650 17th Street

The site at 650 17th Street in Denver has long been a blank canvas for developers dreaming of reshaping the city’s skyline.

Its strategic location in the heart of downtown Denver makes it a prime real estate spot, and over the years, it has seen several ambitious proposals aimed at maximizing its potential.

In 2018, a bold vision was set forth with plans for an 81-story skyscraper. This tower aimed to pierce the Denver skyline, reaching a height of 1,000 feet, which would have made it the tallest building in the city.

The proposed mixed-use development was designed to include luxury condominiums, hotel accommodations, and expansive office spaces. The developers envisioned this landmark as a beacon of modern urban living and a catalyst for economic activity in Denver.

Fast forward to early 2022, and the paradigm for 650 17th Street had shifted. Greystar, a prominent real estate firm, proposed a more modest yet impressive 47-story mixed-use building.

This iteration reflected the evolving demands of urban living, featuring 342 rental apartments and 15,800 square feet of retail space on the ground level. With amenities such as a 10th-floor amenity deck, a sky lounge on floors 36 and 37, a roof terrace, and structured parking for 416 vehicles, the project was set to offer a comprehensive urban living experience.

By August 2023, further economic assessments and strategic planning led to a revised proposal again. Greystar stepped aside, and property owner Harbinger Development took the reins.

The new vision was for a 39-story tower, which included 223 hotel rooms from floors 8 through 17, and 320 apartments on the upper floors. The ground floor would be a bustling hub of activity with restaurant and lobby spaces, while the initial levels would accommodate parking. Denver’s renowned JNS Architecture + Interior Design was selected to lead the project's architectural vision, ensuring that the design compliments the city's emerging aesthetic.

As of March 2025, the development of the 39-story tower  is still underway. The updated plan envisions a reduction in residential capacity to 150 residential units, while the number of hotel rooms has been adjusted to 273.

These changes reflect strategic scaling back from the original 81-story design and illustrate a pragmatic approach adapted to current market dynamics. The ongoing development underscores the commitment to contributing positively to Denver’s urban landscape while accommodating shifting real estate trends.

The path of the development at 650 17th Street is emblematic of broader trends in urban real estate development. The site has been a benchmark for how economic conditions, market demands, and architectural visions shape major city projects.

Engaging local stakeholders and considering community impact also remain critical strategies that facilitate smoother project execution, offering benefits to both developers and residents.

This site’s journey serves as a case study of how urban centers continually evolve, adapting to the changing pulse of economic activity and cultural shifts while aspiring to innovate within the built environment.