Denver parking lots are being razed for housing citywide, and now, this trend may be headed to Southwest Denver.
Earlier this month, the Englewood-based architecture firm LAI Design Group submitted a concept plan for a nearly 5-acre, multi-family rowhouse development on a stretch of vacant parking lots, behind the Brentwood Shopping Center, at 3029 West Evans Avenue, in Harvey Park.
The plot is owned by 1951 S. Federal Blvd LLC, a Westminster company which purchased the center for $14,900,000 in December 2020, according to city records. The company has since subdivided the land.
The site has been the subject of a recent lawsuit.
The grocery store Save-A-Lot filed a complaint against the landowner 1951 S Federal Blvd LLC. The store accused the landlord of attempting to push it out by forcing the grocer to remove a ramp that was critical to the business.
"Leevers Supermarkets respectfully states that the New Landlord's false claims of default are attempts to hide New Landlord's true and improper motivation -- to remove the Save A Lot Store and its loading dock/ramp so that the New Landlord can develop abutting areas, including the parking lot, into luxury apartments from which the New Landlord expects significant profit," the lawsuit stated, according to BusinessDen, who first reported the case in August 2021.
The lawsuit was dismissed from Denver District Court on July 19. Jennifer Carpenter of LAI submitted concept plans to Denver Community Planning and Development on September 18. She did not respond to requests for comment, and nor did Fadi Sawaged, the registered agent for 1501 S Federal Blvd LLC.
Here's what's coming if the city approves the plans.
The project would include a hundred-plus units that would first be rented, then potentially sold. They would not be 100% income-restricted housing.
The development would be bordered by single-family housing to the west and strip-mall retail on Federal Boulevard to the east.
The rowhouses would be part of 22 new structures rising 45 feet high, bringing greater density to the neighborhood. Units would be from 850 to 1,500 square feet, a size that would accommodate families.
Each unit will include two to three bedrooms, one to three baths, and one or two-car garages. There would be 120 parking spots in total.
The proposal is currently under review. If approved, LAI anticipates breaking ground in September 2023.
