Community Happens by Design | Mile High CRE

In Denver, real estate has long shaped the skyline. But increasingly, it must also shape something more vital: a sense of belonging. As cities like Denver face challenges like rising vacancy rates, social fragmentation, and shifting cultural identities, the built environment plays a critical role in reconnecting people to place and to each other. The question isn’t just how we bring people back downtown, but how we create spaces: workplaces, parks, retail districts, and gathering places that they truly want to return to. As the saying goes: “We build what we listen for.”

A Shift Toward Engagement-Driven Development

The way we design cities is evolving. Where once development followed a top-down model focused on density, visibility, and transaction, today there’s growing momentum around engagement-driven placemaking. More leaders are asking not just how spaces look, but how they function, and who they serve.

This shift is embedded in Denver’s updated Downtown Area Plan, built on seven guiding principles: Connection, Stories, Play, Equity, Investment, Resilience, and Innovation. It’s a framework that positions community voices at the forefront and prioritizes inclusivity across neighborhoods, not just nodes of affluence.

Focus on equity and inclusion is also reshaping how Denver approaches development, emphasizing housing affordability, neighborhood services, and social equity – supported by what some call “radical inclusivity.” That means deliberate outreach to underrepresented groups and a commitment to ensuring every voice is heard. The goal: reduce barriers between neighborhoods and downtown so all residents can access and benefit from urban improvements.

City leaders are investing in the public realm: enhancing walkability, parks, plazas, cycling infrastructure, and safety patrols. These aren’t cosmetic upgrades; they’re intentional moves to reestablish downtown as a place where everyone feels they belong.

Design Isn’t Neutral

Design can either invite or exclude. Intentional design choices shape who feels welcome. This means paying attention to everything from ramps and sensory-friendly zones to multilingual signage and flexible programming. Communities too often leave out the needs of the elderly, neurodivergent individuals, low-income families, and non-native language speakers.

In a community-based design framework, we approach development as a collaborative ecosystem, where input from marginalized voices isn’t just encouraged, it is essential. True inclusivity is both a process and a product.

Denver’s 16th Street Revitalization is a flagship example. While still in progress, the shift toward pedestrian-first planning, family-friendly amenities, public art, and community programming has already sparked increased foot traffic, business interest, and a renewed sense of vibrancy.

We Build What We Listen For

The real estate and design industry must begin listening for what isn’t being said, yet. Community doesn’t emerge from concrete alone. It requires collaboration between city leaders, planners, educators, developers, nonprofits, and citizens. Beyond aesthetics and leasing rates, we need to ask: how are we building community?

Designing learning and workplace environments demands a co-design mindset. This includes user research, iterative prototyping, and adaptable layouts that respond to evolving needs. Culture shows up in the details—from local art and biophilic elements to universal design standards and modular furniture.

Consider the workplace: one of the few places where people from different backgrounds, beliefs and life experiences regularly interact. These daily encounters—whether in meetings, break rooms, or elevators—build empathy and reduce stereotypes. Without them, we risk becoming ideologically siloed. And in that way, the downtown office and workplace experience is critical to Denver’s vibrant future.

You have to approach every space with genuine curiosity. If you’re not listening, you’re just decorating.

The Colorado Lens: Urgency and Opportunity

Cities and neighborhoods don’t thrive on infrastructure alone; they thrive on connection. In today’s climate of polarization and social isolation, intentional design has the power to foster shared purpose, collective growth, and resilience. By bringing people together across lines of difference, community-based design becomes not just a method, but a mandate.

Denver’s downtown revitalization isn’t just about aesthetics or economic recovery – it’s about responding to urgent shifts in how people live, work, and gather. With a 27% office vacancy rate and a growing demand for more human-centered spaces, the city is transitioning from a business district to a mixed-use, livable, and entertainment/leisure-oriented environment.

This evolution requires bold ideas and inclusive design: affordable creative districts, connected green corridors, family-oriented amenities, and adaptive reuse strategies that reimagine vacant buildings as places of community. Without this kind of intentional design, the city risks becoming a patchwork of isolated enclaves instead of a vibrant civic ecosystem.

