825 S Colorado Blvd
A long debated redevelopment proposal for the Belcaro Center has reset once again, with developers abandoning plans for multiple high rise towers and returning with a lower scale apartment project at 825 Colorado Blvd.
The shift follows months of neighborhood opposition and marks a significant change in approach for one of Denver's most active developers.
On December 22, EMBREY and the Kentro Group submitted a concept plan narrative to Denver Community Planning and Development for a 4 story, approximately 350 unit apartment building on the 4.5 acre site at the southwest corner of East Exposition Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. The property is currently occupied by the aging Belcaro Shopping Center, including a King Soopers and several mostly vacant retail and restaurant spaces, all of which would be demolished under the proposal.
The development is envisioned as a wrap style, for rent apartment building with parking primarily located within an internal structured garage. Vehicle access is planned from Colorado Boulevard, South Harrison Lane and a private drive near East Ohio Avenue. On site affordable housing would be provided in compliance with Denver’s Mandatory Affordable Housing requirements. Proposed amenities include interior courtyards, a leasing office, clubhouse and fitness center, with landscaping focused on required setbacks and pedestrian zones along all frontages.
The new plan replaces an earlier proposal that called for 3 residential towers reaching up to 16 stories with roughly 700 total units, a concept that drew strong opposition from nearby residents. Concerns raised at the time included increased traffic, changes to neighborhood character, and the loss of sunlight for adjacent homes, reflecting common resistance to large scale development near single family neighborhoods. Regardless of the final design, the Belcaro Center is expected to be demolished sometime next year following the opening of a new King Soopers along East Arkansas Avenue, setting the stage for long awaited redevelopment at the site.