#downtown development

Revitalizing Urban Spaces: A Solution to Affordability and Homelessness In numerous American cities, we witness an alarming trend: downtown office buildings stand largely vacant, their absence of occupants straining local businesses that once thrived. Concurrently, countless individuals, unable to secure affordable housing, find themselves sleeping on the streets. Fortunately, the solutions to…

How Much Did the Denver Bubba Gump Building Sell For?The former Bubba Gump building at 1437 California St. in downtown Denver sold for $1.8 million. That marked a steep discount from its roughly $2.5 million asking price.The sale closed Monday, according to local reporting. It came after months of vacancy following the restaurant’s November 2025 closure. Bubba Gump had operated there from 2007 until 2025, making it the brand’s last Colorado location.Pricing Pressure BuildsThe two-story property traded for about $700,000 less than expected. That gap shaped market reaction around downtown hospitality real estate. Similar to other shifting property sectors, rising housing inventory can signal a more price-sensitive environment for sellers.Its location near the Colorado Convention Center and the renovated 16th Street corridor remained a key strength. Even so, the unoccupied building faced pricing pressure.Signals From the DealThe discounted transaction suggested soft conditions for a hospitality-adjacent site in the heart of downtown. Demolition speculation and prolonged vacancy likely affected perceived value before the sale closed.Who Bought the Former Denver Bubba Gump Site?Amnon Ben Ari, identified in reporting through a Denver-based LLC tied to him, bought the former Bubba Gump site at 1437 California St.Coverage also names Ben Ari directly as the buyer and describes him as a local entrepreneur with hospitality ties in downtown Denver.He has also been characterized as a pool owner through references to his billiards business and as a bar and restaurant operator.Background and PositioningPodcast reporting links Ben Ari to Zanzibar Billiards Club and says he had leased the space since 2009.That history indicates familiarity with the property before the $1.8 million purchase closed.Reports do not identify a corporate chain or institutional investor.Instead, they point to an individual buyer with nightlife and entertainment experience, suggesting continuity in how the two-story property near the convention corridor may be used.In Denver, investor interest in retail has remained active, with anchor tenants continuing to play a major role in property appeal and valuation.Why Did Bubba Gump Denver Close?As reported at the time of the shutdown, no official reason was publicly given for why Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. closed its downtown Denver restaurant at 1437 California St. in November 2025.Coverage said the chain’s only Colorado location posted a permanent-closure notice, and public listings later continued to show it as closed.No report in the available record tied the exit to remodeling, relocation, rebranding, or a stated corporate strategy.Signals Around the ShutdownLater reporting added context, not certainty.It said the restaurant had missed rent before closing and had been involved in litigation that was later settled, pointing to possible tenant disputes or broader financial strain.Demolition proposals for the site had also surfaced before the shutdown.Still, based on cited reporting, the precise cause remains unconfirmed.Why Did the 1437 California Street Property Sell?Pressure from a long-vacant downtown restaurant asset appears to have driven the sale of 1437 California St.The property traded for $1.8 million, roughly $700,000 below its asking price.That pricing gap points to a negotiated deal shaped by market dynamics rather than strong seller leverage.The two-story property had been vacant since November 2025, after Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. occupied it from 2007 onward.Vacancy Weighed on ValueThe vacancy impact likely reduced buyer demand and increased carrying costs for seller Cherne Investment Co. LLP.The Littleton-based entity is now managed by Kent Cherne.Downtown retail conditions also appear to have pressured valuation, even with the building’s visibility near the Colorado Convention Center and the rebuilt 16th Street corridor.Those factors likely made a discounted sale the clearest path to transfer ownership.What Does the New Owner Plan for the Space?The sale appears set to return 1437 California St.

Project Overview and Delivery SuccessThe substantial $490 million renovation at 1416 Ninth St. is a pivotal moment in Sacramento's downtown revitalization. Turner Construction Company led the effort, showcasing their extensive project management expertise. They faced and overcame significant construction challenges. By executing a 657,000-square-foot overhaul, they guaranteed cost and schedule certainty. Notably, the project was delivered two and a half months ahead of schedule. This success reflects their adept management skills and commitment to precision. It sets a benchmark for similar urban projects. A commitment to a clear vision guided the transformation from the former Resources Building into a modern office hub. It now accommodates 3,000 California state employees across 40 state agencies. Completion occurred on December 18, 2025, further enhancing Sacramento's public sector infrastructure. The project's sustainability goals align with Sacramento's future growth. It solidifies downtown's role in regional development.Architectural Design and Modern AmenitiesDelivering this monumental project two and a half months early set a new standard for downtown Sacramento. Integrating architectural innovation with modern functionality, the project meticulously balanced preservation and progress. The 1960s-era Resources Building retained its historic charm through adaptive reuse while unveiling a rejuvenated silhouette against the Sacramento skyline. Inside, the renovation transformed the 17-story tower into cutting-edge office spaces. Modern workspaces now feature abundant natural light and collaborative atmospheres, with secure facilities bolstering safety. Employee wellness took center stage, with new public spaces and a fitness center enhancing comfort. Bicycle amenities further supported contemporary commuting needs. Sustainability has been a priority, as shown by the achieved Net Zero Energy performance benchmark that sets the standard for future governmental buildings. Design leadership by AC Martin and HGA, employing a progressive design-build method, guaranteed meticulously planned interiors serve over 20 user groups with tailored designs.Sustainability and Long-Term ImpactSustainability drives Sacramento's downtown revival, making it a model of eco-conscious urban planning. This transformation places green infrastructure and sustainable materials at its core.Buildings aim for high environmental standards, like LEED Gold certifications. Mass timber structures highlight reduced carbon footprints, while iconic locations manage rainwater to boost eco-friendliness.The MLSOC campus is a zero-carbon workplace, demonstrating significant long-term environmental impacts.Sustainability HighlightsFeatureProjectBenefitMass Timber StructureMLSOC CampusReduced carbon footprintLEED Gold CertificationCalifornia TowerEnhanced energy and water savingsStormwater ManagementRiver District TransformationImproved eco-sustainabilityThe Bancroft Parking Structure emphasizes sustainable design with its EV charging stalls. It reinforces Sacramento's commitment to a green future.Economic and Fiscal ContributionsAs Sacramento's downtown embraces a whirlwind of change, the economic impact promises a seismic shift in the region.Massive construction projects have resulted in a one-time impact of about $8.2 billion.These projects are catalyzing taxable activities and boosting tax revenue streams. Projected annual economic output is expected to increase by around $4.4 billion. This growth is fueled by the creation of approximately 23,900 regional jobs.The rise in property tax revenues is driven by expansions in residential and commercial developments. Thousands of new housing units contribute to this growth.Visitor spending from events and venues forecasts a notable rise in sales-tax receipts. This benefits the retail and hospitality sectors, enhancing their revenue.These developments signify a profound financial revitalization for Sacramento.To further solidify

