Denver Chamber of Commerce
A new entry and identity for this 1980’s-era building in Denver’s historic Lower Downtown district
Client
Chamber Building, Condominium Association
Project Size
3,664 sf
Professional Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Lighting Design
RNL was initially contracted to provide the vision for a new entry and identity for this 1980’s-era building in Denver’s historic Lower Downtown district. The building is home to both the Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce and to Denver’s chapter of Junior Achievement. The building was also analyzed for energy efficiency and potential related upgrades.
The original building’s entry, set at a 45 degree angle to the street, presents difficulties for pedestrian access and approach. Because the entry was recessed from the sidewalk, it also constrained the vestibule and elevator lobby inside the building. The exterior space in front of the entry separated the ground-floor restaurant and retail space at the north end of the building from the exterior courtyard to the south of the building. That courtyard, a great amenity for the building and used in the evenings by the restaurant tenant, had fallen into disrepair.
The design solution was to extend the lobby out to the sidewalk line, incorporating existing exterior space into a greatly enlarged entrance. This design approach served the secondary goal of providing interior-controlled and secured access from the restaurant to the courtyard. The expanded lobby received new finishes throughout, a much-needed update from the original 1980’s-era design. The new lobby also provided a degree of solar protection for the first and second floors which are south-facing and tended to overheat in its original condition. The glass at the ground level, above the entry was also replaced to improve efficiency with heat gain.
In addition to these changes, a small balcony on the 4th floor was expanded and an extension of the roof was designed to provide shading for the south-facing windows.
Meet the team
Josh
Gould
Corporate Market Lead
As RNL’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, Josh Gould has proven an exceptionally strategic leader, guiding an expansion of the geographies and markets that RNL serves. In his more than 30 years with the company, Josh has also been instrumental in shaping the holistic design philosophy that has become one of RNL’s most significant competitive differentiators.
David
Carnicelli
Private Architecture Studio Lead
As RNL’s Private Sector Studio Lead, David Carnicelli provides management and oversight on architectural projects initiated by our private sector clients. His multi-family and residential projects in particular reflect his strong ability to deliver forward-thinking, socially conscious designs that impact communities for the better.
