Thursday, July 12, 2007
Block 162 Demolition Update
Work continues on the demolition of the old Bank of Denver building on Block 162. Before it was the Bank of Denver, the early-1900s building was known as the Standish Hotel. The first part of the demolition includes peeling away the 1960s modernist façade that was placed on top of the building's original front.
Here's a recent photo of the start of the demolition work, with the new Hyatt rising in the background:
Also, for a quick look back at the Bank of Denver/Standish Hotel's history, here are two images. This first one was submitted by a DenverInfill reader (thanks, John!):
and this second one is from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. It was taken sometime around 1913:
Once this building has been razed, work will begin on the demolition of the old Republic Hotel (also known as Colonial Hotel) building at the corner of 15th and California.
One fear of mine that I know many of you share is when a building is demolished to make way for a new project, only to have the new building never materialize and we get stuck with a vacant lot for decades (see: 1980s). In the case of Block 162, I'm not worried. I'm very comforted knowing that in Evan Makovsky we've got a local developer with an outstanding reputation, significant resources, and the full support of just about everyone in the city. It is a shame when historic buildings like the Standish Hotel and the Republic Hotel are demolished, but with Block 162's troubled and neglected past and with its bright future under new owner Mr. Makovsky, I'm OK with the demolition. This is going to be a good deal for Downtown Denver.
Here's a recent photo of the start of the demolition work, with the new Hyatt rising in the background:
Also, for a quick look back at the Bank of Denver/Standish Hotel's history, here are two images. This first one was submitted by a DenverInfill reader (thanks, John!):
and this second one is from the Denver Public Library's Western History Collection. It was taken sometime around 1913:
Once this building has been razed, work will begin on the demolition of the old Republic Hotel (also known as Colonial Hotel) building at the corner of 15th and California.
One fear of mine that I know many of you share is when a building is demolished to make way for a new project, only to have the new building never materialize and we get stuck with a vacant lot for decades (see: 1980s). In the case of Block 162, I'm not worried. I'm very comforted knowing that in Evan Makovsky we've got a local developer with an outstanding reputation, significant resources, and the full support of just about everyone in the city. It is a shame when historic buildings like the Standish Hotel and the Republic Hotel are demolished, but with Block 162's troubled and neglected past and with its bright future under new owner Mr. Makovsky, I'm OK with the demolition. This is going to be a good deal for Downtown Denver.
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I was just saying to myself, if this project goes as planned, then if only Makovsky could get the Fontius building. And then I scrolled down. Hopefully that gets renovated full speed ahead in time for the DNC.
Permalink Posted by 
: 7/12/2007 08:59:00 AM
: 7/12/2007 08:59:00 AM
I bet people living at denver dry are sooooo happy that the hotel is going.. that block has been 'T'rouble with a capital 'T'
Permalink Posted by : 7/12/2007 10:30:00 AM
: 7/12/2007 10:30:00 AM
It is also noteworthy that the Bank of Denver building was the first structure found under the new demolition permitting ordinance (passed November 2006) to be potentially historic. Historic Denver Inc and other neighborhood groups declined to submit an application in support of its preservation, so no one can say there wasn't an opportunity or that preservationists lack a good sense of perspective with regard to what's truly historic. It's just that we always hear about the contentious cases and very rarely about the close no-calls.
Does anyone know the timeline for this block? How long until the buildings are demolished? How long (estimated, of course) until we have a plan for this space?
Permalink Posted by : 7/12/2007 03:02:00 PM
: 7/12/2007 03:02:00 PM
Hey Ken! Thanks for what you said about the historic aspect of the bank of denver and republic hotel buildings. I am saddened greatly by the loss of these historic structures, but I am thrilled that Mr. Makovsky is behind it because I know it will only be good for all of us. While I love historic structures, I love downtown Denver as a whole more then words can say. Progress is a good thing. Oh... LOL and for the record, my partner John did not send you the pictures, I did from his computer and forgot to sign on to my own e-mail. LOL Your welcome Ken, anytime :) :) :)
There seems to be a theme here...it sucks that 2 historic structures are being razed. but there's a consensus that this guy will DEFINITELY do great things with the land, so that makes it OK.
So why is everyone so confident that Makovsky will do anything with this site? What has he done in the past to earn everyone's confidence and respect? (Aside from the recent news of his sudden ownership of this block, I had never even heard of the guy.)
So why is everyone so confident that Makovsky will do anything with this site? What has he done in the past to earn everyone's confidence and respect? (Aside from the recent news of his sudden ownership of this block, I had never even heard of the guy.)
Permalink Posted by : 7/13/2007 03:42:00 PM
: 7/13/2007 03:42:00 PM
Well, in downtown Denver we have a lot of historic structures, but maybe it's right for some of them to be demolished to make way for new, bettter projects. I'm sure Mr. Makovsky will turn this blcok around and make it a great site.
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Permalink Posted by : 7/13/2007 04:21:00 PM
: 7/13/2007 04:21:00 PM Links to this post:
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