, Colorado was ranked No. 2.
Colorado’s ranking is hardly surprising, noted Angie Fyfe, executive director, USGBC Colorado Chapter.
“The level of commitment and talent among Colorado’s green building community is demonstrated…
'Expanding' horizons for mechanical design
It’s an energy-conscious building that “expanded horizons” for mechanical design.
The Denver Department of Human Services Eastside Building, for which ACEC Colorado recently awarded MKK Consulting Engineers Inc. a 2013 Engineering Excellence Award, is part of the growing trend of furthering sustainability through mechanical design.
“This project gave us a great opportunity not only to help repurpose an existing vacant site with a facility that serves the …
Lakewood recognized for green practices
The city of Lakewood recently was recognized for its use of green building practices on the 11th Avenue Head Start facility at 6201 W. 11th Ave. in Lakewood.
The facility, which opened in fall 2011, achieved LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, making it the first city-built facility to achieve the recognition.
"If we can save money on utilities, we have more for other program expenses – materials, supplies, field trips, the fun th…
Capitol Hill gets green apartment
The Denver-based Forum Real Estate Group has opened a five-story, 57-unit, Class-A and energy efficient apartment building in Capitol Hill, which it believes is the first new apartment building in the neighborhood in at least a decade.
The Logan is at East Sixth Avenue and Logan Street, on vacant land that Forum purchased in 2011.
“This…
City of Lafayette named conservation leader
The city of Lafayette has been named Community Conservation Leader of the year by the Center for ReSource Conservation.
The award is presented to an individual or organization demonstrating outstanding leadership and creative vision toward a more sustainable future for the community and embodies the principles of conservation and environmental protection.
The city was recognized for its efforts, which included reducing waste at city and community events; increasing recycling and…
Multiphase project to boost sustainability of CU-Boulder
A campuswide effort is under way in Boulder to help reinforce the University of Colorado’s reputation as a leader in sustainability and an innovator in efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
The multiphased project, anticipated to be fully operational by winter 2014, comprises three main elements: construction of a new heating and cooling plant that will be known as the East District Energy Plant and will serve as a showcase for energy-efficient concepts; renovation of the exi…
ULI honors Red Oak Park in Boulder
Boulder Housing Partners and its Red Oak Park development have won a 2012 Global Award for Excellencein Real Estate Design and Development by the Urban Land Institute.
BHP executive director Betsey Martens accepted the award this morning at ULI’s 75th anniversary national conference in Denver that ends today.
Red Oak Park was selected as one of 14 global winners from among a broad mix of exemplary projects from around the world, according to Randall K. Rowe, Chair of the U…
Breckenridge looks to a variety of green initiatives
Things are looking green in Breckenridge.
And it’s only getting greener.
The town has a number of green initiatives under way and another in the works, all designed to improve the mountain town’s sustainability.
Half a year after its completion, a seven-site solar array distributed throughout Breckenridge is performing at an average of 10 percent above expectations since their commissioning in January, while the SustainablBreck Business Program has been eagerly embr…
Aurora waiving SIR rezoning fees through end of 2013
The city of Aurora's new Sustainable Infill and Redevelopment (SIR) Zoning District recently established allows for creative approaches to sustainable development and redevelopment within high-profile, targeted areas of the city, ultimately resulting in business growth and expanded living choices.To jumpstart the program, the city has decided to waive SIR rezoning fees through the end of 2013 within the strategic areas identified as SIR target areas in the city's Comprehensive Pla…
Colorado Brownfields assists regional tourism coalition
The Colorado Brownfields Foundation recently completed the first phase of technical assistance being provided to a coalition of Colorado communities undertaking a heritage tourism strategic planning effort.
CBF conducted a tour of cultural and heritage sites across south central Colorado; such as the towns of Canon City, Florence, Pueblo, and Trinidad that connect multiple scenic byways and are gateways to numerous mountain ranges and recreation opportunities. CBF met with local …
Brownsfield grant funded for cleanup of abandoned mine site
The Colorado Brownfields Foundation recently provided a grant to assist Hinsdale County in the management and cleanup necessary to restore a heritage tourism site.
The grant will assist in the cleanup of the Ute Ulay Townsite, an abandoned mine site, located along Henson Creek, just outside of Lake City. The townsite comprises about six structures that are succumbing to weather and vandalism. The current owner wants to donate it to the community, however, a cleanup is neces…
Charter named first CHPS-certified green school in state
Alta Vista Charter School recently was named the first Collaborative for High Performance Schools-certified green school in Colorado.
The K-6 charter school in Lamar was certified by CHPS, a national organization dedicated to optimizing K-12 learning environments and improving student performance and the entire educational experience.
SlaterPaull Architects designed the school, which was constructed by JHL Constructors. The project includes a 23,000-square-foot building addition…
W.W. Reynolds retrofits nearly 1 million square feet
Nearly one million square feet in Boulder is a little greener these days. The W.W. Reynolds Cos. has retrofit almost one million sf of its commercial properties over the past 18 months throughout Boulder County through EnergySmart and Xcel Energy commercial rebates. Read more in the July 4-July 17 issue.
Re/Max building achieves LEED Gold rating
Re/Max's 14-story Denver headquarters building recently achieved the LEED Gold certification for existing buildings. The office building is one of 62 Colorado facilities certified under the Existing Building rating system and 322 total LEED projects in the state. Read more in an upcoming issue of the Colorado Real Estate Journal.