REI Denver Flagship Store

Located at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the Platte River, a kayak course allows the customers to test equipment before buying, an active connection to Denver parks and recreation.
Customers enter the store where historically the coal was brought into the power plant. A water feature is flanked by boulders reclaimed from a blown out earthen dam.
Upon entering store, the historic steel structure frames a view of the Climbing Pinnacle beyond.
The fireplace is constructed of reclaimed flagstone found on site during excavation. These stones were the original foundations of the 14th Street Viaduct.
The original steel structure of the Furnaces and Coal Hoppers was used to support additional floor space of reclaimed wood decking. The structure of the original smoke stack is highlighted with a skylight over it.
Already a City of Denver landmark, the Tramway Building is now preserved and listed on the national register of historic buildings thanks to the collaborative efforts of REI, the Mayor and City of Denver, the State of Colorado, National Parks Service and Mithun.

Retail Powerhouse

REI Denver Flagship Store

Denver, CO

Saving a Threatened Landmark

Transformation of the 1901 Denver Tramway Power Company Building into an outdoor equipment retail store was nothing short of remarkable. The complex renovation preserved the threatened landmark’s essential character, improved its structural integrity, achieved significant environmental goals and artfully incorporated REI’s retail program within its historic context.

Commitment to Conservation

The adaptive reuse project highlights REI’s conservation ethic, while delivering a warm, immersive retail environment. Leaving the building’s internal structure and systems exposed as finished surfaces, as well as recycling materials found on site, created visual links to the landmark’s industrial origins.

Partnerships Yield Community Benefit

The project incorporated broad participation by public, private and community stakeholders to save the historic structure and serve the greater community. Resulting planning and design strategies extend the public park system, creating adjacencies to major bike routes and a whitewater kayak course along the Platte River.

Client

REI HQ

Overview

Transformation of a threatened landmark building into a new retail store with connection to local parks, transit and waterways

Program

Retail store featuring five specialty shops, an indoor climbing pinnacle, boot and bike test trails, water filter and stove testing stations, climbing rock, 200-seat auditorium, café and children’s play area, rental and repair shops, store offices

Size

94,600 sf

Completion Date

2000

Services

Architecture, Interior Design

Awards

Urban Land Institute, Award for Excellence, Small-Scale Rehabilitation, 2002

National Trust for Historic Preservation, Honor Award, 2001

AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Award, 2001

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Located at the confluence of Cherry Creek and the Platte River, a kayak course allows the customers to test equipment before buying, an active connection to Denver parks and recreation.

Customers enter the store where historically the coal was brought into the power plant. A water feature is flanked by boulders reclaimed from a blown out earthen dam.

Upon entering store, the historic steel structure frames a view of the Climbing Pinnacle beyond.

The fireplace is constructed of reclaimed flagstone found on site during excavation. These stones were the original foundations of the 14th Street Viaduct.

The original steel structure of the Furnaces and Coal Hoppers was used to support additional floor space of reclaimed wood decking. The structure of the original smoke stack is highlighted with a skylight over it.

Already a City of Denver landmark, the Tramway Building is now preserved and listed on the national register of historic buildings thanks to the collaborative efforts of REI, the Mayor and City of Denver, the State of Colorado, National Parks Service and Mithun.

Retail Powerhouse

REI Denver Flagship Store