Dakota Lofts to Become 'Gateway' to Highlands Community

Denver-based Summit Companies and Buchanan Yonushewski Group recently broke ground for the $15.5 million Dakota Lofts, the newest lofts development project in Denver's Highlands neighborhood.

BYG designed and will build what the Denver Planning Department has referred to as the city's "gateway" to the Highlands community. The Dakota tower, a signature focal point, will mark the transition of urban LoDo Denver to the neighboring Highlands community.

The Dakota is a five-story, mixed-use development with four floors of residential lofts units above one floor of retail with two levels of structured indoor parking. The three-sided building, urban and contemporary in form, ties in with the area where some of Denver's most architecturally diverse buildings exist.

The building has been designed to respond to its unique footprint and exceptional location. Surrounded by Central, 15th and Umatilla streets, The Dakota will offer unimpeded views of downtown Denver, the Rocky Mountains or the tree-lined streets of the Highlands neighborhood. The Dakota will offer 61 finished loft units ranging in size from approximately 600 sq ft to 1,400 sq ft.

The exterior façade incorporates a unique decorative mixture of brick, stucco, bay windows and a metal roof. A two-story brick base ties into the historic context of the neighborhood and provides a traditional street feel while the large setback on the upper three floors emphasizes the brick tower that anchors the corner. In addition, the angled setback allows ample room for large bay windows, oversized decks and balconies.

Completion is scheduled for early 2005. The building will total 114,000 sq ft of space dedicated to residential, office and retail use.

Reunion Opens New Community Center

Developer Shea Homes will soon celebrate the grand opening of its new full-service community center. Located in Commerce City, the bright red barn façade, exposed wood trusses and 35-ft metal silo are just a few of the design elements that characterize the new Community Center at Reunion.

Keeping with the Reunion philosophy, the new community center is focused on residents of all ages. The center includes a 100-ft water slide, full-court gymnasium, fitness center, locker rooms, community lobby, an outdoor playground, childcare services, an aerobics/dance/yoga room and a classroom/party room.

A poolside July 4th BBQ party kicked off the opening of Reunion's 3,600-sq-ft outdoor pool, which includes a lap pool, splash pool and leisure area with an interactive water spray feature. Future enhancements planned for the recreation center are a 37-ft climbing wall and indoor pool.

Denver architectural firm Sink Combs Dethlefs designed the new Reunion recreation center and Saunders Construction Co. acted as the general contractor.

Taylor Kohrs to Build Belleview Aquatic Park

Taylor Kohrs, part of the Taylor Construction Group, has announced its selection as the general contractor for the new Belleview Aquatic Park in Englewood. Construction is under way and the park is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2004.

CTL/Thompson Announces Three New Projects

CTL/Thompson has been selected to work on Colorado State University's practice fields. Construction recently began on a new artificial-surface field at the CSU practice complex. Project completion for the 120-yd field is estimated for early December 2003.
AstroPlay, a technology that makes the artificial turf look and feel more like real grass than the more common AstroTurf, will be installed at a cost of approximately $750,000. CTL/T is providing construction phase testing, including soils and concrete testing as well as geotechnical consulting on behalf of the contractor, GTC Construction.

CTL/T was also selected to work on the new state-of-the-art Windsor Community Recreation Center, scheduled for completion in spring 2004. The firm has provided geotechnical investigation and consulting services for the project. CTL/T is currently providing construction observation and materials testing during construction.

The firm is also providing geotechnical engineering and construction observation and testing for the new Fort Lupton fire station and training facility. The 16,256-sq-ft station will cost $7 million. CTL/T addressed site-specific constraints, including expansive soils and groundwater concerns during the design phase of the project. During construction, CTL/T is providing construction observation and materials testing services.

Rhoads Announces New Projects

Rhoads Construction Inc. has been awarded the $1.1 million contract for the remodel and addition to the Mile High Honda auto dealership in Denver. The service area, sales offices, existing showroom and exterior will be remodeled, and a new showroom will be constructed. Project completion is scheduled for July 2004.

Remodel work has begun for the Weld County Courthouse and the historical County Court building in Greeley. Construction is scheduled for completion in early March 2004 with construction costs of $500,000.

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