Ash & Agave Buildout Advances at Former CPK Space in Cherry Creek
DENVER, CO – Urban Design and modified construction drawings are now advancing for Ash & Agave at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, marking continued progress on the restaurant’s buildout inside the former California Pizza Kitchen space.
The long-time mall tenant closed in summer 2025 after roughly 25 years at 3000 E 1st Ave. Months later, restaurateur Sean Huggard announced plans to take over the space with a new coastal Mexican concept under his Shucking Good Hospitality group.
Now, city filings show that project execution is moving forward.
Urban Design & Construction Revisions
Recent drawing sets reflect Urban Design review and modified construction documents tied to the tenant improvement permit for Suite 185. The project is classified as a Level 2 Alteration under the International Existing Building Code, meaning no additional square footage is being added, but significant interior reconfiguration and system updates are underway.
According to the construction documents, the restaurant will occupy approximately 4,995 square feet of interior space, along with a mezzanine component and an outdoor patio area. Total occupant load is calculated at 253 people, including both indoor dining and patio seating.
Updated drawings show refinements to:
• The patio enclosure and gate conditions
• Mall-facing exterior elevations
• New push-through signage
• Wood canopy refinishing
• Interior layout adjustments, including dining and bar configurations
The project team includes Semple Brown as architect and Jordy Construction as general contractor. The property owner is Temple Hoyne Buell Foundation (Owners of the cherry Creek Shopping Center).
Renderings Sourced from Urban Design Submission | Semple Brown
From Vacancy to Buildout
While Ash & Agave did not immediately replace California Pizza Kitchen upon its closure, the concept has now progressed beyond announcement stage and into active permitting and construction documentation.
The restaurant is expected to feature wood-fired cooking, a raw bar, housemade tortillas, and a mezcal-focused cocktail program inspired by Mexico’s coastal regions. A 2026 opening has been targeted.
Renderings Sourced from Urban Design Submission | Semple Brown
Cherry Creek Turnover Continues
Cherry Creek Shopping Center has experienced notable restaurant turnover over the past several years. The advancement of Ash & Agave’s buildout signals renewed occupancy and continued reinvestment in one of Denver’s highest-profile retail corridors.
With Urban Design review complete and revised construction documents filed, the former CPK space is now firmly in the execution phase.
Developing Denver will continue tracking progress as the project moves toward opening.
Renderings Sourced from Urban Design Submission | Semple Brown
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 • Urban Design and modified construction drawings are advancing for Ash & Agave at Cherry Creek Shopping Center, marking continued progress on the buildout of the former California Pizza Kitchen space.