By Natilie Josich, AC Development
Set to be one of the most sustainable mixed-use districts in the nation, Clayworks, the Coors-backed, 14-acre development at Ninth Street and Washington Avenue in Golden, is transforming the original ceramics manufacturing campus of CoorsTek—a site the Coors family has operated since 1884—into a mixed-use community. The project establishes a district-wide resilience and wellness strategy that will be the most ambitious sustainability program ever adopted in Golden. Simultaneously, it preserves multiple historic buildings and introduces a cohesive set of design standards to guide development for decades.
While its future promises a walkable, innovation-driven neighborhood anchored by state-of-the-art offices, modern apartments, a boutique hotel and public spaces, its roots run deep. Through adaptive reuse, Clayworks is weaving the site’s industrial legacy into its next chapter, honoring tradition while embracing the future.
Preserving a Historic Legacy
Rather than clearing the slate, the development team is restoring and repurposing historic buildings and artifacts from the original CoorsTek campus. The effort is led by AC Development, the real estate arm of the Coors family. These structures once housed ceramics manufacturing that helped shape industries from healthcare to aerospace. While CoorsTek continues to thrive as a leader in advanced ceramics with modern facilities elsewhere, its former Golden campus is being transformed into modern workspaces, retail destinations and cultural anchors that celebrate the company’s legacy.
Among the most meaningful gestures has been preserving the historic brick façade of the building where Coors Porcelain began in the 1920s. Saving the Ford Street wall was a top priority, serving as a link to the site’s industrial roots. In addition, a portion of the historic cast in place concrete building that housed the original kiln has been preserved and is now available for lease as part of the office development.
“Our vision is to honor the character embedded in these spaces while shaping their next chapter,” said Melissa Rummel, senior director of development of AC Development. “Adaptive reuse challenges us to design with constraints; to protect the history, materials and spirit that shaped this district. By preserving these spaces, we’re creating a living dialogue between the past and the future while designing authentic spaces that will serve and inspire the community.”
Reimagining Community Landmarks
Clayworks is embracing this principle at every turn. The Historic Golden High School is under historic preservation and is set to be reimagined as a boutique hotel, breathing new life into one of Golden’s most storied landmarks. Design plans also include apartment buildings, the adaptive reuse for office of an existing six-story factory and a parking garage.
Sustainability at the Core
This respect for heritage is connected to Clayworks’ commitment to sustainability. Preserving and repurposing existing buildings is a powerful way to reduce a development’s environmental footprint. Demolishing and rebuilding generate enormous amounts of construction waste and embodied carbon, while adaptive reuse extends the lifecycle of existing materials and cuts emissions.
That forward-thinking ethos translates to new construction at Clayworks. All new construction is being designed to LEED-NC Gold standards or higher, supported by all-electric infrastructure, on-site solar power and extensive EV charging stations. The neighborhood itself is targeting LEED-ND and WELL Community certification, a commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Water-wise infrastructure, like green roofs, bioswales, rain gardens and on-site stormwater quality measures, will reduce runoff and protect local waterways. Multi-modal transportation options, from bike lanes to pedestrian promenades, will encourage active, low-carbon mobility. Abundant natural daylight, superior indoor air quality and Fitwell or WELL Building certification standards will support the health and wellness of Clayworks’ community.
Composting, recycling and on-site food production will reduce landfill waste and environmental impact. By combining adaptive reuse with forward-looking design, Clayworks is charting a path toward a low-carbon, resilient future.
“Sustainability is at the heart of Clayworks,” said Sarah Marvez, director of commercial development of AC Development. “We’re setting a national benchmark through a district-wide commitment to environmental stewardship. By uniting adaptive reuse with forward-thinking design, we’re proving that development can be both visionary and responsible.”
Transforming an Industrial Icon
One example of Clayworks’ commitment to adaptive reuse and sustainability is the development’s B3 building, a former industrial building being transformed into the CoorsTek headquarters.
B3 was recognized by the Colorado Energy Office through its Geothermal Energy Grant Program, highlighting its role as a statewide model for energy-efficient, geothermal system design. The project integrates the structure’s historic industrial shell with cutting-edge building systems, including geothermal heating and cooling, all-electric energy infrastructure, skylights and high-performance insulation and glazing.
When complete, Clayworks will feature nearly 1.25 million square feet of space, including 550,000 square feet of offices, 500+ apartment residences, 60,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space and a 140-room boutique hotel with a conference center.
Surrounded by the beauty of the Colorado Rockies, steps from downtown Golden and just minutes from Denver and Boulder, Clayworks is poised to become a local hub and a regional destination.
By embracing adaptive reuse, Clayworks is proving that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of heritage. Instead, it can be built on it.
About the author: Natilie Josich has nearly 15 years of experience in business operations and investment management, drawing on her diverse background in commercial construction, development, and property management. As Development Coordinator, Natilie supports the entire development team with consultant management, contracting, compliance, asset management, office management, marketing, and investor communication.
