Denargo Market unveils rhino statue named Rhingo

Denver’s Denargo Market Unveils 30-Foot-Tall “Rhingo” Rhino Statue

The vibrant 30-foot-tall rhino statue, named “Rhingo,” was officially revealed at Denver’s Denargo Market by developers Golub & Co. and FORMATIV on Thursday morning. This marks the first public art installation in the 17-acre redevelopment of the RiNo Art District.

Constructed from weather-resistant steel and weighing 22,000 pounds, “Rhingo” was selected through a community-driven campaign called “Name the Rhino.” The campaign received nearly 1,500 submissions and votes before concluding on June 5.

Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson, along with members of the development team, were present for the unveiling event.

Sean Campbell, CEO of FORMATIV, expressed, “The rhino is our first big step in prioritizing public elements for locals and visitors to interact with. Whether you’re climbing its sides, snapping a photo, or exploring our new parks and river activation, the rhino will welcome you to Denargo Market as a landmark that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Among the finalist names to choose from were Rosey, Roxy, Rusty, and Spike, but “Rhingo” emerged as the preferred choice.

“Rhingo” features all-weather climbable panels, custom paint, integrated lighting, and playful surrounding elements like birdhouses, making it a fabulous and photogenic attraction.

Situated at the corner of 29th Street and Arkins Court, the statue was a collaborative vision between Denargo’s landscape architect Sasaki and joint venture partners Golub and FORMATIV.

Local fabricators JunoWorks and Eldorado Climbing Walls brought “Rhingo” to life, with engineering support from Craft Engineering Studio.

While “Rhingo” is currently not open to the public for climbing, visitors can look forward to experiencing the sculpture later this summer when over 4 acres of public parks, plazas, and recreational spaces open at Denargo Market.

FORMATIV and Golub emphasized the importance of creating a public space that prioritizes people over just buildings in the neighborhood’s development process.

Denargo Market, spanning the South Platte riverfront north of Downtown Denver, is designated for the development of 3 million square feet of residential, retail, office, and hospitality spaces, along with public art installations and more.

Infrastructure construction and public park development began in September 2023. Last year, the development team completed a 56-unit affordable housing community, a dog park, and a multi-sport court to support activities like basketball and pickleball.

Future plans for the area include community-centered amenities like a pedestrian plaza, a half-acre green lawn, a pop-jet fountain, improved sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and more.