Plans for Larimer Square proposed

Two towers planned behind historic buildings

For more than a century, Larimer Square has been the place Denverites flock for food, drinks, festivals, theatre, comedy, and more. But with the future in mind, Larimer stands to become more reflective of Denver’s increasing density.

Larimer Square, the iconic strip of downtown Denver’s Larimer Street, was “Denver’s first block” — dating all the way back to the 1860s. But if it’s going to keep up with the times and stay relevant in the 2060s and beyond, it’s going to need a little work.

That’s why Jeff Hermanson, CEO of Larimer Associates, has announced his multi-million-dollar plan to take Larimer vertical, adding two towers that will increase the area’s residential and hotel capacity without compromising its historic integrity. There’s currently a 64-foot height cap for the area, and Hermanson and developer Urban Villages, Inc., are hoping to gain approval to exceed that height.

“Our intention is to invest heavily in the block so that it continues to stand the test of time,” Hermanson said in a news release. “We want to preserve all that is special and historic while ensuring this iconic block remains vibrant for generations to come.”

The plan:

The two proposed towers would be built in current alleyways and courtyards behind the historic buildings that frame each side of Larimer Street. Rooftop green spaces are also in the plans.

On the eastern side of Larimer Square, closer to Lawrence Street, the new tower’s lobby and five-story glass atrium would be built in the alley, accessible via the Kettle Arcade. Hotel space would take up the lower floors of the new building, while residential condominiums would be located on the upper floors, according to Denverite.

On the western side, closer to Market Street, a new tower would house office and retail space on lower floors, with much-needed affordable housing on the higher floors, in keeping with Hermanson and Urban Villages’ commitment to helping “tackle Denver’s housing crunch,” according to the Urban Villages news release.

Specifics of the buildings’ heights, layouts, and the potential cost of the project are still being worked out, though the developers are hoping to make a proposal to the City of Denver sometime this spring. They are aiming to break ground in 2019, with construction taking several years.