View from the Hot Tub / Roof Deck over Garage

Key features:

• 2,564 SF on 2 floors with a basement
• 3rd floor deck
• Flexible indoor living spaces
• Use of natural light
• Shaded outdoor living spaces
• Integrated Deck connects to roof top space
• Hot tub on roof deck over garage

For more information about ArcWest or to inquire about a new design for your residential project,  please contact us directly at 303.455.7741 or through our website.

ArcWest Architects assisted Liza and Bridge with the required documentation to submit and obtain a “Change of Use” permit.  Our role included a facility evaluation and code analysis with a focus for compliance with current ADA requirements per local Denver Building Code and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2003 standards.   As part of the process, ArcWest completed as-built drawings of the building and coordinated a structural evaluation.  Finally ArcWest designed and detailed the minor improvements necessary to meet the Denver Building Department code requirements for successful change of use approval.

More about the business:  pH7 Collective is a cooperative of Bridge Morgan, Liza Aslor, Cher Aslor, Joanne Douglass and Lisa Eaton. The group will offer a variety of services including:

• Thai & Swedish massage
• Rolfing
• Pilates
• Acupuncture
• Cranial Sacral
• Visceral manipulation
• Private yoga sessions

Should you  be considering a start for a new business with the adaptation or reuse of an older building, contact ArcWest Architects professionals for a free consultation.  We can assist with a preliminary building evaluation, project feasibility, an understanding of city requirements, conceptual planning and building permit submission requirements.

For more information on how ArcWest can assist you, contact us directly at 303.455.7741 or through our website.

Testimonial letter below:

“ArcWest did an amazing job helping us with the documents we needed to get our 1C permit. Robin was extremely patient and accommodating with us when we had questions or when things had to be done quickly. We felt like ArcWest had our back as we navigated the confusing path of changing a residential space to a commercial space and obtaining our certificate of occupancy.

Thanks Robin and staff for making it happen- we couldn’t have done it without you!”

Liza Aslor & Bridge Morgan

Liza Aslor
Highlands office:

4928 W. 29th Ave, Denver, CO 80212

phone. 720.810.0182

The benefit is twofold:  First, those materials won’t end up in the landfill – This promotes sustainable concepts and methods.  Reduce, reuse and recycle.   Second, it opens up a source for materials at a lower cost for smaller projects.  Smaller projects typically start off at a disadvantage financially.  ZamRay will provide an avenue for owners and contractors to procure building materials at a lower cost allowing smaller construction projects the ability to meet their budget.

To read more, see the article:  “Leftover construction items find a home at Zam Ray.com” by Cathy Proctor.

ArcWest Architects

The primary reason for this requirement is simple: safety and welfare of the occupants and nearby neighbors. The regulatory agency needs to insure that the proposed use is compatible with the existing building type and construction, as well as appropriate for the assigned zoning.  For example, a multi unit residential use may not be appropriate for a building that was used as a business office space. With any “change of use” compatibility is the question. The building department needs to verify that the requirements for the proposed use are suitable to the existing building architecture and allowed within the zoned district.

As a professional service, ArcWest will work with the owner first to obtain or create an as-built drawing of the building’s slated or envisioned new use.  Next with an understanding of the building’s current use and proposed use, ArcWest can complete a Building Code Analysis to understand what the requirements are.  Basic items reviewed under this Code Analysis will include:

• Construction Type
• Occupancy Classification
• Height of Building and Number of Stories
• Gross Area in Square Feet
• Occupant Load
• Exiting / Egress Systems
• Sprinkler Systems / Fire Alarm & Detection

Depending upon the comparative review of the current use and the proposed use during the code analysis, improvements or modifications to the building may be required in order for the project to be in conformance with current building code regulations.  A few common building elements that can potentially be affected by a change of use are egress requirements, mechanical ventilation, fire resistance of walls, number of plumbing fixtures required, etc..

A few scenarios to consider:

• If the project is a simple adaptive reuse, meaning the new owner intends to occupy the space with minor, if any changes for the new use then the number of drawings required for the “Change of Use“ application are minimal.  This is the simplest process.

• More often, the building owner wants to complete renovations that will enhance the proposed business activity.  In this situation a complete set of drawings (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and potentially fire protection) is required for both the change of use application and a building construction permit.

• An owner may be just in the process of considering the feasibility of a proposed use for a prospective property (i.e. new coffee shop in an old retail store) ArcWest can assist with the initial diligence prior to completing the purchase to understand what physical improvements may be required for the proposed occupancy to be compliant with current building code and zoning regulations.

