First, a declaration: Coors Field is one of the best-looking, most-enjoyable ballparks in the country. Now about 25 years old, the building’s red-brick exterior, iconic clock tower, and nod to early-20th-century fields (but with more craft beer) make it one of Denver’s true architectural gems. What’s more, it has done what beautiful, purposeful buildings should do for their cities: bring vibrancy and growth to the surrounding area.

And now, the park is getting a new neighbor: McGregor Square, a multiuse development on what was once a parking lot. The property, on which builders broke ground in October 2018 and which should be complete by the first quarter of 2021, extends a full city block—bordered by 19th and 20th streets and Wazee and Wynkoop—and comprises three buildings: A 176-room boutique hotel run by Sage Hospitality (the folks behind the much-loved Crawford Hotel at Union Station and the Maven hotel at the Dairy Block, among others) anchors the project along 20th Street, facing the ballpark. There, on the second floor, visitors will find the new Rockies Hall of Fame, an interactive museum dedicated to the franchise. On the opposite side, along 19th Street, is an 11-story office building with first-floor retail. “And the crowning jewel,” says architect John Yonushewski, senior principal at Stantec, “is the residential component along Wazee Street,” which comprises 103 units that range from 450-square-foot studios to penthouses of 6,000 square feet. The three buildings surround what the architect calls a “performance plaza,” a giant open space with a sloping grass berm and space for concerts, holiday markets, movie nights, and maybe even an ice-skating area in the winter.

McGregor Square’s exterior features a significant amount of brick—to match its neighbor, Coors Field—as well as contemporary glass and steel. Residents will have access to a rooftop pool, a 3,000-square-foot fitness area in the air-bridge, a private members-only club, and concierge services. Rendering courtesy of Stantec
A 30,000-square-foot performance plaza, active 365 days a year, will offer the community a place to gather for concerts, markets, movie nights, and, of course, to watch the game on an 80-by-20-foot viewing screen. The plaza will be surrounded by 75,000 square feet of retail space. Rendering courtesy of Stantec
Floor-to-ceiling windows and open floor plans allow natural light to fill the residences. A two-bedroom unit (pictured here) features a gas fireplace and kitchen island with a Cambria waterfall countertop. Rendering courtesy of Stantec

The condos are all WELL-certified, which means they meet the criteria set by a global rating system designed to improve residents’ health. Only about five years old, WELL certification takes into account how a building affects people’s well-being through seven categories: air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind. “The idea is that your home can drive you to a healthier lifestyle,” Yonushewski says. “It’s about lighting that supports your natural circadian rhythm. It’s not just about whether there’s a fitness center accessible; it’s how appealing it is.” (At McGregor Square, residents and hotel guests share access to a fitness center housed in a glass bridge that connects the two structures 12 stories in the air, with views of the city and mountains.)

A classic-meets-contemporary palette of finishes gives the residences a fresh, sophisticated vibe. Each home—like the one-bedroom unit pictured here—features Wolf appliances and Sub-Zero refrigerators that are paneled to match the kitchen cabinetry. Rendering courtesy of Stantec
Studio units like this one offer a mix of style and smart functionality, including custom, built-in Murphy beds. Rendering courtesy of Stantec
Freestanding soaking tubs, double vanities, and luxurious finishes put these master bathrooms on par with those in Denver’s most luxurious hotels. Rendering courtesy of Stantec

Even if you don’t buy a piece of McGregor Square—prices range from $500,000 to $6 million—you can expect the project to continue the transformation of LoDo that Coors Field started 25 years ago, says Rockies CEO and owner and project developer Dick Monfort. “We want this to be an active place, the city’s next great gathering place in a part of town that needs one,” he says. And if your baseball allegiances mean you don’t own much purple, that’s OK, too. “There’s no box to check [when you buy a residence] to swear you’re a Rockies fan,” he laughs. “But you’ll have to be OK with neighbors who are”—including Monfort himself. mcgregorsquare.com

(MORE: McGregor Square Is Expected to Transform the Ballpark Neighborhood)

Hilary Masell Oswald
Hilary Masell Oswald
As the former editor for two of 5280’s ancillary publications, Hilary Masell Oswald split her time between the vibrant design-and-architecture scene in the metro area for 5280 Home and the always-changing field of health for the annual 5280 Health.