Studio Gang Designs Vibrant New Social Center in Downtown Denver

December 14, 2020

Today, Studio Gang announced their design for Populus—a vibrant new social center in downtown Denver. Created with local developer Urban Villages, Studio Gang’s first Colorado project is located on a prominent corner site at 14th Street and Court Place near Denver’s Civic Center Park. Connecting Denver’s civic, arts, and commercial districts, the sculptural building greets the neighborhood equally on all three sides, welcoming visitors and residents in the round.

Populus derives its name from the scientific classification of Colorado’s native aspen tree (Populus tremuloides), which served as inspiration for the texture and rhythm of the building’s façade. “Forming an essential interface between inside and outside, the distinctive windows expand the hotel rooms to the city and Rocky Mountains beyond,” said Jeanne Gang. “Their shape is inspired by the growth pattern seen on the iconic aspen trees of Colorado, whose branches produce ‘eyes’ on the trunks’ surface.”

The windows lend a sense of drama to the hotel rooms, presenting guests with immersive views of the nearby State Capitol, Civic Center Park, and mountains beyond. At the building’s base, the windows expand to frame entrances and views into the lobby, restaurant, and shared amenity spaces.

The 145,000-square-foot, 13-story mixed-use building includes hotel rooms and a public green roof terrace planted with lush regional vegetation.

Construction on the Populus Building is expected to begin later this year with anticipated completion in 2023.

Read more in today’s Denver Business Journal