Groundbreaking Advances Multi-Building Development at 38th & Blake
DENVER, CO – A new transit-oriented development in Denver's River North Art District (RiNo) has reached another milestone as Formativ Real Estate Group officially broke ground on Rowan, a 358-unit apartment community at 3875 Walnut Street.
Rendering of Rowan | Courtesy of Formativ
The groundbreaking marks the latest phase of Formativ's larger vision for the 38th & Blake area, a multi-building development located steps from RTD's 38th & Blake A-Line Station. In addition to Rowan, the development program includes the 310-unit workforce housing project currently under construction at 3850 Blake Street and a planned 180-key hotel expected to break ground in early 2027.
Together, the three projects are expected to deliver more than 650 housing units, hospitality uses, retail space, and new neighborhood activity at one of Denver's most transit-connected development sites.
According to Formativ, the projects reflect the company's continued investment in north RiNo and its belief in the long-term growth of the neighborhood despite a broader slowdown in multifamily construction activity across the Denver metro area.
Aerial Photo of 38th & Blake Development Project | Photo By 4Blades Digital
While Rowan will serve as a market-rate residential community, the nearby 3850 Blake development is planned as workforce housing, with most units reserved for households earning between 60% and 90% of Area Median Income (AMI). The two residential projects are intended to provide a range of housing options within the same transit-oriented district.
Rowan itself will include a mix of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, along with resident amenities including a rooftop pool deck, fitness facilities, coworking space, lounge areas, and views of the Denver skyline and Front Range.
Construction on Rowan is expected to take approximately 28 months, with the first residents anticipated to move in during fall 2028. The future hotel component is expected to further expand activity in the area while bringing hospitality, event, and gathering space to the northern portion of RiNo.
Once complete, the combined development will create a new mixed-use hub near the 38th & Blake station, adding housing, retail, hospitality, and transit-oriented density to one of Denver's fastest-growing neighborhoods.
Rendering of Rowan Amenity Deck | Courtesy of Formativ
Development Team
Developer: Formativ Real Estate Group
Architect: SAR+ Architects
Interior Designer: Britt Design Group
General Contractor: The Weitz Company
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
3 minute read • A groundbreaking ceremony for the 358-unit Rowan apartment community marks the latest milestone in Formativ Real Estate Group's larger 38th & Blake transit-oriented development, which will eventually include workforce housing, a hotel, retail space, and more than 650 residential units.