The redevelopment of the former University of Colorado Health and Sciences Center was recently the center of attention as Saunders performed a major implosion to start construction on a highly anticipated mixed-use development project.
The initial scope includes the environmental abatement and complete demolition of 15 existing buildings totaling 1,985,800 sq. ft. and interior demolition of three buildings, which are anticipated to be re-purposed as a part of the redevelopment. Additionally, Saunders will provide new utilities, roads, a two-block underground parking structure and infrastructure to enable future development.
The development team has proposed a $419 million redevelopment that will include 900 to 1,100 units of apartments and for-sale housing, 250,000 SF of retail and 125,000 sq. ft. of office space. The plan calls for the creation of a highly walkable and bike friendly project, integrating open green space and pedestrian amenities. The redevelopment will include a horizontal and vertical mix of uses, including residential, office, retail, restaurant, hotel and public space. The retail component will focus on creating a mix of retailers and restaurants, which will include national, regional and local businesses.
Situated along the streetcar line in Portland’s South Waterfront and a mere 10 feet south of the Ross Island Bridge, this seven-story mixed-use development provides modern housing for young professionals and OHSU students and staff. The 100,000 square foot building houses 118 eco-friendly apartments and features ground-floor retail—including Lovejoy Bakers. To give the appearance of leaning into the South Waterfront, each floor was designed and built eight inches wider than the one below.
The East 29th Avenue Town Center for Forest City Stapleton is a large multi-use development that consists of 197,000 s.f. of space divided up between ten separate buildings. The project includes 30 retail spaces, 144 residential apartments, two 30,000 s.f. office buildings, two stand-alone restaurants and a King Soopers. The Town Center was built by local subcontractors working for the Saunders / BDI joint venture.
This $20 million project provided Saunders the opportunity to expand its repertoire by utilizing two- and three-story stick-framed residential structures over steel and composite deck main floor structures on the residential portions of the project.
This $35 million, 12-month project is one of seven “blocks” developed on the old Villa Italia Mall site in Lakewood. The master development plan for the entire site includes retail and office space, residential units, community parks, plazas, and several parking garages. Saunders built “Block Two” which consisted of all site work and construction for two multi-story mixed use buildings, a 1,000 stall post-tensioned parking garage, and partial demolition and remodel of an existing three story retail structure. The exterior building finishes included an assortment of brick, precast, and glass storefronts with awnings giving a new urbanism feel. Descriptions of the “Block Two” buildings are as follows.
Building 2M3 is a 152,000 s.f. four story retail and office building featuring an underground parking garage and “LEED” certification. Building 2M4 is a 38,000 s.f. retail and/or office space. The existing 139,000 s.f. retail structure, Building 2D, was remodeled and tied into the 465,000 s.f. Parking Garage 2G. The 1,000 stall parking garage also features retail shops on the ground floor.