Historic WWII Site Readies For Major Face-Lift

Denver-based Tryba Architects will lead the design for the renovation and adaptive reuse of a historic Denver building located in Denver’s Clayton Neighborhood. 

Located at East 38th Avenue and Steele Street, the Denver Medical Depot was recently purchased by ScanlanKemperBard for $76.6M. 

The 482,700K SF industrial warehouse is located on a 32-acre site. Tryba and SKB will transform the former medical center into a “multi-tenant ‘urban-flex’ space,” per a statement from Tryba Architects. Upon completion, it will feature new community spaces, modernized amenities and connectivity to Denver’s 39th Avenue Greenway project. 

“This campus of buildings is a semi-forgotten Denver artifact that was hidden from view for over half a century in the Clayton neighborhood,” said Sarah Komppa, project manager and urban designer at Tryba Architects. “Our team is excited to usher this facility into the next century and help tap the potential for exciting office, light manufacturing and even restaurants and retail to the neighborhood."

Its history dates back to 1942, when it acted as a U.S. Army storage and distribution center for medical equipment and supplies. Per Tryba, the depot is “an example of World War II era military installation construction.” It was designed by Denver architect Temple Buell. 

Tryba has a history of successful renovations, including Denver Union Station and the Crawford Hotel. Martin/Martin, Anchor Engineering and Hyder Construction will also be involved in the project. Construction is expected to begin this spring.