The Lydian

Accomplishments & Design Solution

Working closely with neighborhood groups and Denver’s Landmark Preservation staff, The Lydian engages Welton Street at a moment of transition within Five Points. As the first project in the district to reach the full eight stories allowed by zoning, the building establishes a precedent for how height and density can be introduced with sensitivity to adjacent residential context and the pedestrian experience.

Along Welton Street and 26th Avenue, the building addresses the public realm with a two- and three-story base that reflects the scale of nearby historic structures. Appreciating Denver’s familiar 25-foot lot width, the base is composed of a series of bays clad in richly colored brick masonry, crafted with details that range from traditional to modern. Upper-level volumes, treated in a more contemporary fashion, sit back from the base, diminishing their impact at the street.

At the heart of the project is a distinctive entry plaza fronting Welton Street, anchored by a voluminous lobby. The inviting nature of this space epitomizes the public involvement in the design process as well as the ideas of inclusivity and community engagement.

Ground-floor retail and second-floor office space activate the corridor throughout the day, while the residential levels above offer a comfortable place to live. Together, these elements position The Lydian as a meaningful contributor to the ongoing evolution of Welton Street and a model for future mixed-use development in Five Points.