A proposed modern development in the Highland neighborhood is causing an uproar among neighbors because it would be built in a historic district.
A 126-unit apartment complex and a CorePower Yoga headquarters and yoga school are being planned to replace the Highlands Zuni Plaza strip center at Zuni Street and West Caithness Place, two blocks south of West 32nd Avenue.
The development meets Denver zoning-code requirements, but some residents of the historic Scottish Village neighborhood and Highland United Neighbors Inc., the representing neighborhood association, say the development does not fit the character of the area.
They say the proposed four-story building would more than double the size of the neighborhood, which would affect traffic, noise, parking and sunlight for immediate neighbors.
The development would not be financially viable if it were smaller, said developer Bruce Heitler, adding that the parcel is zoned for up to 12 stories.
Heitler has worked with HUNI to change the original, more contemporary design to fit in better with the neighborhood. He mentioned adding brick to the facade to match the area’s homes, which include Victorians and cottages.
Still, some residents feel it’s not enough, and HUNI officials have made a list of further changes they would like to see.
“I still feel deep in my core that this is wrong. It’s still the wrong building in the wrong place,” said Rebecca Hunt, an unofficial neighborhood historian and HUNI board member.
Business owners in the area, on the other hand, welcome new residents in the neighborhood, which could mean more customers.
“I think the old shopping district needs to go away, and whether it’s a historic district or not, it’s an eyesore,” said Gallop Cafe owner Glen Baker. “It’s one of the biggest parcels in Highland that can be redeveloped. I think it will be a very positive thing.”
Heitler, who bought the property two years ago, said the strip center is blighted and in desperate need of revitalization. He said he likes the location because it’s an attractive neighborhood with easy access to downtown.
Heitler has a similar development in Capitol Hill at East 14th Avenue and Grant Street.
The project is expected to receive all the required approvals, Heitler said. He said he is negotiating financing for the development, adding that the construction and completion timeline is still unknown.
