It was no choice at all: Denver’s 300 days of sunshine versus Boston’s six months of gloom, ice and damp. When the last of our offspring moved west, what exactly were we waiting for? We thought briefly about other states and cities, but Denver won out. With one daughter and family in Durango, and the other one on the coast, we sold our Boston condo in 2018, found a furnished rental in downtown Denver, and considered our options.
We had lived in the northeast for 35 years, and in Boston’s South End for the last 20 of those, so we knew downtown was the place to be. We had sampled Denver when visiting our children, and it did not disappoint. There was lovely Union Station with its new A-Line to DIA, the excellent performing arts center, the awesome Denver Art Museum and Central Library, plenty of restaurants, concert venues and lively events, all within walking distance. Though we’re not big sports fans, we liked how the Rockies’ stadium and other major sports arenas added to the central area’s energy and helped support the downtown economy.
The distinctive architecture of One Lincoln Park caught our eye right away. Its curves and abundant balconies; its aqua green roof and accents, and its intriguing asymmetrical shape were standouts against the rigid rectangles and monotone glass, steel and concrete of surrounding high-rises. We looked at all the newer high-rise condos, but OLP topped our list.
One Lincoln Park was designed and built by the Buchanan Yonushewski Group in 2008. At the time this was the only Denver construction firm headed by architects. Their thoughtful design is evident inside as well as out. Rather than long narrow hallways, each of the five elevators open onto gracious, home-like foyers that serve no more than five units. Even the smallest of the 178 units is spacious with high ceilings, elegant finishes, bedrooms and living areas thoughtfully arranged, and all have powder rooms as well as ensuite bathrooms. The balconies are extra spacious. Solid construction transmits virtually no noise, and both kitchens and baths have functional outside venting. There are gas cooktops throughout and many units even have gas fireplaces!
The amenities, too, are impressive: a one-bedroom guest unit that can be rented for a nominal fee; the owners’ lounge with its cozy fireplace, large community kitchen and party area; the pool, hot tub, and sunny deck with grills and large planters where we can harvest herbs and cherry tomatoes, and a gym and yoga studio with state of the art equipment. The parking garage is well maintained and has handy and secure storage rooms for each unit.
These features won us over, but additional bonuses became apparent after we moved in. Since OLP is located on the edge of downtown, we have six very different neighborhoods surrounding us. Besides downtown, we can stroll to charming Curtis Park, with its trees, gardens and carpenter gothic cottages; to the free summer jazz concerts next to Blair-Caldwell Library and Rosenberg’s bagel shop on Welton Street; to the restaurants and shops of uptown including Marczyk’s gourmet grocery store; to the multiple coffee shops around leafy Cap Hill and the State House, and to Coors Field and buzzing RiNo.
This array of low-rise neighborhoods also means that most units in OLP have forever views. Besides the sparkling city lights, our units enjoy wide-angle perspectives to far horizons — the Flatirons, Longs Peak, the airport and degrees beyond. The sky is truly the limit for spectacular sunrises and sunsets that turn the Rockies shades of pink, orange and purple. Closer to home, Coors Field’s multiple fireworks displays can be enjoyed from the comfort of many of our balconies.
OLP’s location also makes for convenient transportation. There is the RTD L line light rail station just outside, and, our bordering streets of Broadway, Lincoln Street and 20th Street are straight shots to and from I-25 and I-70.
But best of all is the varied community in this vibrant vertical neighborhood. The building’s size is perfect for fostering social connections, and we have been delighted with the range of friendly, interesting, accomplished, and socially engaged people who live in OLP.
Parties happen several times a year as do spontaneous potlucks on the pool deck in summer and in the owners’ club in winter. We have happy hour meet-ups in area restaurants, and our monthly book club is thriving. There are separate men’s and women’s breakfast groups for anyone who wants to join.
Volunteer committees of only three residents can take up any project and seek approval from our board. Committees currently oversee landscaping, social life, finance, security and design. Recently, our landscape committee applied for, and won, grants to install fenced sidewalk tree gardens along two sides of the building. While we have truly excellent management and staff, the building’s direction and policies are, residentially speaking, very hands-on.
My husband and I have made some big life decisions in the past six years, but we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We love One Lincoln Park, and we think downtown will only get better. We look forward to enjoying the transformation.
