900 Penn, Denver, CO
Commissioned by Davis Urban, I documented 900 Penn, a standout example of their adaptive-reuse expertise. What began as a neglected seven-story red-brick apartment building in Denver’s historic Governor’s Park neighborhood was reimagined into luxury residences inspired by New York flats and penthouses—an elegant reinvention of older architecture.
Design Inspiration & Vision:
A response to the building’s worn Howard Johnson–style facade, Davis Urban stripped back the brick and introduced expansive floor-to-ceiling glass walls, spacious open layouts (approximately 3,000 ft² per unit), and modern outdoor terraces. The design blends urban living with natural light and panoramic mountain views.
Construction & Completion:
Adaptive-reuse work began in 2016 and was completed in 2017, opening to residents later that year .
Awards & Recognition:
•2018 Residential Architect Design Award in Renovation/Adaptive Reused architecture
•2019 Mayor’s Design Award, “Back to the Future”
•AIA Colorado Award of Distinction, September 2019
Working with Davis Urban:
I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with Matt Davis and his team—Davis Urban consistently pushes design boundaries, creatively repurposing older structures into fresh, innovative homes. Their work on 900 Penn showcases exactly why I value working with them: a bold vision, thoughtful transformation, and a seamless fusion of past and future.
© 2018 jc buck
