BEE-eautiful Active Design in Denver

Size: 8 stories, 245,000 ft²

Type: Commercial office with ground-level retail

Architect: Gensler

MEP engineer: MKK Engineers

Contractor: Mortensen

Developer: Beacon Capital Partners

From attractive stairways to pollinators, the Hub RiNo Station in Denver has several unique features. Deriving its name from its neighborhood (River North), the project recently achieved LEED Gold under the v4 Core & Shell rating system. It was the first in the state of Colorado to earn this particular rating. LEED Gold is the minimum green building standard for the developer, Beacon Capital Partners.

The building’s situation amid public transit and biking infrastructure already encourages “active design,” but the project enhances this with an onsite fitness facility and several attractive stairways that inspire day-to-day physical activity. Daylighting, mountain views, and outdoor access on terraces and a green roof round out the project’s wellness features.

The project underwent enhanced and ongoing commissioning and has a drastically reduced parking footprint.

Perhaps most intriguing are the beehives located on a green roof, part of an urban beekeeping program designed to benefit the local community.