KEPHART Project Denizen Achieves Top Honors for Sustainable Design

Denizen, a mixed-use, 275-unit, multifamily project with ground level retail, developed by D4 Urban and designed by KEPHART architects, has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) as one of the most sustainable multifamily communities in the nation. Denizen received top honors in the category of Best Example of Green Building Concepts at the Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Awards, which promote excellence in apartment and condo design, development, management, and marketing. In addition to the prestigious Pillars of the Industry Award, Denizen was named the Best Market Rate Multifamily Project at the Best in Green Awards. Hundreds of entries—representing communities from across the country—vied for this year’s awards, which are considered among the most prestigious in the housing industry.

Denizen was a winner of both awards programs due to the innovative design and planning efforts by KEPHART and D4 Urban to create a signature apartment community that promotes health and wellness. Denizen has celebrated many “firsts” for development in the City of Denver. It is the first market-rate multifamily project in the City of Denver to achieve LEED Platinum certification. It is also the first community to be completed as part of the TOD Pilot Program created by RTD and the City and County of Denver to transform transit stations into vibrant destinations. Located just steps from light rail and bus services at Alameda Station, the community was deliberately designed to encourage residents to reduce their reliance on car ownership in favor of walking, using public transportation or taking advantage of the on-site car and bike sharing programs. In addition, the ground-level parking garage was designed to be easily converted into retail or other uses when parking demand decreases. This inherent flexibility will ensure the building continues to address the future needs of the community.

“We enjoyed working with D4 Urban to turn the first residential development at Alameda Station into a local destination,” said John Binder, principal of KEPHART. “Denizen is a lifestyle development that will endure for years to come because it promotes a distinct sense of place and community life which was created through effective land planning, architecture, and strategic partnerships.”

Read the full article from Mile High CRE here.