(NOTE: This story has been unfolding for several years now. There could be recent developments not covered here.)
We’ve previously covered various Lakewood fiascos including the shortage of over 800 parking spaces at Belmar Park West and numerous other traffic and parking issues itemized in Lakewood’s own parking study.
This project originally projected to cost $85 million was scheduled for completion in July of 2022! It was designed by Humphreys & Partners Architects and developed by Aspen Heights Partners.
Lakewood’s own city website states the project at 1221 and 1225 Wadsworth Boulevard “is not out of compliance with its permit” even though the Denver Post claims the building allegedly has multiple construction defects!
Updates:
The City of Lakewood sometimes posts updates on this project.
Also see this building tour.
And this update.
Denver Post reported multiple alleged construction defects!
Lakewood actually has building inspectors. The Denver Post does not. So why does it require the press to bring the alleged building defects to light? Is Lakewood covering something up? If so, doesn’t the public have a right to know? How many projects in Lakewood have construction defects that Lakewood is ignoring? Is City Council looking into this? Why not?
Despite meeting 100% of Lakewood’s permit requirements, the project at 1225 Wadsworth is delayed and past due since 2022 and has been under construction for over FIVE YEARS.
The Post states it is now ‘all but abandoned’ and at a standstill with the following alleged problems as reported by The Denver Post:
- Only half-built after four years.
- All but abandoned.
- Sub-contractors still owed $ millions.
- The bank is suing for their money.
- There are multiple construction defects including shoddy facade installation.
- Water is seeping into the building likely causing mold damage.
- All windows and exterior panels will have to be removed to fix the water damage.
- $ millions in liens have been filed.
As questionable as this sounds, they are still in full compliance with Lakewood’s permit requirements!
We have to wonder what it would take to actually be out of compliance with the permit?
In comparison, the proposed Belmar Park West (BPW) project adjacent to Belmar Park is much larger in scale than this mess. It seems that Lakewood has no way or is unwilling to rein in an out-of-control project before it threatens to become a public nuisance. If Belmar Park West also were to go off the rails, how would it be remediated to prevent environmental damage? Remember, BPW is in a much more environmentally sensitive location AND in a more difficult construction setting due to the uneven terrain at 777 S Yarrow, the required demolition of the existing Irongate complex and the Kountze Lake water hazard.
If City Council were getting the job done, wouldn’t they require a bond in an amount that assures a stalled project could be properly remediated to protect the public and the environment? Instead, a project with alleged construction defects fully meets Lakewood’s permit requirements! Seriously? What is wrong with this picture?
Will City Council take action to mitigate this fiasco? Attention Lakewood citizens – show up and ask them to get the job done?
Update June 2024: Businessden.com reports that the Golden court appointed a receiver earlier this year and the original lender has since sold their $60 million loan to DeBartolo Development in May 2024 for an undisclosed amount. DeBartolo is expected to continue as the plaintiff in the to ongoing breach of contract litigation.
Let’s hope this project eventually gets back on track.