Kroenke Sports Acquires 62-Acre Development Site for Multi-Billion Dollar ProjectKroenke Sports & Entertainment now has full control over Denver's transformative 62-acre River Mile development. This follows a strategic buyout of partner Revesco Properties' stake.Industry analysts view this as one of the most ambitious urban redevelopment projects in Colorado history. The ownership shift gives KSE authority over a massive undertaking.The project includes Elitch Gardens and Meow Wolf's Denver location. It also covers prime real estate around Ball Arena, home to the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche.KSE and Revesco have been partners since 2015, when they acquired Elitch Gardens. Terms of the transaction are undisclosed, and no public filings are recorded as of recent reports.The $3.1 billion project plans to deliver about 8,000 residential units. It also involves extensive commercial development.Planners expect to create 25,000 jobs and attract 16,450 new residents. The development timeline spans 20 to 25 years.A significant investor strategy involves focusing on Class A properties that offer stable income and potential for rent growth, as seen in multifamily market trends.The River Mile is positioned as a cornerstone for Denver's downtown transformation.Mixed-Use District to Transform Downtown With 15 Million Square Feet of DevelopmentThe sprawling 62-acre River Mile development is set to transform Denver's downtown riverfront with over 15 million square feet of mixed-use construction. This project will fundamentally reshape the city's urban landscape. Of the total space, 6.65 million square feet is allocated for office use, while 5.58 million is designated for residential units. The project reflects a regional shift towards balanced mixed-use developments, as demonstrated by the Kansas City Mission Gateway. Additional square footage includes retail, hospitality, and cultural facilities, all strategically positioned along the South Platte River corridor. Upon completion, the district is projected to achieve the highest urban density in Denver. The residential area alone aims to double the current downtown population, significantly increasing housing availability in the urban core. The district's design philosophy heavily focuses on comprehensive pedestrian infrastructure. Planners emphasize walkable connectivity through dedicated bike lanes and pedestrian bridges. These bridges link the riverfront to downtown and support multi-modal transportation options aimed at reducing automobile dependency. Strategically spanning between Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway, the development places residents and workers close to existing transit stations. This strategic location maximizes accessibility and aligns with Denver's broader vision for sustainable riverfront regeneration. The development is positioned on the former site of Elitch Gardens Theme & Water Park.Phase I Construction Timeline and Early Building Completions Set for 2025-2027Construction crews broke ground on Phase I of Denver's transformative riverfront project in September 2023. This initiative is hailed by industry experts as the most ambitious urban development in the city's history.The construction timeline is meticulously planned to span multiple years, with Phase I completion set for Q3 2025. Public amenities quickly emerge, thanks to extensive infrastructure development that includes environmental remediation and underground utility installations.Over four acres of public parks are expected to appear by fall 2024. These parks will feature basketball and pickleball courts, highlighting the project's accelerated pace.Later in 2025, the first multifamily building will break ground. This marks a critical shift from horizontal construction to vertical development.Industry analysts caution that competitors may face displacement. The decade-long buildout is set to reshape Denver's riverfront scenery.Phase I mainly focuses on foundational infrastructure. Future phases promise diverse building types that could dominate regional development capital.

Detroit Public Library

We love our city, but …

I need to stipulate right up front something that needs saying, which is that my wife and I love the city we now call home. Princeton, Texas, is “where it’s at” for us and it’s where we intend to stay, oh, for the duration, if you get my drift. That all said, the city lacks one important feature that I want to examine in this brief blog post. It lacks any sort of central…

Governor McAuliffe announces $150,000 in Virginia Main Street Grants

Governor McAuliffe announced today $150,000 in Virginia Main Street funding for 10 projects in Virginia. The grants, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), include Downtown Investment Grants (DIG) and Financial Feasibility Grants targeting areas of specific need in historic downtown neighborhoods located in designated Virginia Main Street communities.…