Denver’s “Fox Island” development may continue with 120 micro-apartments


Development interest continues to grow for “Fox Island,” a corner of Globeville surrounded by highways and rail.

Google EarthOne of two lots in Globeville — this at 4055 North Elati St. — that have been approved for rezonings that would allow construction up to eight floors.

On Monday, the Denver City Council unanimously approved rezonings that would allow construction up to eight floors at two sites on Elati Street and Delaware Street.

The change doesn’t mean that development will happen, but it’s part of a larger trend near the 41st and Fox rail station, which will serve the G Line.

On one half-acre lot, 4055 North Elati St., the owners hope for a “compact, mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development,” according to an application. It could include about 120 “micro” apartment units and some retail spaces, according to developer Chris Hudon.

The new zoning would allow development up to eight floors for residential and commercial uses on the vacant industrial lot.

“Our company is really focused on what we call attainable housing,” Hudon said.

The broader area is primed for intense development.

Another property owner already is searching for a developer for 41 acres around the old Denver Post printing plant on the so-called island, among other plans. The Crafty Fox pizzeria and The Regency student housing community are nearby, too.

A second, separate rezoning approved on Monday would allow eight-story development at 4201 Delaware St., but the owners plan a smaller project of townhomes, according to Isiah Salazar, vice president of Central Street Capital.

“This will be one of the first newer townhome projects in this area,” he said. “We’re very excited to see how the light rail continues to change the neighborhood.”

Councilwoman At-large Debbie Ortega asked whether the area’s ready for development.

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“We’ve got one road into this site,” she said, asking if the city is allowing “more development in there than what the roadway can handle.”

City staff said they’re working on a next-steps study, and the larger printing-plant development won’t be allowed to proceed until the city decides the roads are ready.

For his part, Councilman Albus Brooks asked whether the hype was real, since he hadn’t seen any dirt turning yet.

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