Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Denver's Tabor Center... The Original Vision
One of the (admittedly) geeky things I like to do is collect artists' renderings of "future" buildings that have long since been built, never built at all, or built and already demolished. So, I thought I'd share with you over the next several weeks some of the images I've collected.
To start things off, let's take a look at the original vision for the Tabor Center, the two-block complex between 16th and 17th, Larimer and Arapahoe. Back in my blog of July 9, 2006, I posted this image (courtesy of denverskyscrapers.com) of the existing Tabor I (left) and never-built Tabor II (right) towers, as viewed from the 17th Street side:
Well, one of the new additions to my collection is this image of the entire complex, viewed from the 16th Street side, as proposed in 1984:
What's interesting is that the design of the long retail facade along the 16th Street Mall in this image is a bit different from what ultimately was built, which was then remodeled in the early 2000s to what it is today. The other interesting thing is the mini-tower element at the corner of 17th and Larimer, where the entrance to the Cheesecake Factory is now today. I can see how that was meant to provide some balance to the overall composition of the complex (including the historic D&F tower at the far right) as well as highlight what was likely envisioned as the main entrance. This second image appeared in a 1984 publication called "Off the Mall - Step by Step" by Donna McEncroe, described as "an imaginative guide to the architecture, art and public spaces of old and new downtown Denver."
Let's hope Callahan Capital Partners, which is planning on starting construction on a redesigned version of the Tabor II tower later this year, gives us something good.
To start things off, let's take a look at the original vision for the Tabor Center, the two-block complex between 16th and 17th, Larimer and Arapahoe. Back in my blog of July 9, 2006, I posted this image (courtesy of denverskyscrapers.com) of the existing Tabor I (left) and never-built Tabor II (right) towers, as viewed from the 17th Street side:
Well, one of the new additions to my collection is this image of the entire complex, viewed from the 16th Street side, as proposed in 1984:
What's interesting is that the design of the long retail facade along the 16th Street Mall in this image is a bit different from what ultimately was built, which was then remodeled in the early 2000s to what it is today. The other interesting thing is the mini-tower element at the corner of 17th and Larimer, where the entrance to the Cheesecake Factory is now today. I can see how that was meant to provide some balance to the overall composition of the complex (including the historic D&F tower at the far right) as well as highlight what was likely envisioned as the main entrance. This second image appeared in a 1984 publication called "Off the Mall - Step by Step" by Donna McEncroe, described as "an imaginative guide to the architecture, art and public spaces of old and new downtown Denver."
Let's hope Callahan Capital Partners, which is planning on starting construction on a redesigned version of the Tabor II tower later this year, gives us something good.
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i actually love the old rendering, tabor 1 is one of the more beautiful buildings downtown, i hope its at least close to the same.
Permalink Posted by 
: 4/03/2007 09:56:00 PM
: 4/03/2007 09:56:00 PM
I wonder if once that office tower is built, that that mall will become more feasible and alive?
Permalink Posted by : 4/04/2007 08:29:00 AM
: 4/04/2007 08:29:00 AM
I'm sure they're going to try their best to integrate old with new. However, I'm seriously hoping for a 700,000 sq foot version with more of classy feel to the building. I dig Tabor I and it's rounded facade on one side, flat on the other. However, I'd really like to see something more stunning for Tabor 2. Perhaps a building that speaks to the DF Tower. Anyway, if it does get built I will pass out...literally.
The original design of the retail component was very strongly influenced by the architecture of Michael Graves, who was at his peak of influence at the time--especially that never-built tower on the Larimer corner. Also, the punched windows along the Mall--very Graves. I'm glad they went with the all-glass effect instead, but of course that has now been modified. Having a tower above what is how the Cheesecake Factory would have been a nice element to have, though.
i'll have to dissent here...i very much hope the new tower is a different design theme than the existing block...we need something to break up this "mega-development" block...something to excite the eye rather than more of the same. with all the same style on here it just starts to feel like a massive master-planned community rather than an organically growing downtown with various land owners and different designers.
Permalink Posted by : 4/04/2007 10:31:00 AM
: 4/04/2007 10:31:00 AM
Yes, I like the Tabor proposal it's about time the pad has been sitting how long… But, my all time favorite is still the Trango tower. The interesting thing is I hear that parcel apparently has development rights above and beyond the current FAR's which would allow something that tall. But, I must say the design isn’t classic or contemporary or anything in my design palate.
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Permalink Posted by : 4/04/2007 08:29:00 PM
: 4/04/2007 08:29:00 PM Links to this post:
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