Spiral Tower Concept Could Bring 673-Foot Observation Structure to Downtown Denver
DENVER, CO – A new concept plan has been submitted for a striking addition to Denver’s skyline; a 673-foot observation tower proposed for the public parking lot spanning 1546 California Street and 1555 Welton Street.
If approved and built, the Spiral Tower would become the fourth-tallest structure in Denver, following Republic Plaza, 1801 California, and the Wells Fargo Center. Designed as a public observation point, the tower would offer 360-degree views of the city and surrounding landscape.
Photo Rendering by Magnicity
From Parking Lot to Landmark Concept
The proposed site sits just south of the Denver Pavilions in a high-traffic section of downtown. The application was submitted by Ephraim Holdings LLC, an entity tied to Denver-based commercial real estate firm NAI Shames Makovsky, which purchased the lot in 2018.
While no detailed renderings specific to Denver have been released, the design draws from other Spiral Tower concepts created by Paris-based Magnicity. The company is known for developing and operating high-altitude attractions in cities including Paris, Berlin, Rotterdam, Chicago, and Warsaw.
Features Seen in Other Spiral Tower Designs
Magnicity’s Spiral Tower concept blends architecture, technology, and sustainability. In other cities, the design has included a twisting steel frame with transparent electric cabins traveling along a spiral track. The ride experience features guided augmented reality displays, giving riders a narrated tour of the city as they ascend.
Sustainability is a core focus in existing concepts, which have incorporated solar panels, vertical gardens, and rooftop wind turbines. These features are intended to make the tower climate-neutral, with onboard energy regeneration systems similar to those in electric vehicles.
Whether Denver’s version would incorporate all of these features remains unknown. As of now, the city has requested additional information from the development team before the proposal can advance.
Photos Sourced From Magnicity’s Online Project Profile
International Experience Meets Local Development
Magnicity’s portfolio includes 360 Chicago, an observation deck on the 94th floor of the former John Hancock Tower, which also houses a thrill attraction called TILT. The company is also behind the upcoming Highline Warsaw project, located atop the tallest skyscraper in the European Union.
For Denver, the Spiral Tower could represent the company’s first installation of the Spiral Tower design in North America, potentially adding a new kind of destination to the downtown core.
Current Status
The Spiral Tower proposal remains in the concept plan phase. No construction timelines have been announced, and design specifics for Denver have yet to be made public. As with any project in this location, approvals will require multiple rounds of review, including further concept iterations before reaching the formal site development phase. The project is currently listed as “Resubmittal Required”, meaning the team must submit more information before they can move forward.
Development Team
Owner: Ephraim Holdings LLC
Developer: NAI Shames Makovsky
Concept Design: Magnicity
Photos Sourced From Magnicity’s Online Project Profile
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.
2 min read • A new concept plan has been submitted for a striking addition to Denver’s skyline; a 673-foot observation tower proposed for the public parking lot spanning 1546 California Street and 1555 Welton Street.