Plans have been announced for the repurposing of a 10-story modernistic building in Denver’s Golden Triangle Creative District.
The structure at 1200 Lincoln Street was originally built for the Western Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, but for nearly two decades served as the home to the Denver Art Institute of Colorado before that school closed in 2018.
In 2019 the Denver-based Nicholas Partnership, which specializes in urban real estate development, purchased the structure for $15.2 million with the idea of turning it into apartment housing.
Now work is expected to begin shortly on what is being called the Art Studios building, which will see the construction of 194 studio apartments.
The 100,000 square foot structure was designed in the International Style and is regarded by preservationists as an architectural treasure.
The renovation of the building will see an art-themed interior style, with the first floor to include some retail space.
A part of that floor will also be leased out by the Colorado Photographic Arts Center, and will feature classroom space, offices, and two exhibition galleries.
If all goes well, the $35 million renovation of the Art Institute Building is expected to see completion by the spring of 2023.
By Garry Boulard
