CREJ

March 2022 / BUILDING DIALOGUE / 57 for proposals went out to a number of select developers and, based upon its local representation and strong track record with other Denver projects, Nichols Partnership was included. Nichols had worked previously with The Beck Group’s Doug Spuler, managing principal, and David Morris, de- sign principal, on Spire, the 493-unit high-rise condo building in downtown Denver, so they were brought in for design services only. But, according to Melissa Rum- mel, project executive with Nichols Partnership, “The prospect of moving forward with design-build was an attractive concept.” Matt Archuletta, project executive for The Beck Group and a member of the Downtown Denver Design Advisory Board, was on the same page. “I am of the opinion that design-build provides the opportunity to deliver better real estate, faster and better quality when the architec- ture team and the construction team are really working toward a defined goal.” In 2016 the design/developer partnership of Nichols and Beck was awarded the project by the city of Denver along with the purchase of the lot for $13.5 million. Initially, One Platte had a residential component, but that changed as Nichols and Beck refined the design with the city. According to Rummel, the next few years were the biggest challenges they faced on the project. “There were some entitlement issues on the site that we had to work through with the city and CDOT,” says Rummel. “The early development phase was more cum- bersome than the actual construction period. The design process was probably 3½ years from concept through de- sign, but it was wonderful to work through all of that with (Beck).” With all of the early phase challenges behind, Nichols brought in Shorenstein as a development and capital partner, and ground was broken on the project in early February 2020. Pedestrian activation on the east side According to Rummel, one of the biggest priorities for the project was completing the street. “This site is at the far north end of Platte, and the south end of Platte is dynamic and filled in with a lot of pe- destrian-friendly retail,” says Rummel. “So, it wasn’t just about yield. It was really about offering something more to the neighborhood, bringing uses and retailers that en- courage people to walk north.” To invite pedestrian activation, the east side of the building will feature restaurant and retail on the ground floor. Also on the east side, a notch from the top floor flows down the center of the building to an entrance pla- za, which will host restaurant seating and benches be- neath shade trees. As you enter One Platte, you’re instantly struck by the massive three-story clerestory and grand terrazzo / One Platte / TOP LEFT: The rooftop amenity deck includes a fire pit, outdoor gathering spaces and great views. MIDDLE Platte One's amenity space offers indoor/outdoor gathering areas. TOP RIGHT An expansive bike barn is part of the programming.