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/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / SEPTEMBER 2016
O
ne of themost eye-catching buildings on the Denver skyline, theWells Fargo Center, has
become even more distinct, thanks to a recent makeover by the Manhattan-based ex-
periential design firm ESI Design. The three-year project features an eight-story digital
installation in the building’s glass atrium.
The Wells Fargo Center, designed by Philip Johnson in 1983, is known as the “Cash Regis-
ter Building” because of its unique shape that resembles an antique cash register. Inside the
building’s immense street-level glass atrium, which echoes the cash register shape of the roof,
ESI designed five 86-foot floor-to-ceiling LED columns that are six times the resolution of
normal HD. The monolithic screens display dynamic media inspired by the Mile High City’s
natural wonders.
The vibrant media installation is visible from outside through the glass atrium, breathing
new life into the surrounding streetscape and drawing passersby into an experience that
promises to become a new Denver attraction for tourists and locals alike.
In addition to the LED installations, ESI Design created a more modern, social and comfort-
able lobby for the building. New furniture and lighting nod to the Philip Johnson–designed
environment while giving the space a more contemporary feel.
“Denver is an exciting market that is attracting creative and technology-oriented compa-
nies” said Fred Seigel, president of Beacon Capital Partners, which owns the building. “Our
transformation of the lobby experience at Wells Fargo Center, as well as the addition of mar-
ket-leading tenant amenities, enhances the iconic building’s distinct sense of place and cre-
atively engages our tenants and visitors.”
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PHOTOGRAPHY:
Caleb Tkach, AIAP
