A full “face-lift” is planned for the 2800 block of Fairfax in Park Hill. The redevelopment project, Park Hill Commons, is currently in the permitting process with the city of Denver and opening is anticipated for spring/summer 2018. Situated outside of the proposed Park Hill Historic District, the project will initially include the entire east side of the block. City Councilman Chris Herndon says he’s excited about the redevelopment. “The look is a definite improvement over what exists there now,” says Herndon, adding it creates a new neighborhood “sense of place” and an affordable housing option in Park Hill.
Park Hill Commons as seen from across Fairfax Street looking east.
Touted as “A Gathering Place,” the project will include 22 micro apartments, 21 townhome units, 10,000 square feet of space for small office suites, 6,200 square feet of retail space and 8,500 square feet of restaurant space. To complete the live/work/play/shop concept, the project also includes a 15,625-square-foot park. Addressing neighbors’ concerns about parking, space is available for 96 cars within the new development and an additional 80 cars on the street.
This rendering shows the Studios at Park Hill Commons, micro apartments , above ground level retail. Anchored by a park, the micro apartments and townhomes will offer a live/work/play/shop lifestyle.
“The park is designed to be a focal point for residents, shoppers and office tenants. Adults seated on the patio of a restaurant can enjoy their meal and supervise their children playing in the park at the same time,” says HM Capital’s Ben Maxwell, project lead. In addition to the grassy area, the park will feature amenities like stroller and bike racks, a water feature, a climbing rock for kids, plenty of bench seating and a sandbox.
The Studios at Park Hill Commons micro apartments, for those who don’t require a large living space, are expected to rent for $850 to $950 per month. Townhomes at Fairfax Row will be available for rent or sale, yet to be determined. A two-story design ranging from 1,400–2,000 square feet includes a garden-level garage, an outdoor rooftop deck, nine-foot ceiling heights and solid mahogany doors imported from Brazil.
Townhomes at Fairfax – two-story units with a garage.
Maxwell says the response has been overwhelmingly positive following a neighborhood meeting of about 100 people in early February 2017.
This is a long-term project, emphasizes Maxwell, with careful consideration given to supporting local, community-based businesses, which he hopes will consider locating at Shops at Park Hill Commons. “We’re not going build out too quickly—we want to take time to consider what we’ll do after this first phase,” says Maxwell. “Engaging the surrounding NE Denver neighborhoods, including Stapleton and City Park, is all part of the plan.”
Sandy Thompson of the Zaga Neighborhood Design architecture firm and landscape architect Ariel Gelman of Connect One Design are working with Maxwell on this project.
The Square at Park Hill Commons
I find it amazing that all of the proposed development on the East side of the 2800 block of Fairfax will be taking place “outside of historical Park Hil.” I’ve lived in Park Hill since 1968 and I don’t recall any part of the area NOT being “historical”, nor do I recall ever being asked to VOTE to change that distinction.
None the less, my home was built in 1910, and along with my years of residency qualifies the title of “historical.”
As a historical resident of Park Hill, I object to the “historical” community’s serenity being violated for the financial gain of developers, investors, contractors and politicians who ignore the voices of those who will be faced with higher property taxes and parking congestion due to businesses that will decrease parking space for surrounding tax paying homeowners.
The beautiful mountain view that homeowners purchased their homes to enjoy will disappear while their property taxes increase.
Increased traffic in the area will raise the safety risk for children, along with those who are challenged with various levels of disabilities and handicaps.
I view the development as a a major disruption to an area that would just appreciate a park to create more open space for quiet community engagement.
I would ask those who want to take away the serenity Park Hill has always prided itself with, to take your ideas and your financial focus to your OWN backyard. You and your neighbors can better afford the increased property taxes!
Sincerely,
Owetta R. Mc Neil
50 Years in Park Hill
and Holding