Denver’s downtown revitalization isn’t just about recovery; it’s about reinvention. Community happens by design, and now more than ever, design must lead.

Marci Auston is the president of Slate, the largest office interior solutions company in the Rocky Mountain region, and part of the ownership team at Denver-based Elements, which supports placemaking in commercial environments through thoughtful design, consulting, furnishings, and construction services. Drawing on three decades in the industry, Marci is responsible for supporting the company’s mission of providing future-focused workplace solutions that engage people and empower organizations.

100% Bonus Depreciation Is Now Permanent

Here’s What That Means for Your FFE & Prefab Wall Strategy

As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed earlier this year, businesses can now permanently deduct 100% of the cost of qualified assets—including furniture, fixtures, and prefabricated walls—in the year those assets are placed in service.

This applies to qualifying property placed in service after January 19, 2025—which means the opportunity is already live.

For finance and tax teams, that means accelerated write-offs. For facilities, construction, and procurement teams, it means more incentive to move projects forward with FFE or prefab walls that qualify.

At Slate and Constructive, we help clients align design and delivery strategies with capital planning. This tax change gives businesses a unique opportunity to act with confidence—knowing the cost of investing in quality, flexible space solutions can pay off more immediately.

Connect with us to learn about how this could apply to your upcoming projects.

Source: Vinson & Elkins LLP, “One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Key Tax Impacts for Businesses”

The Glazed Tile Conundrum

A Hidden Design Defect Leading to Grout Failures

In multi-family projects worldwide, a popular type of glazed wall tile is causing significant issues that continue to go largely unaddressed. These tiles, designed with a continuous lug (built-in spacer), are convenient for installers but can cause major performance problems if not handled correctly.

The issue arises when grout—especially calcium aluminate grout—is used without proper preparation. The tiles’ ultra-porous backs require careful hydration of the joints before grouting, otherwise, the grout will not cure properly. This leads to a failure in the grout’s performance, affecting both the aesthetics and durability of the installation.

Despite being a known issue in the industry, this design flaw persists. Grouting the tiles without adequately wetting the joints causes the grout to remain uncured, leading to cracks, discoloration, and even water infiltration. The solution is simple: ensure the joints are hydrated before grouting or add a 1/16” spacer to achieve full grout joint depth.

The larger problem, however, is that these tiles continue to be sold without sufficient warnings or fixes for this defect. ANSI specifications are not being met due to the poor grout adhesion, yet this continues to go largely uncorrected by manufacturers. Porcelain tiles don’t share the same issues, so specifying the right materials is critical.

Want a Thriving Workplace? Think Like a City | CREJ

Wonder isn’t frivolous – it’s strategic.

People are seeking more than just a place to work—they’re searching for inspiration and experiences that energize them to do their best. This calls for a fundamental shift in how we think about space, work, and community.

What if…a workplace was thought of as an attraction – a place people must experience?

The workplace of the future is here now.

For decades, commercial real estate has focused on square footage, efficiencies, and amenities. But today, the real differentiator isn’t a building’s features—it’s the experience it delivers.

As cities rebound, we see a clear trend: the most vibrant downtowns aren’t just places to work—they’re ecosystems. Offices, restaurants, retail, residential, tourism, and events work together to create a dynamic environment where people want to be.

The same is true for workplaces. A thriving workplace isn’t just a collection of desks—it’s a community. And placemaking—a concept long used in urban planning—is now essential in workplace design.

Placemaking: Is Your Office Worth the Commute?

Placemaking is more than building something beautiful—it’s about designing spaces that foster connection, engagement, and culture. It’s what makes a neighborhood feel alive, a retail district feel electric, or a downtown feel inviting.

For workplaces, this means:

  • Inspiring people to do their best work through a choice of dynamic, flexible spaces
  • Creating experiences that energize, engage, and connect employees
  • Building culture through spaces which reinforce purpose, values, and identity
  • Encouraging interaction and innovation – just like a great city does

People Don’t Know What They Want—Until They Experience It

As Steve Jobs once said, “People don’t know what they want until you show it to them.”

