Little Flower Urban Dwellings, Larimer Main St., Denver, CO

Little Flower Urban Dwellings are an evolution of artist live/work spaces originally permitted in Denver’s industrial-zoned neighborhoods in the mid 1980’s. Before the Colorado Rockies ballpark and loft development in Lower Downtown, there was a surplus of historic commercial buildings with underutilized space. When the city of Denver amended the zoning to permit artists to live and work in their spaces, a community of artists and bohemians blossomed.

In the twenty years since then, many important changes have come to lower downtown. Demolition of the obsolete viaducts, construction of the ballpark, and redevelopment of the rail yards have changed the area from a landscape of obsolete commercial and industrial buildings into one of Denver’s most unique neighborhoods.

In downtown, no street has more history and character than Larimer, Denver’s original main street. For nearly 100 years after the silver panic of 1893, Larimer Street was skid row, immortalized by Jack Kerouac in his beat generation book, “On the Road.” Larimer Square, situated between 14th and 15th streets, was the first block of this historic street to be redeveloped and is a popular destination for Denver visitors and residents with unique retailers like Cry Baby Ranch and The Market cafe.

The revitalization has steadfastly continued to move north along Larimer Street creating new commercial and large residential offerings. The River North Arts District covers about half of Larimer Street from 20th Street north to 34th Street — an area that’s quieter and more residential in character — adjacent to historic Curtis Park, a residential neighborhood of Victorian, Italianate homes. Larimer, Walnut and Blake streets north of the Rockies baseball park are being rapidly transformed from an obsolete commercial and industrial area to a mixed-use walking neighborhood on the quiet side of LoDo.

Little Flower Urban Dwellings are situated on a prime, south-facing corner of 28th and Larimer streets, across the street from the landmark Sacred Heart Church. The Colorado Historical Society recently helped to restore the church to its original Victorian splendor. A dramatic downtown skyline frames the historic structure. The design and planning for Little Flower Urban Dwellings respond to this unique location and truly is a one-time opportunity for urban living.