"When Denver's newest office tower was in its planning stages, the developer and the architect took a close look at how to enhance the employee experience and improve worker productivity.
The result is 1800 Larimer, arguably Denver's greenest building, officially opening today on the cusp of the city's central business district and Lower Downtown.
"We knew there was new technology that could help tenants be more productive," said Rich McClintock, president and chief executive of development firm Westfield Co. "We wanted to make the experience of the employee better."
From the spacious fitness center overlooking the 17,000-square-foot garden terrace to the 9 1/2-foot floor-to-ceiling glass, the 22-story building designed by Denver-based RNL provides an environment that studies have proved makes employees more productive.
Employees control the temperature of their individual work spaces with a diffuser connected to an under-floor air system that provides a constant flow of fresh air — and as much as 50 percent savings in energy costs.
"Employees can decide how much air they want in their own space," said Anne Hayes, a vice president with Westfield. "We can add or remove diffusers."
Floor-to-ceiling glass allows natural light to flood the building's lobby, which boasts a 40-foot-high ceiling and indoor landscaping aimed at bringing the outdoors inside. A back-lit 30-foot glass wall by local artist David Griggs continuously changes colors.
"We challenged David to give us a kinetic piece of high-energy art," McClintock said.
In addition to the fitness center on the second floor, the building's amenities include a break room designed to seat 250 people — with a kitchen that uses sustainable materials such as bamboo cabinets and a cork floor.
Xcel Energy, which will start moving into the 330,000 square feet it's leasing in June, will hold its annual meeting in the break room May 19.
There's a boardroom with space for 24 that includes all the bells and whistles a conference room needs.
"This will do everything you need it to do except make decisions," McClintock said. "You have to do that on your own."
Westfield is the first tenant to move into the 500,000-square-foot building. Next will be Xcel, followed by Frederick Ross Co. Citywide Banks will occupy one of the ground-level retail spaces, and Intermission Cafe will serve breakfast and lunch in the other retail space.
The top four floors, which boast panoramic views from their floor-to-ceiling windows, are still available for lease.
Margaret Jackson: 303-954-1473 or mjackson@denverpost.com"
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