Mile High CRE
DENVER — Economist micro-apartments, by Denver-based developer Pando Holdings, are nearing completion in Uptown Denver. The 97-unit residential micro-apartments feature well-designed units that maximize space and reflect the growing trend for a minimalist, urban lifestyle at 1578 Humboldt Street.
Oz Architecture is the project architect, W.E. O’Neil is the project general contractor and Cornerstone Apartment Services is the property management company.
“As Denver struggles with the aches and pains of a growing city, we sought to address one of those major pain points – Artfully designed housing at an affordable price,” said Chris Firman, one of the principal developers of Economist. “Our building is in a centrally-located residential neighborhood, on a main bike path and within walking distance to downtown, and our starting leasing prices are only $985. For those looking to embrace minimalism and who want an urban lifestyle near downtown Denver, these micro-apartments are a spectacular option.”
A staged unit at Economist.
Each apartment is 300-400 square feet with 12’ high ceilings and includes a stackable washer and dryer. In addition to the full kitchen and built-in design elements to amplify efficiency in each unit, the 5-story building features an expansive rooftop patio with unobstructed views of the city and Front Range mountains as well as a common area gym. The building is also wired with fiber, guaranteeing residents high-speed Internet access within their apartments as well as in the common areas.
“The Economist is meant to be a community within the community, with smartly designed efficient living spaces that combine an array of unique amenity facilities. Inspired by the trend of minimalism – the desire to live with fewer material possessions – Economist’s design maximizes connectivity without sacrificing privacy for an exceptionally high standard of living,” said Nate Jenkins from OZ Architecture, principal architect for Economist. “The buildings’ exterior takes queues from the materiality and playful applications of color found in the surrounding historic homes in the neighborhood and yet tries to remain quiet within the bustling setting.”
Within the common area living spaces for Economist, the development team is working with Brad Miller on art installation to find local Denver artists who will display their works on the walls every two months. The common area walls in the lobby areas will be constantly changing and local artists will have a free “gallery” space to showcase their talents.
“We understand how hard it is for Denver artists to make a commercial living, so we thought the rotating art would be a perfect blend of supporting the fine arts community, while inspiring our residents with new paintings in the lobby areas,” stated Firman.
In addition to the rotating art, the developers worked with local street artist, Thomas “Detour” Evans, to create and install a colorful mural on two exterior facades of the buildings. The mural brightens up the interior walkway and courtyard between the two buildings and contributes to the growing street art scene in Denver.
Long-term parking for residents with vehicles was secured in a lot across the street from Economist. “Along with bikes, car2go, Uber, Lyft and the new electric scooters, this parking lot should meet all the transportation needs of our micro-apartment residents,” said Firman.