Denver, CO – Freight Residences, a family-friendly housing development on the mixed-use TAXI site in RiNo, has been awarded the 2016 Mayor’s Design Award. Zeppelin Development received the recognition in the category of “Density by Design” at an awards ceremony hosted by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock and Brad Buchanan, Executive Director of Denver Community Planning and Development, at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Thursday, November 10.
Designed by the award-winning Dynia Architects, Freight Residences is a first of its kind housing model with a focus on accommodating families in the urban neighborhoods of Denver. Barker Rinker Seacat is the architect of record on the project.
“We saw an unmet need for urban family-friendly housing,” said Kyle Zeppelin, Principal of Zeppelin Development. “The immediate lease-up of the project confirmed this demand exists from diverse demographics, beyond millennials, who want to live in cities – with well-designed and high-functioning spaces – and be surrounded by a community of like-minded people.”
Freight Residences is a 48-unit multi-family apartment community that was completed in early 2016. Bucking the recent trend of weighting urban apartment developments towards one-bedroom and studio units, Freight Residences features one, three and four-bedroom floorplans, specifically designed with families’ needs in mind. Each unit has an operable glass garage door that opens the living spaces up to gardens, patios and scenic views, while providing natural ventilation and functional day-lit interiors. On the ground floor, the lobby serves as a multi-purpose game, entertainment and educational facility. Native landscaping and integrated storm water features flank the site. Additional site amenities include TAXI’s signature shipping container pool, a dog park, community garden, early childhood education center, a café and more.
Stephen Dynia, FAIA, Principal and Design Director of Dynia Architects, said, “Freight Residences is our first multi-family housing project in Denver. It was an opportunity to create a building that will serve as an example of progressive and innovative design, appealing to varied demographics wanting an exceptional urban living experience.”
Since its inception in 2005, the Mayor’s Design Award has been presented to Denver business owners, nonprofits, artists and others for their “creative contributions to the public realm through innovative design.” A development that receives the accolade is considered among the city’s best examples of architecture, exterior design and place-making, and as one that will add vibrancy to the community.
Images courtesy of Zeppelin Development; Photos of Freight by JC Buck; Photo at award ceremony by Evan Semón Photography
