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44 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / March 2020 ELEMENTS Adaptive Reuse Redeveloping, Repositioning Existing Assets for a New Generation I n 2018, Denver reached a record $9.4 billion in new construction. That same year, the first new high-rise in more than 30 years was constructed at 1144 15th St. While construc- tion volume reduced slightly in 2019, several addi- tional tall buildings are under construction or in the city’s current planning pipeline. Construction on this scale is a strong sign of eco- nomic growth, a vital pathway to the density neces- sary to house our increasingly urbanized population, and an opportunity to explore more sustainable and resilient building technologies. As new construction rapidly reshapes our city and public realm, it also be- comes more critical to re-examine the condition of our existing buildings to ensure their relevance for the future, and to recognize the inherent social, econom- ic and environmental benefits of adaptive re-use and repositioning. The Brookings Institute forecasts that 82 billion square feet of existing space in the United States will be demolished and replaced between 2005 and 2030 – roughly one-quarter of today’s existing building stock. Further, as noted by the American Institute of Archi- tects in its recent statement on climate action, in the U.S. alone nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions can be attributed to carbon produced by buildings during construction and everyday operations. Embodied car- bon from construction represents around 30% of this impact. The practice of adaptive reuse can prevent some of this demolition, extending a building’s useful lifespan, allowing it to become a critical component of urban regeneration and providing continuity for the cultur- al memory of the city. In many cases, reusing existing buildings canhelpavoidadditional carbonproduction, thereby reducing greenhouse gases contributing to cli- mate change and offering an important means for cit- ies to achieve their immediate carbon reduction goals. By redeveloping existing building stock of all ages and types, vital elements of history and culture can be preservedwhile repositioning the properties for a new generation of uses. Several recent projects in Denver and beyond offer examples of the role of adaptive re- use in the revitalization of cities, maintaining the rele- vanceof existingbuildings, activatingurban fabric and providing continuity between the past and present. Connecting to a Celebrated Story of Craft and Integrated Art The Ideal Building, a nine-story, 115,000-sf building at 821 17th St. in Denver’s financial district was complet- ed in 1907 as the headquarters of the Ideal Cement Co. andwas the firstmultistory office buildingwest of the Mississippi River to be built of reinforced concrete. The building was remodeled in 1927 and restored again in 2001. In 2017, the building, now renamed “The Vault,” was purchased by Harbor Associates and underwent a significant renovation with the goal of retaining the building’s sense of history while adding the amenities and improvements required by tenants who desire a balance of authentic character and performance. The restorationof oneofDenver’smost architectural- ly significant buildings involved refreshing thehistoric lobby, opening up and refurbishing the upper floors, remodeling the ground floor and basement, adding bike storage, locker rooms and showers, re-imagining the ground floor for retail amenities and restoring and upgrading the exterior façadewithnewcontextual fea- tures. The design responds to the historic art and deco- rative motifs of the existing building and reveals and reframes historic aspects that create a strong sense of place, including the old bank hall and vaults, and his- toric brass doors. The repositioning will be completed in early 2021. Creating Connections to Nature & the Outdoors Ourpracticehasasignificant focusonthe reposition- ing of newer office buildings to ensure their continued relevance in the current officemarket. Thiswork often John McIntyre, ANZIA Principal, Tryba Architects 1551 Wewatta: Tenants take advantage of the city view from the new terrace.