Student Teams Reimagine Thornton Shopping Center in 23rd Real Estate Challenge

Submitted by Stacy Stout, 2025 Challenge Vision Chair with BRANDiac Strategies

DENVER, COLO. – Graduate students from the University of Denver and the University of Colorado are set to compete in the 23rd Rocky Mountain Real Estate Challenge, presented by Land Title Guarantee Company and NAIOP Colorado. This year, the Challenge spotlights the redevelopment of the historic 15.6-acre Thornton Shopping Center site. The event culminates with final project presentations on April 30, 2025.  

A Message from NAIOP President Brandon Kramer
Submitted by NAIOP President Brandon Kramer, Published January 2025

The great Mike Tyson once stated, “Everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face.” As we look forward to the coming year, the challenges the commercial real estate market has faced in the last few years are presenting some headwinds as we head into this year, but there will certainly be opportunities. We must stay unified as an industry and weather the storm together. Through the incredible network of individuals at NAIOP, we can mutually learn, grow, and partner to ensure Colorado’s commercial real estate industry thrives. I have long pitched the organization, and the value it brings to not only the industry but its members, as a “get what you give” proposition. This organization and its success, amidst tumultuous times, is dependent upon you – the right people – coming together. 

I am sincerely honored to serve in the capacity as President of NAIOP this coming year. I look forward to further developing relationships with our members to hear how we can continuously improve to meet needs, advocate for effective public policy, and to serve the Colorado commercial real estate industry successfully. 

Public Policy Outlook: 2025 Legislative Session

Submitted by Kathie Barstnar, NAIOP Colorado 

The Colorado General Assembly’s 2025 legislative session opened on Wednesday, January 8. The Public Policy Committee met to review the potential issues that we will follow during this session, and we will keep you updated as we move through the next 120 days. 

Denver's 2025 Economic Forecast & Housing Insights

Submitted by Margaux Askeland, NAIOP Programs Chair with Alpine Bank

NAIOP Colorado began the year on a high note with its 2025 Economic Forecast Breakfast, held on January 8th at the Ritz-Carlton, Denver. The event featured  Spencer Levy, Global Client Strategist and Senior Economic Advisor at CBRE, and host of the acclaimed podcast The Weekly Take as the keynote speaker. Recognized as one of the top experts in interpreting economic trends and their implications for real estate, Spencer delivered an engaging and insightful presentation.

Construction is one of the oldest industries in existence, but even it continues to evolve to meet the growing demand of our changing communities. We continue to see larger, more complex projects redefine our industry’s practices and standards. These advanced projects require construction companies to evaluate their traditional methods and tools to ensure they are still meeting safety and productivity standards while tackling monumental builds. 

The Weitz Company values safety above all else and the Weitz safety team is constantly looking for new methods and technology to ensure its jobsites are the safest sites possible. One of the most recent and promising innovations in this space is the Pillar Smart Sensors, a technology designed to enhance safety, protect critical equipment, and improve project outcomes. 

First Catholic High School To Be Built In Northern Colorado

Submitted May 2024, Published December 2024

JOHNSTOWN, COLORADO — A new chapter in educational development is unfolding in Northern Colorado with the construction of the St. John Paul II Catholic High School. This landmark initiative marks the first Catholic high school to be established in the region since 1958, offering a unique blend of traditional values and modern educational practices.

Deer Creek Commerce Center Marks Milestone in Littleton’s Industrial Development

Submitted May 2024, Published December 2024

Acquired by Confluent Development in 2022, Deer Creek Commerce Center is poised to become a premier destination for businesses seeking Class A industrial space in the Littleton area, offering 175,000 square feet of space between two buildings. Strategically situated at a prime location, the project will offer a range of suite sizes accommodating users from 20,000 square feet to 175,000 square feet. Notable features include ESFR sprinklers, 28-foot clear heights and two buildings designed to deliver unmatched visibility along the southwest 470 corridor.

Elevating Hospitality: The Unveiling of a World Class Holiday Inn Express in Hilton Head

Submitted May 2024, Published December 2024

Nestled along the iconic coastline of Hilton Head, South Carolina, the Holiday Inn Express is poised to undergo a transformative revitalization, the ownership group at Passiveinvesting.com LLC. is working closely with Intercontinental Hotel Group (IHG) who are known for their 19 hotel brands and over 6,000 hotel destinations with award winning design standards. Denver based Fitzmartin Consulting  is coordinating the design and construction on this this historic transformation. This ambitious endeavor not only seeks to meet IHG's exacting standards but also elevate the guest experience to unprecedented heights, redefining luxury hospitality on the island.

Guardian RV Storage Meets Indiana's Growing Demand

Submitted May 2024, Published December 2024

In response to the surging popularity of the RV lifestyle, Passiveinvesting.com LLC., identified a pressing need to expand RV storage facilities for their clientele in Indiana. Enter Guardian RV Storage, strategically located at 6425 Olivia Lane in Indianapolis, currently undergoing a doubling of its storage capacity to better serve its esteemed clientele. As this expansion unfolds, Denver based Fitzmartin Consulting  is providing representation for coordination of design and construction services, ensuring seamless execution of the project.

Urban Villages To Open Populus, the Country’s First Carbon Positive Hotel, in Denver This Summer

Submitted February 2024, Published March 2024

DENVER – Urban Villages, a leading real estate developer and environmental steward, is pleased to announce that Populus, the first carbon positive hotel in the United States, will open in Denver in Summer 2024. Managed by Aparium Hotel Group and constructed by The Beck Group, the 265-room hotel will feature a distinctive Aspen tree-inspired design by architecture and urban design practice Studio Gang, a ground floor restaurant, flexible event spaces, a coffee bar, and a signature rooftop bar and restaurant offering unobstructed views of the mountains, city skyline, and Civic Center Park. Upon opening, it will serve both as an architectural landmark for the Mountain West as well as a new milestone for the future of sustainable travel.