1800 Larimer
RNL Architects, Denver. Set for completion in spring 2010.
How high: 22 stories
The look: This office tower, stacked high with bands of smoky glass and beige concrete, would fit well in the Tech Center, except for the quirky, multistory patches of reflective, blue glass appliqued — randomly — to the facade. Add to those two personalities a distinct third, courtesy of a bright, white flat roof.
The takeaway: This building is all conflicting adjectives: horizontal, vertical, rectangular, triangular, square, shiny, matte, mirrored, transparent, squat, tall, attractive and ugly. And the noun? Box. Take away the tricks, and it’s kinda ordinary. It’s gonna have a tough time winning fans.
If we could change one thing: We’d encourage the doubters to give it a chance. RNL, among the city’s best firms, knows it has tried something different – and that’s admirable. Plus, this building’s transparent lobby, to be filled with trees and cantilevered landings, will offer more to pedestrians than the other buildings on this list combined. Lights and tenants, including big name Xcel, may bring it alive. But if that doesn’t work, judge as you will.