Regardless of the scenario an owner may be considering, ArcWest Architects can support the process. Whether submitting an application for a “change of use” for a simple adaptive reuse, or diligence and feasibility for a proposed business and building, or for a more in depth renovation project requiring a change of occupancy, ArcWest can provide the professional assistance and services required.

- Robin Adams

For more information on how ArcWest can assist you, contact us directly at 303.455.7741 or through our website.

Vehicle Storage Facility ArcWest is working with CDOT (the Colorado Department of Transportation) to implement a new building prototype for a Vehicle Storage and Maintenance Facility to be constructed in the small town of Kittridge in the foothills west of Denver.  The building incorporates features that will make it a cost effective project from initial costs through the long term (life cycle) operating costs that will result in a more durable structure with a long efficient and high performing service life.  A few key features include:

• Provide continuous clerestory windows along front and back of building for natural daylighting.

• Provide full vision panels in top of overhead doors for daylighting

• Energy Efficient lighting using florescent fixtures

This project at a base level taps into ArcWest’s competency and core experience in working with pre-engineered building structures.  This is certainly one of the most utilitarian applications of a pre-engineered metal building compared to some of our other past projects.  Nonetheless, our experience is instrumental in the project development, engineering coordination and final implementation during construction.

What we want to convey and reiterate in this article is how this project, as one example, illustrates the ArcWest Architects group’s background and architectural experience is well suited and applicable for a wide range of building designs and architectural project types.

- Robin Adams

Bella Bridal Boutique: ArcWest, lead by Kevin Anderson, will provide complete scope of services, design through construction administration, for the Boutique project. The property consists of two buildings, landscaping and parking along the south side of East Montview Ave. between Galena & Fulton Streets.  ArcWest has prepared a conceptual design for the west building for a complete exterior façade renovation. The east building, a reception hall, is not included. A main feature of the site improvements for a portion of the property will be a decorative wrought iron fence with brick pilasters.

A Day Spa: ArcWest Architects is working with a client to complete the initial due diligence and feasibility for the application of a 4,000 SF design program for a spa located within a prospective building in the Highlands neighborhood.

Day Spa Concept | Design by ArcWest

Conceptual plans have been developed illustrating how the space requirements “fits” and works within the existing building, examining the benefits and potential shortcomings for each idea.  The proposed spa facility will offer two whirlpool tubs, steam room, dry sauna, a common Jacuzzi, massage rooms, juice bar, and retail area promoting body and skin care products.

Along with the preparation of the conceptual plans, constructability and building cost are being reviewed with a contractor who is providing pre-construction services. The goal is to establish one preferred approach to be used as a guide in cost estimating, finishes, equipment and property location.  ArcWest Architects and Atelier Interior Design are partnering to provide complete design services for the project.

Proposed Interior Renovation | Design by ArcWest & Atelier

Private Residences: In partnership with Atelier Interior Design, ArcWest is assisting various local residential property owner to complete interior design and space renovations.  The members of Atelier ID and ArcWest will meet to have a brainstorming session often generating 4 or 5 different design options.

ArcWest prepared the initial conceptual presentations.  Atelier will then review the interior finishes and material selection. As the final step, ArcWest prepares the documents required for construction, and permit if necessary.

- Robin Adams

For more information on how ArcWest can assist you, contact us directly at 303.455.7741 or through our website.

I know we were all eager and anxious to know what we were going to be doing for the day.  As Trevor wrapped up his 10 plus point safety speech, we finally arrived at the moment we were all waiting for …  The suspense was a killer.  “Today we are going to be installing the insulation” Trevor shared with a bit of a grin.  Ugh … Not the itchiest job of all jobs – Yes, we would be installing the fiberglass batt insulation.  The building inspector was scheduled to show up on site at 2:00 PM for a complete inspection.  There was a lot of work to be done, but with the many volunteers on hand, the task would be completed in short order.

Once we completed the insulation, the next goal was to start hanging the drywall on the ceiling.  Was that right?  We were going to be hanging the ceiling drywall – Also a notoriously arduous task.  We had our work cut out for us. By the end of the day we were certainly going to be itchy and sore between those two tasks.  It took all morning to carefully install the insulation making sure the insulation reached all corners of the framed cavities, and was not packed tight … Insulation works best fluffy with air in the fibers.

