Art Institute Building Transformed!
- Oct 16, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 25, 2024
ART STUDIOS Transforms Commercial Space into Micro Apartments
The former Art Institute building at 1200 N. Lincoln has finally been transformed into ART STUDIOS, 190 studio apartments and 2 one-bedroom apartments.
“This adaptive reuse project was a fun challenge for us as we designed the former classrooms and offices into highly efficient and sophisticated apartments,” said Melissa Rummel, Project Executive at The Nichols Partnership, the developer of the property. “We had to think about every cubic inch and how it could be transformed from a commercial space into a future home. Office conversions are on everyone’s radar today as we reinvent parts of downtowns, and we are proud to deliver a fantastic new life to the former office building.”
The interior design of the common areas of the ten-story, art deco building also pays tribute to the building’s former life of an art school. Using items discovered during the demolition process, the lobby, penthouse lounge, fitness room and maker’s studio are adorned with film and photo equipment, photo processing sinks, sound boards, original building blueprints, and other reclaimed artifacts from the school.
The developers and design team didn’t stop at the interior design with the artistic elements. The new level one serpentine curtain wall of the building has colorful painted “fins” that catch your eye as you drive by, and ties into the very colorful garage painted by mural artist Jason T. Graves.
“While having a parking space for every unit is a huge benefit to our residents, we also wanted to transform what was a grey and drab garage façade into a colorful, bright and vivid welcome home message to everyone living in the neighborhood or driving by,” said Rummel. “The exterior transformation of the streetscape with landscaping and pops of colors is almost as great as the interior renovation of the building.”
ART STUDIOS includes unique common area amenities such as a makers’ artist studio for residents featuring a 3D printer, sewing machine, product photography box, a Wacom, tracing board, and photography green screen. With a rooftop lounge and deck with views of downtown Denver, a fitness room, a dog washing station (using a former photo processing sink), a bike barn, onsite storage, and free laundry, the building delivers for everyone wanting to live so close to downtown Denver’s art museums and cultural attractions.
Leasing has begun at ART STUDIOS and for more information, pictures and 3D tours, please visit: www.artstudiosdenver.com
This is a great example of how adaptive reuse can bring new life to older buildings while supporting urban housing needs. Transforming the former Art Institute building into the Art Studios apartment community shows how creative redevelopment can preserve a building’s artistic heritage while introducing modern residential spaces. Projects like this are especially valuable in growing downtown areas, where repurposing existing structures into housing can help revitalize neighborhoods and make better use of underutilized properties. It’s inspiring to see design, history, and urban development come together in such a meaningful way. Visit property block management
This transformation is a great example of how older buildings can be given a new life through creative redevelopment. Turning the former Art Institute building into modern apartments is a smart way to reuse existing structures while supporting urban living. Projects like this show how thoughtful design and adaptive reuse can benefit both the community and the city’s housing needs. The renovation also preserves the building’s artistic character while making it functional for residents. For investors exploring opportunities in the property market, guides about Buy to let london can also provide helpful insights into managing rental properties effectively.