🌱Old Office Space As Housing + City Plans $133M Redo Of Webb Building

Morning, everybody! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Denver Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Keep reading for the most important things happening these days in town. Today we have these stories and more:

• Amazon drivers file lawsuit over violations of Colorado labor laws.
• State failed to pass affordable housing measure, what's next at the state capitol?
• The City of Denver plans to study how to turn vacant office space in Downtown into housing.

Thursday's weather: A strong afternoon t-storm. High: 77 Low: 51.

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Here are the top stories in Denver today:

1. City of Denver planning $133M renovation project to update and upgrade the Webb Municipal Building. Denver is gearing up for a major renovation of the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building since its completion nearly 20 years ago. The anticipated changes to the 12-story building, located at 201 W. Colfax Ave, are estimated to cost $133.5 million. The renovation will encompass various enhancements such as new carpeting, paint, and furniture. Additionally, the project includes modernizing the elevators and upgrading the building to meet current ADA standards. (Denver Post)
2. The 2023 Colorado legislative session failed to produce any support for affordable housing. Despite Gov. Jared Polis' efforts, legislators ultimately balked at giving away local control. The land use reform bill aimed to abolish single-family zoning in numerous regions across the state. However, from its inception, the bill encountered vehement resistance from local governments, led by the Colorado Municipal League. It also failed to gather sufficient backing from influential Senate Democrats, preventing its passage through the General Assembly. (CO Newsline)
3. City of Denver launches study that could turn Denver's empty office space into housing. In the aftermath of the pandemic, downtown office spaces in Denver are facing ongoing challenges, including a vacancy rate of 21.6 percent. To explore potential solutions, the city has enlisted the services of Gensler with a contract worth $75,000. The objective of this study is to assess the viability of transforming a portion of these vacant spaces into residential units, with a particular emphasis on reshaping the Central Business District into more of a vibrant neighborhood hub. (KDVR)
4. Delivery drivers sue Amazon over labor violations. Accusations in the class action lawsuit include not being allowed to take bathroom breaks and other violations of Colorado labor laws which include a mandate that employers furnish employees with paid rest breaks after four hours of work. (9News)

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Today in Denver:

• Family Time: At Ken Caryl Ranch House. (10:15 a.m.)
• Omni Unplugged Sessions: Kenny Lee Young at The Tap Room Restaurant. (5 p.m.)
• Make something: Accordion Book Craft. (6 p.m.)
• Jordan Jensen: At Comedy Works. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Here are 10 close-in waterfall hikes you can take this summer. (Westword)
• Public art tours of Civic Center Park and Golden Triangle. Several tours of the city core are scheduling this summer and hosted by Arts and Venues. (Visit Denver)
• Denver Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency's e-bike rebate opens again on May 30. You can save money on gas and car maintenance by riding an electric bike! Denver residents can save between $300-$1400 off the price of an electric bike. (Denver)
• The best advice for summer adventures into the wilderness: ‘Keep wildlife wild and leave wildlife alone.’ (FOX31)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! See you all tomorrow for your next update. — Brad K. Evans

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Denver Patch newsletter? Contact me at Denverdaily@yahoo.com