From Abandoned Gas Station to Mixed-Use Building: “The James” is Rising at Evans & Gilpin
DENVER, CO – A long vacant gas station site near the University of Denver is being transformed into new housing. “The James” is rising at the corner of Evans Avenue and South Gilpin Street in Denver’s University neighborhood, replacing an abandoned fuel station with an 18 unit residential building and ground floor retail.
Designed by Semple Brown Design and constructed by Bristlecone Construction, the four story project represents small scale infill rather than large scale redevelopment. The building introduces new density within walking distance of the University of Denver campus while reinforcing the street edge along Evans.
Former gas station parcels often come with added complexity. Soil remediation and environmental coordination are typically required before vertical construction can begin, and rezoning can further extend project timelines. Despite those challenges, infill projects like this can convert underutilized or contaminated sites into productive housing.
Renderings Sourced from Semple Brown
Architecturally, the building features a brick dominant façade with recessed balconies, vertically aligned window bays, and a defined corner expression at the intersection. The massing steps cleanly along both street frontages, maintaining pedestrian scale while introducing additional residential units to the corridor.
While 18 homes may not shift broader housing supply numbers, replacing a long dormant gas station with active residential use and ground floor retail contributes to neighborhood continuity and corridor activation.
Construction is expected to wrap in summer 2026. We will continue tracking progress.
Renderings Sourced from 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.
2 minute read • The James is rising at Evans and Gilpin in Denver’s University neighborhood, replacing a long vacant gas station with an 18 unit residential building and ground floor retail. Construction is expected to wrap in summer 2026.