By Peter Llorente, senior managing director, SteelWave
In the rapidly evolving world of architecture and urban development in Colorado, SteelWave has emerged as a leader characterized by sustainability, creativity, and a strong focus on community. Our future-minded firm with national reach has made its mark on Colorado’s skyline by designing buildings in harmony with the environment and community, keeping human-centered design at the forefront. An embodiment of this craftsmanship is The Link in Denver, a mixed-use development that is redefining urban lifestyle.
As the world navigates the “Return to Office” movement, SteelWave provides a novel approach to how cities can adapt to a new fusion of work-life balance. The Link is not just a building; it’s our vision for the future of urban living.
SteelWave = Innovation and Sustainability
For decades, SteelWave has been a pioneer in green architecture and sustainability. Designs are made to be stunning, cohesive, and environmentally friendly, rooted in the belief that architecture should benefit the community. From energy-efficient structures to cutting-edge green technologies, SteelWave sets industry standards in CRE development. This mindful, progressive, and purposeful mission has solidified a reputation as a leader in Colorado’s architectural landscape.
The Link: A Revolution of the Contemporary Urban Lifestyle
Located in the heart of Denver, The Link is one of SteelWave’s most significant projects. Its modern facade features large windows that flood interiors with natural light, while sustainable materials like reclaimed wood and low-emission concrete minimize environmental impact. This “artisanal architecture” reflects a movement toward community-focused construction, where connection is intentionally woven into every design element.
The development is thoughtfully segmented to address diverse needs. Residential spaces cater to modern city dwellers with open-floor plans, integrated technology, and energy-saving features. Commercial spaces are designed for hybrid work, offering versatile layouts and sophisticated systems. To foster community, The Link includes rooftop gardens, a fitness center, and co-working spaces.
Amenities That Set The Link Apart
Beyond its sustainable design, The Link offers a curated selection of premium amenities that elevate urban living. For wellness enthusiasts, there are spa-inspired locker rooms with showers, state-of-the-art gyms featuring personal training, and weekly yoga classes with access to the 12th-floor rooftop lounge with expansive views and adjacent event space. The amenity center seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a perfect setting for wellness, relaxation, and socializing.
Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the on-site bike facility, which includes secure storage lockers, a repair station with a wall-mounted vending machine, an e-bike charging station, and a compressed air station.
For professionals, The Link living room lobby features a fully equipped boardroom room and training center. Whether enjoying a coffee while working at the cafe bar, relaxing by the fireplace with a glass of wine, or playing a game of pool in the lounge, this living-room inspired lobby is a modern, casual, communal space fit for work or play.
Sustainability at the Core
Sustainability is not just a concept at The Link — it’s a practice. The building incorporates energy conservation features like solar power generation systems, rainwater tanks, and optimized insulation and ventilation systems to reduce energy consumption. Its proximity to public transport, cycling routes, and pedestrian pathways encourages occupants to minimize their carbon footprint, aligning with Denver’s vision of a sustainable city.
The Link and the “Return to Office” Trend
As organizations navigate the “Return to Office” movement, The Link offers a blueprint for adapting urban environments to the new normal. The pandemic reshaped work habits, but as companies encourage in-person collaboration, there’s a growing need for spaces that integrate remote and in-office work. The Link’s mixed-use design provides a vibrant environment where people can live, work, and play without long commutes. Its coworking spaces and common areas enable organizations to implement hybrid work strategies, fostering the sense of community many missed during the pandemic.
SteelWave’s Vision for the Future
SteelWave is at the forefront of creating environments suited for hybrid work, integrated lifestyles, and social interaction. The road ahead involves exploring new technologies like 3D printing and modular construction to further reduce waste and enhance design efficiency. With our growing portfolio of innovative projects, SteelWave is poised to shape the future of CRE in Colorado and beyond.
The Link is a testament to SteelWave’s ability to design buildings that are aesthetically appealing, practical, sustainable, and socially conscious. As the country prepares for the return to the office, The Link demonstrates how urban environments can adapt to new ways of living and working. Colorado is growing, and SteelWave will continue to lead the way in advancing architecture that transforms how people live, work, and connect.
As Senior Managing Director of Acquisitions and Development in SteelWave’s Denver, Seattle, Portland and Texas regions, Peter Llorente oversees the acquisition, financing, asset management, marketing, leasing, and property management for SteelWave. Peter Llorente has 39 years of real estate experience and has been with SteelWave for 24 years. Since joining SteelWave, Peter has acquired and developed over 79 properties at a cost of $4.1 billion.
Prior to joining SteelWave, Peter Llorente established the Rocky Mountain Office of the Panattoni Development Company. As Regional Vice President of Panattoni, he developed in excess of 800,000 square feet of office space totaling over $160 million in commercial development.