The most iconic spaces and innovations weren’t built by committee or survey. They were created by leaders with vision and conviction. If we only ask people what they want, we risk repeating the past instead of creating the future. The best workplaces don’t just meet expectations—they expand imagination.

What if we stopped asking what people want—and started showing them what’s possible?

A dynamic tech lobby designed to spark connection and creativity

Safe Choices Are the Riskiest Moves

In the experience economy, playing it safe is the fastest way to fade into the background.

People today crave:

  • Emotion – spaces that make them feel connected
  • Surprise – moments that break expectations
  • Meaning – environments that reflect purpose and culture

A workplace that lacks energy, identity, and inspiration won’t just be underutilized—it will be ignored. And ignored spaces die.

Wonder is Good for Business

Wonder isn’t frivolous—it’s strategic. It attracts talent, fosters creativity, and drives engagement.

Industries across the board are recognizing this. As David Waingarten put it:

“The experience economy is transforming how people dream, share and spend. People everywhere are demonstrating that they value experiences over things.”

The same applies to work. People don’t just show up for a paycheck—they show up for purpose, for energy, and for the feeling of being part of something bigger.

The Workplace Needs More Than a Facelift—It Needs a Purpose

Post-pandemic, simply refreshing office layouts isn’t enough. People need a reason to be there. That reason isn’t a policy. It’s not about mandates or perks. It’s about creating places where people want to be—where they feel inspired, connected, and engaged.

What if more companies invested in their workplaces the way cities invest in attractions?

What if the workplace was more than a necessity—what if it was a destination?

Inspiring work doesn’t end at the door—it ignites by the fire.

Let’s Create Workplaces That Spark Community

A thriving downtown is built on energy, relationships, and a sense of place. So is a thriving workplace.

It’s time to stop thinking about offices as spaces to fill—and start thinking about them as experiences to create.

Let’s build workplaces that don’t just function, but inspire.
Let’s create places where work and community come alive.
Let’s make wonder a business strategy—because the companies that do will lead the future.

From Healthcare to Hospitality | Mile High CRE

Why Every Industry is Adopting Prefabrication

The construction industry is at a tipping point. Labor shortages, compressed schedules, cost containment, and rising safety and sustainability standards are pushing every sector —from healthcare to hospitality—to rethink how buildings are delivered. Increasingly, the answer is prefabrication.

I entered this space nearly two decades ago—not because I had prefab experience, but because I was searching for an evolution in construction methods. Traditional construction felt inefficient, outdated, and linear—especially for clients with tight schedules who didn’t want to sacrifice design or budget. What drew me in was the potential to reimagine the process: to deliver more functional, better-looking spaces, faster and smarter.

Today, technology has caught up with that vision. Industry-standard tools like Revit, BIM 360, and Revit Plugins are streamlining coordination from design to fabrication. When prefab is integrated early, we gain complete design clarity—helping trades understand scope, reduce rework, and accelerate timelines. These aren’t static kits of parts. Our interior systems support utilities, integrate ceilings, and span deck-to-deck—opening the door to a broader range of applications than ever before.

Safety Through Smarter Building

Prefabrication isn’t just faster—it’s safer. Construction is consistently ranked among the most hazardous industries, with job sites filled with dust, noise, and risk. General Contractors rank safety as a top concern, and prefab helps reduce risk. By moving labor into a clean, controlled factory setting, we dramatically reduce the number of trades on site—and with it, the ladders, scaffolding, and chaos that lead to incidents.

Super Stud framing in progress.

It’s cleaner too. Our prefinished walls eliminate dust-generating steps like sanding, mudding, and painting—reducing airborne particles and VOCs. In healthcare renovations, that’s huge. Many of our clients are working in occupied clinical settings, where air quality and infection control are critical. With prefab, we avoid the need for temporary dust mitigation or containment zones. Our systems come with acoustic seals, antimicrobial surfaces, and gasketing that meets healthcare-grade durability and cleanability. We routinely hit STC ratings over 50, helping healthcare clients meet FGI guidelines and ensure doctor-patient privacy—even mid-renovation.

