Denver Wash Park Home Project Faces Off Against Landmark

When Tony and Robin Kohake purchased the corner-lot property at 800 S. Franklin St. in Denver, they had a clear vision: tear down the aging 1890 structure and build a Tudor-style home where they could raise their four kids with a spacious backyard in Washington Park. But like many homeowners hoping to build a custom home, ADU, or major addition in Denver, they quickly discovered that a clear vision doesn’t always mean a clear path.

Unbeknownst to them, their Wash Park home had already been at the center of a historic preservation battle. Years earlier, neighbors had nearly succeeded in preventing demolition by initiating Denver’s landmark designation process. That effort was paused — until the Kohakes submitted their own demolition permit. Now, they’re caught in mandatory mediation, facing costly delays and potential financial loss while preservationists try again to protect the old structure.

What This Means for Homeowners

The Kohake’s situation is not unique. In fact, at Sustainable Design Build, similar challenges arise frequently—particularly in neighborhoods like Wash Park.

Denver is filled with historic properties and character-rich communities — which is part of what makes the city such a desirable place to live. However, it also means that building or remodeling a home in Wash Park or surrounding areas often involves navigating layers of red tape, including:

• Landmark preservation reviews

   

• Zoning constraints

   

• Design overlay districts

   

• Neighborhood architectural review boards

   

• Permit delays and appeals

   

These issues can emerge whether you’re planning a full custom home, a pop-top addition, or even a relatively modest Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). What starts as an exciting personal project can quickly evolve into a maze of unexpected roadblocks.

The Landmark Process: When Someone Else Can Say “No”

What surprised the Kohakes most was discovering that in Denver, third parties can apply for historic landmark status on someone else’s property — even without the owner’s consent. That means neighbors or preservation groups can effectively halt construction plans for months or even longer if the Wash Park home in question is deemed historically or architecturally significant.

At Sustainable Design Build, this scenario is all too familiar. The team has worked with clients across Denver — including several in Wash Park — whose properties triggered landmark scrutiny. In some cases, landmark status is justified due to historic relevance. In others, it stems from neighborhood dynamics or differing opinions about aesthetics and development. Either way, having a seasoned design-build partner who understands the process can save homeowners significant time, money, and stress.

Building with Confidence: How Sustainable Design Build Guides Homeowners Through Denver’s Complex Landscape

Whether undertaking a ground-up custom home, expanding an existing structure with a second-story addition, or constructing an ADU for multi-generational living or income, homeowners in Denver face unique challenges. The city’s complex network of permitting requirements, zoning overlays, and historic reviews can feel overwhelming — but with the right support, those hurdles become far more manageable.

Sustainable Design Build has earned a reputation for guiding clients through this process with clarity and confidence. Their integrated design-build approach bridges vision with execution in a seamless, informed manner.

Expertise in Denver’s Regulatory Landscape

Sustainable Design Build brings years of experience working in Denver’s most highly regulated neighborhoods — including Berkeley, Highland, City Park, and especially Wash Park. The team understands how to navigate historic district rules, neighborhood overlays, and city code compliance, allowing them to anticipate challenges and proactively manage solutions.

Unified Design and Permitting Process

Operating under a true design-build model, the firm combines architectural design, permitting, and construction feasibility into a single workflow. This ensures that projects — especially those located in sensitive areas like Wash Park homes — are carefully assessed from day one. Clients benefit from fewer surprises, faster timelines, and a more streamlined experience from concept to completion.

Client Advocacy at Every Stage

Through city hearings, neighborhood board reviews, and preservation discussions, Sustainable Design Build acts as an advocate for the homeowner’s goals. They know how to articulate design intent clearly, respond professionally to public feedback, and protect the client’s investment throughout every regulatory checkpoint.

High-Quality Construction Aligned with Vision

Whether it’s a luxury home on a prominent Wash Park corner lot, a detached ADU behind a historic bungalow, or a seamless second-story addition, Sustainable Design Build delivers construction that is both high-quality and context-sensitive. Every project is designed to reflect the homeowner’s vision while maintaining harmony with the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

Turning Hurdles Into Opportunities

The complexities of Denver’s development process — especially in neighborhoods like Wash Park — can be daunting. But these hurdles also present opportunities to build smarter, more intentional homes that reflect both personal vision and long-term value.

With Sustainable Design Build as a partner, homeowners don’t have to choose between creativity and compliance. They gain a dedicated team that understands how to balance design, regulation, and construction — so that their vision is fully realized.

Interested in building or remodeling a home in Wash Park or another Denver neighborhood?
Reach out to Sustainable Design Build to get started on a project grounded in experience, backed by advocacy, and tailored to your future.