The
Thomas Connole Apartment Building was constructed as affordable housing in the
1950's by the Denver Housing Authority. Rennovation of this property was required
to upgrade the building systems, bring the facility into compliance with current
federal and local codes and to convert the building to use by senior citizens
and the physically impaired. Exterior upgrades were required to present and appearance
more compatible with the surrounding, increasingly upscale, neighborhood. All
this needed to be accomplished with a finite budget dictated by HUD Improvement
Grants. The final design incorporates 85,000 square feet on twelve floors. This
includes 100 1-bedroom and studio units along with first floor common spaces.
The building was gutted and stripped to the structure. All systems were replaced
except for the boiler and the elevators. The building skin was replaced and energy
efficient windows installed. The units were redesigned to increase size and more
adequately accommodate the intended tenant. Each floor includes four apartments
suitable to those confined to wheelchairs and all units are adaptable to those
with other disabilities. The project is scheduled to be completed Summer of 2002.
Thomas
Connole Apartment Building, Denver, Colorado
