The City of Denver is moving forward with a landmark plan to transform the former Park Hill Golf Course into a large public park through a land swap agreement with Westside Investment Partners. This decision follows years of legal and political battles over the site’s future, with strong public support favoring the preservation of open space. Under the proposed agreement, the city would trade a similarly valued parcel near Denver International Airport to gain control of the 155-acre property, paving the way for rezoning, park planning, and eventual development. While the initiative represents a major investment in green infrastructure and community recreation, city officials are also weighing concerns about potential gentrification and displacement in surrounding neighborhoods.
Despite recent headlines about tariffs, trade wars, and economic uncertainty, there are still strong reasons for homeowners to move forward with their dream construction projects—whether it’s a custom home, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or a major home addition. At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we understand how economic changes can feel daunting, but we also see the opportunities—and we’re here to help you navigate them with confidence.
The National Association of Home Builders published a study recently covering the Cost of Construction of new single-family homes. The Survey shows varying percentages of components that contribute to the overall cost, interestingly, the overall cost of these components have been reported as staying relatively consistent in recent years.
On April 14th, 2025, Mayor Mike Johnston signed an Executive Order as part of a new initiative to overhaul Denver’s permitting process. This initiative will bring about 300 employees responsible for the permitting review across seven city departments together under a new office, the Denver Permitting Office (DPO). Even more, the initiative promises that all building permits — regardless of size and scope, commercial or residential — will be fully reviewed within 180 days. If the permitting process is not completed within that timeframe, specialized city officials will step in to expedite the plan reviews within a short, designated period, and applicants may even receive partial refunds of permitting fees.
DENVER – Sustainable Design Build has been building along the Front range since 2016. But co-owner and general contractor Zach McKendry says he still doesn’t know what to expect while trying to get construction permits approved by the City of Denver, something he calls a “huge pain.”
Mayor Mike Johnston announced on April 14, 2025 his first executive order, the creation of the Denver Permitting Office, or DPO. Executive Order 151 takes aim at the infamous Denver City and County Department of Neighborhood Development along with all of the related department services that are intertwined with permitting processes for any type of construction in Denver. For years following the pandemic, Denver’s Developmental Services have been inundated with a boom of permitting and plan review requests which have led to astronomically long wait times. These wait times have even breached 300 days in recent years, leaving anybody; Developer, homeowner, or general contractor at the mercy of an overburdened bureaucratic system.
Denver’s permitting system is poised for a dramatic overhaul with Mayor Mike Johnston’s announcement of a new initiative that implements a 180-day “shot clock” for reviewing building applications. This long-awaited reform is designed to streamline and expedite the city’s notoriously slow and complex permitting process, which has stymied real estate development for decades. Developers like Joe Vostrejs, who has worked in Denver’s real estate sector for over 40 years, expressed optimism, calling the shift the most promising improvement in his career. The initiative introduces single-point project advocates—or “champions”—to guide applicants through a process that has often been delayed by conflicting guidance across departments.
On April 14, 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston issued his first executive order since taking office, establishing a new permitting office aimed at expediting and improving the city’s building approval process. This initiative addresses longstanding backlogs in the permitting system that have hindered development and contributed to housing challenges.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming an increasingly popular way for Denver homeowners to add value to their properties, generate rental income, or create flexible living spaces for family members. If you’re considering building an ADU, you may be wondering: Can you have a balcony on an ADU? Thanks to recent updates to the Denver Zoning Code, the answer is yes—under specific conditions.
Denver is on the cusp of something truly transformative! With the recent announcement of a world-class, 14,500-seat women’s soccer stadium planned for Santa Fe Yards at Broadway and I-25, our city is taking another massive step forward in sports, entertainment, and urban development. As an organization deeply invested in the growth and evolution of Denver, Sustainable Design Build is thrilled to see this project come to life and the incredible opportunities it will bring to the surrounding community.
Chefs Alexander Figura and Spencer White, known for Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza, are planning to open a third restaurant featuring pizza and pasta at 81 S. Pennsylvania St. in West Wash Park. While the opening timeline remains uncertain, an Instagram post suggests a spring launch. The new restaurant will occupy a 2,000-square-foot space in an apartment complex, with a menu similar to their other locations, featuring $20 pasta and pizza dishes. Figura and White, who met at the now-closed Lower48 Kitchen, previously opened Dio Mio in 2016 and Redeemer Pizza in 2021. Their new venture takes over a space previously occupied by AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q Steakhouse, owned by Jared Leonard, who has faced financial and legal troubles.
March 2-8, 2025, marks Women in Construction (WIC) Week, a national celebration highlighting the impact women have in the construction industry. Led by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), this year’s theme, “Together We Rise,” emphasizes the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the growing influence of women in shaping the built environment.
Despite high housing costs, Denver remains one of the most desirable cities for relocation, ranking second in a nationwide survey by Anytime Estimate. It also placed eighth among state capitals in a WalletHub study based on factors like income, education, and attractions—though it ranked 48th for housing affordability.
Graland Country Day School, a prestigious private school in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood, is considering a significant expansion with the addition of a new 25,000-square-foot performing arts and communications building. The project, which is still in an exploratory phase, would replace the current theater building and further enhance the school’s existing arts and communication programs. If approved, this expansion would add to the campus’s 200,000-square-foot footprint, reinforcing Graland’s commitment to providing top-tier educational experiences for its 700+ students. The school’s history of growth, including a $13 million innovation center completed in 2016, showcases its dedication to evolving alongside the needs of its students and community.
Park Hill, one of Denver’s most iconic and historic neighborhoods, is undergoing a wave of transformation and growth, solidifying its reputation as the city’s next hot spot for homebuyers, developers, and businesses. With a renewed focus on community investment and development, Park Hill is attracting increasing attention, especially as the long-debated fate of the Park Hill Golf Course has finally been determined. This shift is bringing in new opportunities, with residents and investors confident in the neighborhood’s potential for long-term value and desirability.