This level of clean, controlled construction doesn’t just benefit hospitals—it also applies to lobbies, restrooms, pharmacies, industrial workspaces, simply to name a few.

Who’s Adopting—and Why

Healthcare is leading adoption, and for good reason. Aging infrastructure and demand for outpatient services are forcing systems to build faster without sacrificing quality. Clinics, pharmacies, clean rooms—we can deliver them faster, more consistently, and often without shutting down operations. New construction is also ramping up for small to mid-sized outpatient facilities.

The industrial sector is next. In warehouses and manufacturing facilities with 20- to 40-foot ceilings, prefab lets us build enclosed rooms without tying into the deck. These systems are flexible, durable, and offer acoustic performance that exceeds expectations.

Hospitality is evolving too. Whether it’s hotels, office amenities, or shared lounges, today’s spaces demand a hospitality-inspired aesthetic—something prefab can deliver with speed and consistency. Elevator lobbies, for example, are often overlooked during renovations because of the disruption they cause. But prefab solutions reduce that downtime and allow for reskinning in the future when the brand needs to refresh. It’s fast, it’s safe, and it’s beautiful.

Prefab construction at an oral surgery center.

Breaking the Myths

Prefab still gets misunderstood. The most common pushback is cost—but when coordinated early, prefab delivers cost certainty and schedule compression. It also avoids late-stage redesigns and trade coordination issues, which can balloon costs in traditional builds.

Some worry that prefab can’t meet design expectations. In reality, the solutions today have evolved to meet capabilities the project requires.  The client and project team do not need to compromise the vision to use prefab.

The most consistent reason clients keep coming back is speed to market. While we’re sometimes mistakenly seen as a “long lead” item, we’re often driving the schedule on an aggressive, coordinated path. In fact, we’re accelerating timelines and helping clients meet critical market launch goals.

Try It, Then Repeat It

Perhaps the strongest endorsement we’ve heard from clients is simple: “Once we tried it, we didn’t want to go back.” Prefab offers a repeatable, scalable approach that creates consistency across locations—without sacrificing quality.

It’s now being used in areas we hadn’t imagined just a few years ago—pharmacies, public restrooms, elevator lobbies, and amenity spaces. As systems evolve, so does their potential. But for prefab to truly take hold, we need more teams—clients, users, architects, developers—to try it once and see that it’s not just about speed, it’s about smarter, safer, more resilient building.

One of the best insights I’ve heard from a client was this: “Prefab isn’t the risk. The risk is building the way we always have.”

Prefab isn’t a trend. It’s a shift. And like any meaningful shift, it starts with curiosity—and a desire to do better. That’s what drew me here in the first place.

Wood and Adhesives in Arid Climates

Flooring Success in Colorado’s Unique Environment

In Colorado’s arid climate, choosing the right materials, especially wood flooring and adhesives, is critical to ensure durability and maintain product warranties.

Key Considerations for Wood Flooring in Dry Climates:

  1. Moisture Content: Wood flooring in Colorado typically requires a moisture content of 6-7% due to the region’s low humidity. In the drier western parts of the state, it may need to be as low as 5-6% (see moisture map of North America). It’s essential to check the wood’s moisture levels upon delivery using a moisture meter and ensure they align with these regional standards to avoid shrinkage, bowing, or cupping during installation.
    Image courtesy of Wagner Meters
  2. Acclimation: Wood flooring should be acclimated at the job site in climate-controlled conditions to balance its moisture content with the environment. This means storing the wood in the space it will be installed (not in garages or unfinished construction sites) and allowing sufficient time for adjustment based on the manufacturer’s guidelines. The acclimation period can vary depending on the species of wood, with tropical hardwoods typically requiring more time than domestic woods.
  3. Manufacturer Standards: Always follow manufacturer guidelines for drying and acclimation processes, as these impact warranties. For instance, some manufacturers dry wood to 5-8%, making it suitable for Colorado’s conditions, but confirmation is necessary before installation. For warrantable condition you must have operable HVAC and serviceable conditions as required by the manufacturer.

