Historic buildings in Denver along East Colfax demolished

The rundown buildings at 1600 and 1618 E. Colfax Ave. in Denver, known for attracting criminal activity, are being demolished.

Construction crews were nearing completion on Thursday morning, tearing down the adjacent structures, one of which was damaged by a fire in March 2024.

Although the buildings were considered “contributing structures” to Denver’s Wyman Historic District, the Landmark Preservation Commission approved their demolition in December 2024 due to economic hardship caused by a fire and frequent break-ins by vagrants.

Denver officials give green light to demolish “blighted” historic East Colfax buildings

Several neighbors spoke out at the commission meeting, describing the buildings as a hub for criminal activity.

“I’m a constant caller to 311 and 911,” stated Van Schoales, who resides across the alley, in a June 2024 meeting. “The level of criminal incidents due to these undeveloped properties is staggering.”

The buildings and the large lot behind them are owned by Pando Holdings, a Denver-based developer that purchased the site for $3.2 million in 2017.

Initially, the company planned to demolish the buildings but shifted focus when demolition seemed unlikely. They then proposed renovating the structures, which were essentially old mansions with storefront additions, and building a seven-story apartment complex on the vacant land behind.

Due to increasing construction costs during the pandemic, the project was put on hold. Tenants vacated the building, and visible homelessness in Denver rose.

“There has been a continuous pattern of unauthorized individuals trespassing, breaking into the buildings, and camping,” said Pando executive Lance Gutsch in June 2024.

Gutsch and business partner Kiely Wilson did not respond to requests for comment on Thursday. They have not submitted new development plans to the city to replace the previous ones that involved the existing buildings.

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