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Bindery on Blake Sets An Example for Historic & Cultural Preservation in RiNo

Danielson Investments_Bindery on Blake_Denver CO

Denver, CO – Bindery on Blake, an adaptive reuse project in the heart of the River North Art District (RiNo), was recently awarded the Ann Love Award from Historic Denver the Back to the Future Award from the Denver Mayor’s Office.

“Bindery on Blake represents an investment in and commitment to the future of the RiNo neighborhood,” said Sonia Danielsen, of Danielsen Investments, owners and developers of the property. “What was once an industrial warehouse is now an engaging space in our community that brings together people and ideas. The neighborhood has been so good to us over the decades, and this was our opportunity to give back. We are honored that our work is being recognized by Historic Denver and the Mayor’s office.”

The annual Ann Love award, presented to the Bindery on Blake on Nov. 2, honors individuals who may not be traditional preservationists, but have shown initiative, creativity, and commitment in preserving the history, culture and architecture of Denver.

On Nov. 10, the Bindery also received the Back to the Future Award from the Denver Mayor’s Office. The annual award honors exterior design and public spaces that contribute to and elevate the unique character and charm of their respective neighborhoods.

Danielsen Investments is co-owned by Sonia and Barry Danielsen. Sonia’s family has owned the RiNo property for 40 years, operating a family printing business there for over 80 years.

In 2015, the Danielsens decided to preserve the history and character of the area while updating the property for a new generation of tenants. They renovated and repurposed both buildings on the property, creating The Bindery on Blake.

The project included renovating, repurposing and revitalizing the 88-year-old building at 2901 Blake St., now known as The Sandbox. The adaptive reuse project preserved the historic character of the building where Sonia’s family ran their former print business, while modernizing it for the next generation of tenants. What had been an industrial space now houses creative commercial tenants in industries ranging from architecture and advertising to kitchen/bath and hardwood flooring and more.

The Bindery on Blake also includes the property next door at 2875 Blake St., now known as The Juicebox, where the Danielsens leased their former warehouse property to a new group of tenants, bringing a craft brewery, a cidery and a popular restaurant to the neighborhood.

In an effort to keep the neighborhood accessible to the creative community that helped put RiNo on the map, the Danielsens also created 13 designated artist studios, called the Bindery Art Studios, leased at deeply discounted rates.

Image courtesy of Danielsen Investments

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