After lunch the volunteers worked on the last  portions of the insulation, along with installing the baffles for the attic below the roof in anticipation of the “blown-in” loose fill insulation scheduled for a later day.  The house was going to be well insulated.  I had the opportunity to use the expanding foam insulation to insure all the gaps and cracks around the windows and door frames were completely filled and air tight.  The building inspector showed up at 2:00  as scheduled and gave a thumbs up. We had the official approval to start hanging the drywall.

For the remainder of the afternoon the volunteers divided into three teams and started working on installing the ceiling drywall.  The key with drywall is to take a good measurement, then allow for an 1/8 inch on all sides for wiggle room for the installation.  Drywall is brittle and will snap if you attempt to flex it into position.  Moving the 8 foot x 12 foot sheets into place is something you only want to have to do once.  Strong motivation to make sure you measure twice and cut accurately for a good fit.

All joking aside for a moment, it was incredibly satisfying to see how much our volunteer crew accomplished in the period of a day – Very rewarding!  ArcWest is looking forward to our next “Habit for Humanity” volunteer day.

When you consider all the positive attributes of the site: the location adjacent to Lake Rhoda, the size of the parcel, the visibility from the interstate, the unique character of the folks living in the community of Wheatridge, the local Berkely and Highlands neighborhoods … The proposed development illustrated sorely misses the mark in reaching it’s potential.

Proposed Lakeside Redevelopment Plan for 44th Street and Harlan Ave.

The open sea of parking with minimal landscaping ringed by single points of box retail stores is classic suburban planning of 20 years ago.  The development completely turns it’s back on the biggest amenity of the site: Lake Rhoda.  There is no attempt to create pedestrian avenues that weave through the buildings and site to integrate the commercial buildings with mixed uses,  landscaped green space with parking and take advantage of the lake as a primary feature.

ArcWest visualizes a more exciting opportunity looking at the dynamic nature of the Tennyson Street district (between 38^th and 44^th Avenues) for example.  Architects, planners and developers should take inspiration from the mixed use, pedestrian friendly 2 and 3 story buildings, moderate density fabric of this street.  We believe an urban plan of buildings of similar diversity and scale integrated with open space parks that link to Lake Rhoda could be a concept which would offer so much more potential to the immediate and adjacent communities.

The debate about the redevelopment appears to center on the rejection of  a mainstream “big box” brand as the primary culprit.  Leaving the “Mega Store” debate to the side, the real issue is the integration of an oversized retail building (whatever variety) in a concept of suburban sprawl and a dated model of development.   In contrast, by taking the approach of an urban environment integrating public plazas, art and sculpture, patios for eating, with moderate scaled buildings supporting mixed use of retail and living, a sustainable environment is achieved that inspires surrounding areas to achieve the same or beyond.

The Belmar development of the former Villa Italia Mall is an excellent example and model for what the Lakeside Redevelopment could be striving for.   A destination urban district which integrates mixed use of retail, residential, commercial with open public amenities.

This debate should be more about creating a change for the better: an enhanced concept for livable communities, sustainable growth promoting a healthy human environment that might even last for generations.  The proposed redevelopment plan will be obsolete before it’s completed.

- Robin Adams

ArcWest Architects

In the earliest months of the year, ArcWest completed a similar exercise to become certified with Denver Regional Transportation District (RTD) as an SBE approved business.  We received our letter of approval the first weeks of March.  Submitting the application to RTD was good preparation for what was required for the Denver certification.

As we approach the final months of 2010, we  ask ourselves:  “How do we leverage and apply this certification?”  We continue to monitor website postings for (RFP’s) Request for Proposals.  ArcWest networks with other larger global companies such as AECOM, Gensler, as well as locally recognized favorites OZ Architecture for example.

Our marketing angle that we promote as we look to draw on our SBE certification:

• The partners of ArcWest have a complete range of skills to provide professional services for a planning and architectural project from programming, preliminary concepts through construction documents and construction administration.

• ArcWest can partner as required to support or augment the project team for an individual phase of the design and administration of the project; or the ArcWest team can lead a full scope of services for an individual component or element of the overall design.

With this approach, we seek an opportunity to introduce ArcWest Architects to companies to share how we can support a project team to provide world-class services.

We recently experienced that moment as we just received a kind letter from our past client, Service Uniform.  We want to share that letter with you.  There is no way for us to convey more clearly to prospective clients what value ArcWest can bring to a potential project then letters like this from a satisfied owner.

To read the complete letter, please click on Service Uniform.

Thank you -

Robin Adams