For years, the sprawling 13-acre site at 2500 E 1st Ave in the 80206 ZIP code has sat largely dormant, a fragmented collection of lots waiting for a cohesive vision. That wait is over. Denver City Council has officially approved the development agreement with Cherry Creek West Development Company, LLC, clearing the path for one of the city's most ambitious mixed-use redevelopments to move from concept to concrete.
This isn't just another zoning approval; it is the green light for a "15-minute community" designed to integrate housing, workplaces, and retail within a single, walkable footprint. The project, led by developers East West Partners and Ascentris with Mortenson | Saunders serving as the construction manager, aims to physically and visually reconnect the neighborhood to the adjacent Cherry Creek, reversing decades of separation.
The approved agreement binds the developers to specific civic commitments that go beyond standard construction. The plan mandates the inclusion of affordable housing units and affordable commercial spaces to ensure the new district serves a broad economic range. Additionally, the deal requires tangible transportation improvements and workforce development programs specifically for residents of Council District 5, addressing local concerns about gentrification and displacement.
Construction is already gaining momentum on the ground. The first office building at the site has begun leasing, signaling that the initial phase is underway even as the broader agreement secures the long-term framework. The Council's final vote followed a favorable recommendation from the committee on September 3, 2024, with the last opportunity for further regular review occurring on October 7, 2024.
Residents interested in tracking the project's progression or attending future public meetings can find detailed agendas and live streams via the Denver City Council portal. As the cranes rise along E 1st Ave, the focus now shifts to execution, watching how this promised "15-minute" model reshapes the daily rhythm of the neighborhood.