UPDATE: Major demolitions are transforming the Denver skyline as several notable buildings have come down in 2025, paving the way for new developments. The demolition of the former Royal Palace Motel at 1565 N. Colorado Blvd. began on May 13, 2025, by Chicago-based Laramar Group, which plans to construct a 155-unit apartment building on the site.
The iconic yellow-and-turquoise Royal Palace, built in 1969, was a remnant of the golden era of motels along nearby Colfax Avenue. After closing in 2013, the building remained vacant for years, and its demolition signifies a shift towards modern housing solutions in the area.
In another significant move, the six-unit condominium building at 900 E. First Ave. was demolished mid-year by Hines, which sold the site in October to NexCore Group. NexCore plans to build a new senior living facility, addressing the pressing need for such accommodations in Denver.
The former Bonnie Brae Tavern at 470 S. University Blvd. was also torn down this spring by Alpine Investments and Revesco Properties, marking yet another shift in the local dining landscape.
Meanwhile, the 150,000-square-foot former Sears store at 2375 E. First Ave. was demolished starting in June by BMC Investments. This site is part of the larger redevelopment project known as Cherry Lane, which will include a new 9-story apartment building and a 6-story office building in place of the old store that closed in 2015.
The demolition of the former TTEC headquarters at 9197 S. Peoria St. in Douglas County occurred over the summer. The circular building, constructed in 1999, has been sold to CommonSpirit Health, which intends to develop a medical campus at the site.
Additionally, the former Denver7 building at 123 Speer Blvd. was demolished throughout the late summer and fall by Property Markets Group. This site has a rich history as it hosted Denver7, an ABC affiliate, since 1969 before its relocation to RiNo in 2024.
The demand for office spaces continues to decline, as seen by the demolition of the office building at 9201 E. Dry Creek Road in Centennial. Starting in September, Consolidated Investment Group initiated this demolition, with plans to replace the 125,000-square-foot structure, previously the headquarters of Arrow Electronics, with new apartments.
Dan Velazquez, Chief Operating Officer of CIG, remarked, “It was a tough decision. Our founder and CEO hated to see a less-than-25-year-old building come down.” This reflects the broader trend of evolving urban landscapes and the pressing need for new housing options amid shifting demands.
With these demolitions, Denver is witnessing a rapid transformation that highlights the urgency for new residential and commercial spaces. As these projects unfold, they will significantly impact the community, addressing both housing shortages and the need for modern facilities.
Stay tuned for more updates as these developments progress, reshaping the future of Denver’s urban environment.
