A massive office building across from the Cherry Creek Mall, at 50 S. Steele St., is being eyed for demolition.
If concept plans recently submitted to the city are approved, the current structure, owned by the Broe Real Estate Group, could be replaced by a 12-story building with 378 apartments, a whopping 611 parking spaces, ground-floor retail and rooftop amenities.
This would be the latest in Cherry Creek's ongoing evolution into a live-work-play community.
Other projects on the horizon include the Bed, Bath and Beyond and the former Sears sites.
The neighborhood had to be rezoned for a 12-story building to be allowed. That happened back in 2021, despite objection from the Cherry Creek East registered neighborhood group, which raised concerns about parking, traffic and how a new building would block views.
Only one council member, District 5's Amanda Sawyer, voted against the rezoning. After recent redistricting that goes into effect in July, she will represent the area, which will be a part of District 5.
District 10 Councilmember Chris Hinds, who currently represents the area, expressed multiple concerns during the rezoning. But he voted yes in the end, noting that there would be future chances to stop the development if the community wanted to intervene.
Among Hinds' top concerns were worries expressed by residents of Kavod Senior Life. In this residential high-rise, people worried a new large residential building would cause traffic and parking headaches and make it tougher for older residents to walk around the block.
The proposed project would not be entirely comprised of income-restricted housing, though some will likely be included, at least, whatever is required by law.
"The initial site plan submitted is based on our ongoing conversations with the community and local representatives," noted Doug Wells, CEO of Broe Real Estate Group, in a statement. "All development concepts we explore will fully comply with local energy and affordable housing guidelines."
