South Lowell Apartments is a 96-unit family site in South Denver. It includes one, two, and three-bedroom units, management and maintenance offices, and a community gathering hall. The original complex was built in 1973 and included 67 units, a clubhouse, and a pool in an area of 64,500 square feet. The existing building received a major interior and exterior renovation, while the new 28-unit, 27,400 square feet, energy efficient 4-story structure is constructed in the courtyard.
Since this site had existing buildings, the design required minimal impact to fit into the Bow Mar neighborhood which consists primarily of multifamily complexes. The exterior of the existing building received a face-lift to freshen it up, while the new building is constructed within the interior courtyard of the site so that the there is little impact to the street facade.
Community and creative amenities include: a sizable community room, community gardens, and a public art feature. The health of the residents is a concern and therefore the units have generous light and ventilation, and interior finishes are zero-to-low-VOC.
A “town meeting” was held with the existing residents to gather information regarding what residents liked and disliked about the existing project. The resident input helped form the fundamental feel and function of the site. They were most interested in the laundry facilities and how the final development would “feel,” which was all very informative to the design process.