Denver City Council recently made waves by unanimously approving over 130 changes to the city’s zoning code. These updates aim to streamline requirements, reduce permitting times, and align with evolving city land use policies. Set to take effect on February 25, the amendments are part of a routine review conducted every three years by the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development. This comprehensive update also marks the first major zoning changes under Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration, aligning with his commitment to improving permit processing times as part of his Citywide Goals 2024 initiative.
The National Association of Realtors recently reported that existing home sales fell to just 4.06 million in 2024—the lowest level since 1995. This slump stems from a combination of factors.
The long-debated Park Hill Golf Course in northeast Denver will open as a public park this summer, following a deal announced by city officials. The city plans to acquire the 155-acre property from Westside Investment Partners by trading it for a 145-acre, city-owned parcel near Denver International Airport. The park, to be managed by Denver Parks and Recreation, would be the fourth-largest in the city and offer amenities like trails, sports courts, and picnic areas based on community input.
Denver’s luxury real estate market is abuzz with record-breaking sales, including an $8 million Art Deco-inspired home near Bonnie Brae Park. This stunning 8,000-square-foot property at 890 S. Milwaukee St. is a testament to the appeal of timeless design and custom craftsmanship. Homes like these demonstrate the growing trend of blending luxury, functionality, and architectural charm to create bespoke residences that stand out in the Denver market.
The potential land swap involving the Park Hill Golf Course, a 155-acre site that has been at the heart of public debate in Denver. The proposed agreement between the City of Denver and Westside Partners, the property’s current owner, could reshape the future of this historic land while honoring the community’s wishes.
The latest Quarterly Cost Report from Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) offers valuable insights into the evolving construction landscape across 14 key North American markets. With data from mid-Q4 2024, the report highlights a national average construction cost increase of 1.11%, with Denver experiencing a moderate gain of 4.46% year-over-year—well below many other markets.
A proposal to introduce denser housing types in Littleton’s traditional single-family suburban neighborhoods has faced a significant setback. On Tuesday night, the Littleton City Council voted 6-1 to indefinitely postpone consideration of the proposed amendment to the city’s land-use code. The ordinance aimed to pave the way for “missing middle” housing—duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—to address the city’s projected need for 6,500 additional housing units over the next 20 years.
Stan Kroenke’s redevelopment plan for the land surrounding Ball Arena represents one of the most ambitious urban development projects in Denver’s recent history. Spanning 55 acres, the project envisions a vibrant mixed-use district with high-rise residential towers, office spaces, retail outlets, entertainment venues, and public green spaces. The plan aligns with broader trends in urban planning that integrate sports venues into larger, pedestrian-friendly communities, reducing the reliance on vast parking lots and underutilized land.
Sustainable Design Build is excited to see Wheat Ridge continue to grow as a vibrant and dynamic community. A prime example of this evolution is the arrival of The Werks, showcased by a recent Westword article, this unique entertainment venue founded by Paul Porter. Situated in Gold’s Marketplace at 2625 Kipling Street, The Werks brings together Porter’s experience in food, beverage, and entertainment industries to offer a destination that blends “bikes, beers, burgers, and bowling.”
As we step into 2025, many homeowners are looking to refresh and revitalize their living spaces as part of their New Year’s resolutions. Home renovations aren’t just about aesthetics; they reflect evolving lifestyles, new priorities, and the desire to create spaces that cater to modern living. And what better way to start off the new year with a brand new home improvement project? The year 2025 should be an opportunity for revitalizing your home to be the perfect space for relaxation, comfort, and of course growth.
Denver’s rich architectural and cultural heritage was recently highlighted with the designation of three individual city landmarks and the creation of a new historic district near the University of Denver. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving properties that reflect the city’s evolving history and character.
At SDB, we understand the intricacies of working with historic homes. Our experience includes projects on homes with historic landmark designation in areas like University Park and the Berkeley neighborhood. Whether restoring cherished architectural details or blending modern enhancements seamlessly, we lend confidence to homeowners pursuing their renovation goals.
According to the Denver Post and Real Estate Developers, Colorado home buyers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for what is called a transitional-style home, which blend modern and traditional design elements. This style is growing in popularity but more so with the higher-end and luxury homeowners rather than the median homebuyer. The popular style average a valuation of $1.7 million, which is significantly higher than Denver’s November medium closing price of homes at $585,000, following the recent November Housing Inventory metrics. With in mind, what is a transitional-style home and is it really an up-and-coming trend in luxury home building in Colorado?
Cherry Creek North is buzzing with activity as BMC Investments and Rockpoint begin construction on The Oasis Apartments, a luxury mixed-use development featuring 177 high-end residential units, 28,000 square feet of retail space, and a public park with fountains. This transformative project, set for completion in early 2027, reflects Cherry Creek’s evolution into a hub for luxury living and modern amenities.
Denver is taking significant steps to improve pedestrian safety and walkability along Quebec Street near Colfax Avenue. A new $3.9 million project funded by the 2017 voter-approved Elevate Denver initiative will add sidewalks along a 0.75-mile stretch from 12th Avenue to Montview Boulevard. This development not only enhances safety but also aligns with the broader trend of upgrading neighborhoods for better living standards—both inside and outside the home.
The Clayton neighborhood in north Denver is buzzing with new developments, making it one of the most exciting areas in the city. Among these transformative projects is York Street Yards, a redeveloped 37-acre site that has become a hub for business, entertainment, and community connection. Formerly a U.S. Army medical supply facility from 1942, the site has undergone a remarkable transformation under real estate developer SKB, bringing new energy to Clayton.
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