1335 Zuni Street

Sitting along the South Platte River since 1901, the Zuni Power Plant has long been a fixture in Denver’s industrial landscape. Once a cutting-edge facility that helped power the city’s growth, the plant was decommissioned by Xcel Energy in 2021. Now, its future hangs in the balance.

Earlier this year, Xcel listed the site for sale, giving potential buyers just 30 days to make an offer. Preservation advocates worry this tight timeline favors demolition over adaptive reuse. Groups like Historic Denver argue that the plant—towering smokestacks and all—could be repurposed into something that benefits the community, like a cultural space, market, or business hub.

The City and County of Denver had the first right of refusal to purchase the plant but declined, citing costly environmental remediation. That leaves the building’s fate in the hands of private developers. If no buyer steps forward, Xcel plans to demolish the site.

For the nearby neighborhoods of Sun Valley and La Alma Lincoln Park, this is more than just another development story. It’s a question of whether Denver values its industrial heritage or will erase it in the name of progress.

A Glimpse into the Historical Significance of the Zuni Power Plant

Established more than a century ago, the Zuni Power Plant served as a beacon of progress and industrialization in Denver. It played a pivotal role not just in powering homes and businesses but also in symbolizing the advancement of technology at the turn of the 20th century. The plant's design, marked by its towering smokestacks, is an emblem of the era's architectural ingenuity and industrial spirit.

The Debate Over Preservation Versus Redevelopment

The debate over the Zuni Power Plant reflects broader tensions in urban development. On one hand, economic pressures and the demand for new real estate ventures make redevelopment appealing. On the other, preservationists highlight the cultural and historical value that such landmarks bring to a city's identity and the potential for these sites to be transformed into vibrant community spaces.

Adaptive reuse examples abound in other cities, showing how industrial relics can be transformed. Take New York's High Line, a disused railway turned into an urban park, or Toronto's Distillery District, where old factories now house shops, galleries, and eateries. These projects demonstrate how preserving a city's history can boost tourism, community engagement, and economic development.

Environmental Challenges and Opportunities

One of the significant hurdles facing the Zuni site is environmental contamination common in older industrial sites. However, many argue that modern remediation techniques could make adaptive reuse feasible. While initial costs may be high, such investments often lead to long-term economic benefits and sustainable urban development.

In considering the site's future, stakeholders can look to sustainable urban development practices that emphasize conservation and eco-friendly solutions, possibly turning a potential liability into an asset that underscores Denver's commitment to both its heritage and future sustainability.

Community Reaction and the Path Forward

The local community is divided, with some advocating for new housing or business opportunities that could arise from redevelopment, while others see value in maintaining a piece of Denver’s history. Artwork, solar installations, and green spaces are all possibilities that could merge preservation with modern needs.

Community engagement will be crucial in the coming months, with neighborhood associations, local businesses, and Denver residents weighing in on what they envision for 1349 Zuni Street. It will be a test of Denver's ability to balance development with preservation, and the outcome may set a precedent for how the city handles its remaining industrial relics.

The future of the Zuni Power Plant is not just about a single building—it's about deciding what kind of city Denver wants to be.