There are some big changes going on in downtown Denver.  So many changes, in fact, that 2014 is shaping up to be one heck of a year for the Mile High City. With Denver becoming a prime locale for historical renovation projects, innovative companies and first-class restaurants and hotels, we have no doubt that within a few years Denver will go from a great city to a “must-see” city.

FirstBank is proud to be the financial partner behind some of Denver’s most visible changes. Here’s what’s going on:

• Market Center – Maybe you’ve seen the historic Market Center building on 17^th and Market downtown.  If you’ve ever had a drink at a bar that reminds you of a Tim Burton film (Double Daughter Salotto’s) or eaten some of the best pizza around at Two Fisted Mario’s, then you know the Market Center building.  Denver-based green real estate investment and development company, Rose Companies Management, is transforming the historic 120,000 sq. ft. office/retail space into an energy-efficient building.  The renovation will include bike lockers, showers, new retail storefronts, operable windows and renovations of their high ceilings.

• Union Station Redevelopment – If you’re not keeping up with the massive changes happening at Union Station, then stop reading this post and visit the DenverInfill blog to check out their fantastic ongoing coverage.  The gist?  Denver’s iconic train station with its glowing Union Station sign is being transformed into a 22,000 sq. ft. hotel, retail and restaurant and transportation hub.  Along with popular restaurants like Snooze Eatery and The Kitchen, FirstBank will also have a new branch location at the new Union Station (teaser: we have some majorly fun plans for the space…stay tuned for more!).  The majority of the Union Station project will be completed in mid-2014, and we can’t wait!
• Marriott Renaissance Hotel – Denver-based hospitality development firm, Stonebridge, is transforming the Colorado National Bank building on 17^th and Champa into a 230-room luxury hotel.  The National Bank building, which is known for its beautiful white marble entrance and giant columns, will be turned into a Marriott Renaissance.  And get this: The bank’s massive vaults will remain but as private dining and meeting rooms. Who wouldn’t want to dine in a vault where large amounts of cash were once stored? The hotel is expected to be completed in late 2013.