Adhesive Considerations:

For adhesives, selecting products approved by the manufacturer that are designed to perform in the environment where it will be installed is vital. Look for adhesives specifically approved by the wood manufacturer and are rated for the unique site conditions on which they will be installed.

Specifying the Right Wood Species:

Selecting the appropriate species of wood is equally critical in ensuring flooring success in Colorado’s unique environment. According to the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA), certain species are better suited to handle the low humidity and fluctuating temperatures common in arid climates. Woods like white oak, hickory, and maple, which are dimensionally stable, perform better in these conditions compared to softer or more moisture-sensitive species like pine or some tropical hardwoods. Understanding the specific characteristics of each species—such as grain structure, density, and natural moisture content—can help minimize the risks of warping, shrinking, or cracking over time. Consulting with your flooring professional and referencing NWFA guidelines ensures your flooring is built to last while maintaining its beauty and functionality.

Small Details, Big Impact | CREJ

How Boutique Design Transforms Commercial Interiors

When you step into a thoughtfully designed space, something clicks. It’s more than just furniture placement or color schemes—it’s the way each element works together to create a cohesive, inspiring environment. This is the essence of boutique design: a focus on craftsmanship, creativity, and the small details that make a space truly unique.

Unlike traditional commercial interiors, which often prioritize scalability and standardized frameworks, boutique design takes a different approach. It’s about designing with intention and elevating environments in meaningful ways.

The Power of Small Details
It’s often the little things that leave the biggest impression. Spaces that resonate most deeply are those where the small details come to life—through textures, lighting, biophilia, curated art, and custom furnishings. These elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also engage the senses, transforming how people feel when they step inside.

For example, consider the recent lobby renovation at 1675 Larimer in downtown Denver. The building’s ownership group aimed to refresh the space to attract tenants and increase visitor traffic. By curating furnishings, accessories, and art, we brought a modern yet inviting aesthetic to life. The design included flexible areas for meetings, lounging, or work, with hospitality-inspired touches adding warmth and character.

Our lobby renovation truly transformed the building, infusing it with new energy and life. The addition of inviting furniture, along with thoughtfully curated art and décor enhances the aesthetic appeal of the space and fosters a sense of community.  These small yet impactful details have revitalized the lobby into a vibrant hub where our tenants, their guests and others feel welcome and connected,” said Angela Slocum, Senior Property Manager with ColeTaylor.

1675 Larimer, Denver

Since the redesign, a locally owned coffee shop has opened, further enhancing the lobby’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. The transformation has been a success, helping lease additional office spaces and significantly increasing occupancy.

“As people return to the office their preferences have evolved into a more hospitality-driven experience.  Activating the lobby with a local coffee operator, Queen City Collective, and providing different gathering areas has transformed 1675 Larimer into the boutique office building that LoDo needed” said Allison Berry, CBRE | Advisory & Transaction Services | Investor Leasing

Multifamily Development in Boston Massachusetts

Similarly, a multi-family amenity space in Boston was reimagined through boutique design. Initially underutilized, the space wasn’t meeting its potential. Through discovery sessions and collaboration, it was transformed into a hospitality-inspired environment tailored to the client’s vision. The result? A bespoke bar, drapery, curated art, and accessories that brought the space to life. Residents now enjoy a vibrant, inviting amenity that exceeds expectations.

Personalization as a Guiding Principle
What makes boutique design so transformative is its ability to tailor a space to reflect a specific vision. It’s about designing with intention, pulling from a deep understanding of a client’s needs and aspirations.

Personalization isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating connections. Incorporating curated materials or collaborating with local artisans adds layers of authenticity. When clients have a hand in selecting elements, like textiles or custom pieces, it deepens their connection to the design. These mindful details turn spaces into reflections of the people and stories they represent.

