Urban Villages in partnership with world-renowned architecture practice Studio Gang, revealed the design of a new 145,000-gross-square-foot, 13-story mixed-use building – known as “Populus” – located at 14th Street and Colfax Avenue, immediately adjacent to Civic Center Park. Populus is designed to reenergize Civic Center Park, connecting the Golden Triangle Creative District to downtown Denver.
This architecturally stunning building will include a 250-key hotel, 40 micro-apartments, a public rooftop bar and view deck, a variety of event spaces including an expansive ballroom with views of the Colorado State Capitol, and an activated ground-level lobby with multiple food and beverage offerings. Working closely with the Civic Center Conservancy, Urban Villages is committed to helping restore, enhance and activate Civic Center Park as an important civic and cultural hub for Denver.
Image © Studio Gang
As Denver’s only National Historical Landmark, Civic Center Park is surrounded by some of the most architecturally significant buildings in Colorado, including the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver City and County Building, the Denver Art Museum and the Denver Public Library. In order to honor the significance of this prominent site in the heart of Denver, Urban Villages conducted an international search for an architect, interviewing many of the most celebrated firms in the world. Populus will be Studio Gang’s first building in Colorado, introducing design diversity to the city.
In addition to complying with Denver’s Green Building Ordinance, the project will include multiple features designed to improve the building’s operational efficiencies while minimizing its impact on the environment. Populus derives its name from the scientific classification of Colorado’s native aspen tree (Populus tremuloides), which served as inspiration for the building’s unique design. The project is currently in the building permit process. Construction is expected to begin later in 2021 with the goal of delivery in 2023. Source and images Courtesy of Studio Gang.
Image © Studio Gang 
Image © Studio Gang