Page 22 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

Building location
Many opportunities for adaptive reuse
exist along the corridor, including this
former auto body shop and pet board- square feet. Smaller buildings include storefronts, gas stations
ing located at Elm and Colfax.
The Branding Iron Motel at 8600
East Colfax is one of many L-shaped
motels along the corridor.
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Another key factor is the location of the building on its site. Some
are located right at the sidewalk edge, others setback a limited
amount or with substantial setbacks. Those properties with large
building setbacks often have parking in front. Examples are restau-
rants, gyms and auto-oriented strip malls. Car dealerships, car
washes, and gas stations also are in this category, all of which are
auto-oriented. Buildings with medium-sized setbacks also incor-
porate a variety of uses, mostly auto-oriented, and with extensive
parking. They may have large curb cuts in front to allow for pull-in
parking. Finally, there are properties with little or no setback.
These are often older shopfronts located at the sidewalk edge.
Building size
Most candidate buildings along East Colfax are small to medi-
um in size. Older shopfront buildings range from 2,000 to 5,000
square feet. Medium-sized buildings range from 5,000 to 10,000
and fast food restaurants. Medium-sized buildings are most often
restaurants with indoor dining rooms, while others are offices or
auto service uses. Others are motels and gyms.
Building age
Buildings along East Colfax vary in age, from the late 1800s to
present day. While new construction is happening along the cor-
ridor, many older properties remain. Many were built in the early
1900s. Some are locally designated as individual landmarks or
contributing to historic districts.
Building type
Adaptive Reuse candidates also may be considered by a “building
types” classification that is frequently described in architectural
surveys. Some typical building types in the pilot area are:
• Early twentieth century storefront
• Mid-century commercial box
• House with commercial addition in front
• L-plan motel
• Office building
• Drive-through commercial
City of Denver, CO