Why Boutique Design Matters
In a world increasingly defined by mass production and uniformity, boutique design offers something rare: spaces that feel personal, inspiring, and impactful—elevating the way people work, live, and connect.

“The design at TARRA has had a positive impact on everyone in the community. Our members love working here because it’s a unique experience. I’ve been told that it feels like a “cocoon”; a place where you can exhale; a soft landing. I believe when people are in comfortable, inspiring surroundings, they have a sense of arrival. It immediately elevates everything they do, “ said Kate Bailey, Founder, TARRA 

TARRA, co-working and event space, Denver

Great design lies in the details. When every detail is thoughtfully considered, every space transforms into something extraordinary.

Looking Ahead
The demand for boutique design in commercial interiors is only set to grow. As we’ve seen in the hospitality industry, there’s an increasing need for spaces that do more than serve a purpose—they need to inspire and engage. Businesses are recognizing that these elevated, highly curated spaces aren’t just perks; they’re essential for attracting employees and clients alike.

For organizations considering a boutique approach, the good news is that it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Even small, intentional changes—whether it’s incorporating unique textiles, adding local art, or rethinking a space’s lighting—can make a significant impact. You can start small, layering on as you go, creating a space that evolves and grows with your needs.

The Sustainable Materials Dilemma in Flooring

The Sustainable Materials Dilemma in Flooring

In the race toward sustainability, materials like low-carbon concrete, recycled components, and noise-reducing flooring have become staples in green building projects. However, these innovations often come with unique challenges that require thoughtful solutions to ensure their effectiveness and durability. Here’s a closer look at these materials and how to navigate their complexities.

  1. Low-Embodied Carbon Concrete: Balancing Innovation and Practicality

Low-embodied carbon concrete (Type 1L), such as Portland Limestone Cement (PLC) or blends incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash or slag, significantly reduces embodied carbon. However, these mixes can introduce issues such as weaker chemical bonds or challenges with burnished finishes. For instance, reducing limestone content and adding pozzolans, while eco-friendly, may require adjustments in project budgeting and application techniques to maintain quality and performance.

Expert solution: Adjusting installation techniques and partnering with manufacturers and flooring dealers who provide specific guidance on handling low-carbon mixes can mitigate potential pitfalls.  

  1. Recycled Materials: Balancing Supply and Demand

Recycled materials, such as reclaimed wood, metal, or even carpet, play a vital role in sustainability. However, fluctuations in availability, varying quality, and compatibility with other materials can pose challenges for design teams.

Additionally, there is a growing push for PVC-free materials in luxury vinyl tile (LVT) and sheet vinyl. While these alternatives eliminate concerns about PVC’s environmental impact, they lack a long-term installation history, making their durability and performance harder to predict. These materials can also cost 10–30% more than traditional options. On the other hand, PVC remains an incredibly stable material, making it a reliable, tested choice for many projects.

Expert solution: Developing supplier partnerships ensures a steady, high-quality supply. Early collaboration between design and construction teams helps address potential integration issues. Clear communication about product certifications and warranties also helps streamline project outcomes. 

Shaw Terrace Heavy Commercial Luxury Vinyl Tile Optimized for Low Embodied Carbon
  1. Noise-Reducing Flooring: Combining Acoustics and Eco-Friendliness

Modern noise-reducing flooring, often crafted with recycled materials, is an asset in creating comfortable, quiet spaces. However, ensuring that these products meet both acoustic and environmental standards requires diligence. Certifications such as Cradle to Cradle, GreenGuard, or Red List-compliant options can guide environmentally responsible choices while maintaining performance standards.

Expert solution: Test flooring solutions in the project environment to confirm their acoustic performance. Seek out products with third-party certifications to ensure they meet both sustainable and performance criteria. 

Do Your Homework: Avoiding Greenwashing

As sustainability becomes a selling point, greenwashing is a growing concern. Only a handful of manufacturers truly embrace cradle-to-cradle principles, offering remanufactured products that they will take back at the end of their lifecycle. Conducting thorough research and verifying manufacturers’ claims are essential steps to ensure your project achieves genuine environmental benefits.