TAXI Redevelopment

Denver, CO


Former taxi dispatch center transforms into one of Denver’s edgiest urban developments

The TAXI II Redevelopment project transformed the site of a former taxi dispatch center, within a light-industrial neighborhood along the South Platte River, into thriving, high density, mixed-use community.  Previously a landfill, the site was extremely flat, and traditional piped stormwater drainage around the new building would be costly.  With the project well underway, the developer engaged Wenk Associates to rethink the landscape and develop more innovative and cost-effective solutions to the site’s infrastructure challenges.

The new site strategy was a holistic approach that integrated the multi-use outdoor spaces with the site’s stormwater infrastructure to create flexible spaces that can be used for everyday leisure as well as events, and that encourages activity throughout the workday and evening.  Stormwater gardens infiltrate runoff from buildings and paved areas to create native landscapes that reflect the South Platte River ecosystem.

Curbless streets and painted stripes blur the lines between parking and pedestrian circulation to create safe, walkable streets, and plaza areas.  Recycled site materials, such as binblocks, were used to provide seating and control vehicle access while reflecting the neighborhood’s industrial context.

The TAXI development has expanded through multiple phases to include diverse housing types, office spaces, and community amenities, all supported by the unique stormwater landscape.

CLIENT

Zeppelin Development

COMPLETED

2007 (Taxi II)
2018 (Flight)

LINKS

Landscape Performance Series – Case Study Brief

TEAM

Taxi II
Wenk Associates, Inc.  Landscape Architect
Will Bruder & Partners Ltd.  Associate Architect - Building Massing and Materials
David Baker & Partners  Associate Architect - Residential Unit Design
Alan Eban Brown Architects  Associate Architect - Owners’ Representative
Harry Teague Architects  Associate Architect
York Engineering Services  Civil Engineer
Mortenson Construction Company  General Contractor
Designscapes Landscape Contractor

Flight
Dynia Architects

AWARDS

Denver Mayor’s Design Awards, Design Excellence award for “Density by Design”,2007

American Institute of Architects, Denver Council, Honor Award for Design, 2008

American Society of Landscape Architects Colorado Chapter, Land Stewardship Award for Design, 2009

American Society of Landscape Architects Colorado Chapter, Merit Award for Design, 2009