Page 6 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

Scope of this Paper
This paper summarizes existing conditions related to adaptive
reuse processes in Denver, including the strengths of the existing
system as well as current challenges as noted by City staff, devel-
opers, property owners, Business Improvement District Directors
and others involved in adaptive reuse projects. The discussion of
existing conditions is divided into four “program components,”
which are introduced at the end of this Chapter. In each of these
sections, existing conditions are described and then a set of recom-
mendations is provided.
Night Window, located at 8400 E
Colfax Ave, is a recent example of The Paper is written as an internal document for Denver staff to
a successful adaptive reuse project
along East Colfax. The former motel understand the current conditions and to consider improvements
(a common building form on the to support a successful adaptive reuse program. A separate “User’s
corridor) was converted to affordable Handbook” for applicants accompanies this strategy paper.
artist housing.
Defining Adaptive Reuse
What is “Adaptive Reuse?” In its most precise form, Adaptive
Reuse means using an existing building for a new purpose. This
typically involves a change in use as defined by the zoning regu-
lations, which often triggers requirements to comply with addi-
tional regulations. Along the East Colfax corridor, adaptive reuse
also often means an addition to changing the use of a property, a
building expansion and/or the partial demolition of a building,
interior upgrades, and site improvements. Depending on the scope
of the project, many of these elements trigger compliance with a
variety of regulations. Therefore, while adaptive reuse projects in
their simplest form mean that an existing building will be retained
and repurposed, the types and extent of adaptive reuse projects
vary significantly.

The Pilot Study Area
This Paper focuses on the East Colfax Avenue corridor, a tran-
sit-oriented corridor with architecture and development ranging in
age from the late 1800s to present day that currently has a strong
auto-oriented character. This study area combines portions of
the corridor that are described in the East and East Central Area
Another successful adaptive reuse Plans – spanning along Colfax Avenue from Broadway on the west
project is 3550 - 3570 East Colfax, to Yosemite on the east. The properties along this section of Col-
which includes Machete Tequila fax provide many opportunities for adaptive reuse (as described in
and Tacos, and Fox Run Cafe. The more detail in Chapter 4). As the pilot study area, East Colfax Av-
building, a former autobody shop,
includes a section accessible from enue is used to consider issues that applicants typically encounter,
Monroe Street, which includes Cere- and to understand the range of property types that have adaptive
bral Brewing and outdoor space. reuse potential in this context.

2 City of Denver, CO