Page 5 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
Throughout the City and County of Denver, many older com-
mercial buildings are candidates for conversion to new uses or for
upgrades to enhance their existing uses. Typically, these buildings
were constructed under older codes and as owners seek to reno-
vate these properties, they may encounter challenges in meeting
contemporary regulations. These challenges can affect project
feasibility in terms of physical, economic and time constraints.

Smaller, older buildings in particular provide opportunities for
small businesses to establish themselves or to expand. These struc-
tures often add to the character of their neighborhoods with a
variety of building types, styles and periods of construction. Some
are historically significant, and others are simply older structures
that enrich the urban fabric and create a sense of place. Even as
Denver grows and experiences substantial redevelopment, adap-
tively reusing existing buildings will play an important role in the
City’s vitality, diversity and sustainability.

Adaptively reusing an existing building can be a cost-effective way
to establish or expand a small business. Even with the costs of
renovation, purchasing or renting an older building can be less ex-
pensive than commercial space in a new building. Small businesses
often serve nearby residents, which supports goals for stabilizing
neighborhoods.

For many small business owners, an adaptive reuse project may be
the first experience with the City’s permitting systems. They may
not work with architects or project managers who understand the
process and therefore frequently encounter surprises. They may
not anticipate some requirements when developing their business
plan and renovation strategy. Others struggle to absorb the added
costs of some of the requirements.

Denver’s various departments and agencies seek to accommo-
date adaptive reuse projects in different ways. Some provide basic
guidance for first-time users on the City’s websites and, when
code issues are encountered, they offer some degree of flexibility,
although within limits. Even so, there is no system-wide program
for addressing adaptive reuse. This Paper presents a strategy for
creating such a program.

Tessa Delicatessen (5724 E Colfax)
is a recent example of an adaptive
reuse project that experienced delays
and challenges during the project but
opened in the fall of 2019.

Adaptive Reuse Strategy Paper 1