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Block 162
Click on a blue arrow
on the aerial to go to the adjacent block or district.
Click on the Block
Locator image to return to the main district map.
Street elevation photos were taken in
2004/2005. |
Block
Address Ranges:
1500 (Even):
California Street
600
(Even): 16th Street Mall
1500
(Odd): Welton Street
600
(Odd): 15th Street
Parking
Lots /
Vacant:
75%
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Block
Locator:
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California
Street: |
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16th
Street
Mall: |
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Evan
Makovsky purchased the entire block from numerous property owners over the
course of 2007 and early 2008. His long term plans include the construction
of a high-density mixed-use project. Makovsky is currently developing a
vision for the block. No formal plans have been announced yet but it is
anticipated that some time in 2008 or 2009, those plans will become
finalized and made public.
The two buildings fronting California Street, the old Republic Hotel and
Bank of Denver buildings, were demolished in 2007 shortly after the aerial
photo above was taken to make way for the future development. (Both appear
in the 2005 street elevation photos above). Both buildings were mostly
vacant and in disrepair. The two buildings facing 16th Street, the Steel
(Fontius) and McClintock buildings, are both part of the Downtown Denver
Historic District. |
The story
of Block 162 is a long saga of neglect and blight and hope and restoration.
Home to the building commonly known as the "Fontius" (for the shoe store
that one occupied a ground-floor space), the building stood vacant and in
disrepair for 20 years. The owners refused to sell or make any improvements.
Finally, after months of negotiations, developer Evan Makovsky was able to
obtain the property, as well as eventually the rest of the parcels on the
block.
In 2007, a complete restoration of the Fontius (now known as Steel) building
began with completion in 2008. For more on Block 162's past, present, and
future, visit the DenverInfill
Blog and check out the Block 162 links
along the left sidebar, or read the in-depth Westword article by Joel
Warner:
Evan Almighty. |
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