Page 38 - CCD-Mag-Summer-Fall-2020

Emily Griffith Opportunity School
EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
This historic, adaptive re-use building has a soul and a unique story to tell...
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T he Emily Griffith Opportunity School, a historic 1926 four-story building located in downtown
Denver across from the convention center is reimagined as a boutique hotel and mixed-use development. The 250-room, adaptive re-use hotel celebrates the past— welcoming hotel guests and the Denver community alike.
The design is inspired by legacy of industrial education champion, Emily Griffith, who focused on respectful, practical action. Minimal interventions, like a new entry portico and two landscaped courtyards were added to define a new alley-side entry. This modern hotel entry and drop-off procession utilizes a subdued material palette to differentiate the modern from historic elements without overwhelming the quiet dignity of the existing structure. Entering the hotel at level 2, guests have access to the hotel check-in, a lobby bar, a lounge with fireplace and more intimate seating areas. On the garden level, guests will find meeting rooms and a fitness center.
Working within historical guidelines, the design pays special attention to contributing elements of the old school building to ensure that the conversion provides
Emily Griffith exterior rendering - 4240 Arhictecture
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the appropriate historical context for its new life as a hospitality project. Historically significant features of the building were preserved, including the existing facades, interior corridors, and other unique detail elements found within the building. Existing window and door openings were modified as required and new neutral infill wall finishes highlight the texture and color variation of the existing brick. Much of the original interior terra-cotta and glazed tile finishes, ‘school corridor’ proportions, and the historic grand stairways are retained to lend historic charm to the interior design of the hotel.
The design/build team breathing new life into Stonebridge Companies’ Emily Griffith Opportunity School building includes: Mortenson Construction, 4240 Architecture, S.A. Miro, Norris Design, Epstein Uhen Architects, The Society, AMI Mechanical, and Encore Electric.
38 | Colorado Construction & Design
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Hotels & Hospitality
Project Round Up
EMILY GRIFFITH OPPORTUNITY SCHOOL
HISTORIC ADAPTIVE RE-USE | HOTEL + MIXED USE
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DENVER, COLORADO