CREJ - Building Dialogue - June 2016
The Kent Place Residences, located at the highly visible intersection of Hampden and University, were designed to be timeless. Forum Real Estate Group, the developer of Kent Place Residences, wanted to create a signature community that fit seamlessly within the neighborhood from Day One, and would age well with its surroundings to leave a lasting legacy. The plan for the site, originally slated for high-end townhomes, was disrupted in 2008 when the recession hit. The owner ultimately ended up splitting the site selling one portion to a retail developer, Regency, and the other to a residential developer, Forum Real Estate Group. While not required to work together, Forum and Regency willingly collaborated to build something special. With their shared vision for the site, they created an urban mixed-use village that fits within the surrounding community and has benefited both residents and the neighborhood alike. Located adjacent to Cherry Hills Village, Kent Place offers an exclusive opportunity for people who don’t want to own or maintain a luxury home to still be able to live in style in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Denver. To appeal to the sophisticated renter-by-choice demographic, Kephart, the architect of the community, kept the architecture classically traditional, taking cues from the adjacent multimillion dollar homes and the timeless structures on the nearby University of Denver campus. The buildings at Kent Place are clad in real materials including limestone block and brick that was applied in a variety of patterns and colors to integrate the large buildings into their surroundings. At the important corners, rich detailing, turrets and tower forms break up the massing while creating architectural distinction. This architecture breaks the mold of the “ugly” buildings that have been in the news lately by thoughtfully connecting to the local community. Instead of activating the busy corner of the community along University Boulevard with the leasing and amenity areas, the design team decided to locate those items in the center of the community, connecting the residences and retail, thereby creating a pedestrian-friendly urban village. To draw people into the center of the community, a vibrant piazza was designed. The piazza with its lush landscaping, fountains and Tivoli lighting creates a tranquil transition between public and private space while giving the community a signature statement and unique sense of arrival. Understanding the importance of social interaction and outdoor living, the community features over 23,000 square feet of indoor amenity space and five outdoor courtyards – all programmed to cater to the lifestyle of the target demographic while being appropriately sized to accommodate everything from large parties to intimate gatherings. Kent Place includes such unique indoor amenities as a golf simulator, wine tasting room, pub with billiards and poker tables, and impressive fitness facilities that include private steam and massage rooms, along with a yoga/cycling studio that opens to the piazza. The five courtyards were thoughtfully located throughout the community and designed to promote a different experience in each space. The two active courtyards feature a swimming pool and bocce court, while the passive courtyards feature barbeque areas, outdoor seating, lush grass and planting areas for a more serene experience. And instead of simply landscaping the setbacks on the north and west sides of the building, they were amenitized with a dog park and a walking path for residents to enjoy. The apartment homes themselves were also designed with the distinct lifestyle of the demographic in mind being well appointed with full-size front-loading washers and dryers and side-by-side stainless steel refrigerators. Units are large, ranging in size from 832 square feet for a one-bedroom to 2,779 square feet for a three-bedroom penthouse. For those who want only the best, the tower building has eight luxury penthouses furnished with professional Electrolux appliances and unparalleled finishes. Residents in this building also have exclusive access to a rooftop deck and exercise area that offers amazing views of the mountains and downtown Denver. Great care and thought went into the design of Kent Place. It took years of planning, coordination and hard work among several groups to bring this community to fruition. The end result is a one-of-a-kind apartment community that offers Denver residents luxury living with a unique aesthetic and an abundance of amenities.