From the roof down to the sixth floor, the north-facing facade at One River North is divided into three sections by a broad, undulating stretch of green space set back slightly from the surrounding glass.
Designed by Beijing-based MAD Architects and inspired by the experience of climbing a mountain path, the “canyon” cutting through the 16-story building includes a four-story walking trail, gathering spaces and private terraces that are shaped around the building’s curves. The canyon’s vegetation is native to Colorado’s high plains, which change in shape, color and form according to the seasons.
“That canyon is really a representation of something MAD Architects is really passionate about, which is biophilia,” said Kevin Ratner, co-founder and managing partner of Shaker Heights, Ohio-based The Max Collaborative, one of One River North’s development partners. “There's lots of studies out there that talk about how much better humans are when they're around nature. And that’s really what the canyon does for us.”
One River North, which has just started pre-leasing, started construction in 2021 and topped out in January. The finishing touches are in progress, according to Ratner, and the property is expected to open in early 2024.
“As things like scaffolding come down and protective paper comes down and more of the facade gets finished, it just is revealing itself to us in a way,” Ratner said.
Of the building’s 187 units, 14 will be designated as affordable, according to the Denver Business Journal. Apartments will range from studios to three bedrooms and include hardwood floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, live edge wood countertops and other high-end finishes, including custom cabinetry. Penthouses, located on the 15th and 16th floors, will also offer wine refrigerators, laundry rooms and five-burner cooktops.
Over 13,000 square feet of amenities at the property will include three open-air decks; a rooftop terrace with a pool, spa and garden; an outdoor fitness center and yoga studio; a club room; a private meeting room; a pet spa and a rooftop pet area.
Rent starts at just over $1,700, according to the property website, and ranges up to a $15,000 asking price for penthouses. Presently, the interest list for the property is over 3,000 names long, according to Ratner.
Located in Denver’s RiNo Arts District, the property is surrounded by other new apartment developments and a thriving arts community. Nearby cultural destinations include the Denver Art Museum, Denver Zoo and Denver Botanical Gardens. The Coors Field baseball stadium is located to the southwest, and a major transportation hub is situated to the north.
“[RiNo] is a place where art is created,” Ratner said. “It’s a place of real creativity, a place of real vibrancy. I’m not sure what came first, us thinking that RiNo would be a cool place to develop or or us wanting to do this building. But either way they fit together because of this creativity that is the backbone and heart of RiNo, and this building that is very creative.”
One River North is one of many upcoming additions to the neighborhood. The $1.5 billion mixed-use Denargo Market broke ground nearby in September. Developed by Chicago-based Golub and Denver-based Formativ, the 17-acre property is expected to add thousands of residents to one of the area’s last undeveloped parcels, as well as 4 acres of open recreational space.
