Denver Developer Converts One-Time Arts School to Apartments

Denver-based Nichols Partnership has completed construction of the Art Studios, a 190-unit community of mostly studio apartments in the Golden Triangle at 1200 N. Lincoln in Denver’s Golden Triangle neighborhood. The new residential building was the former home of The Art Institute of Colorado before it closed in 2018. In 2019, Nichols purchased the 10-story building, along with an adjacent parking garage, for $15.25 million.

The project is doing all it can to maintain the artistic legacy of the building for future renters. The development team created artistic amenities for residents, including a maker’s studio complete with a photography studio, 3D printer, sewing machine and easels. The Colorado Photographic Arts Center will be the building’s first-floor tenant to help promote the arts.

Nichols invested approximately $45 million in the project. This is Nichols’ third conversion in Denver; the development firm also converted a former hotel into the Turntable Studios and a former medical facility into apartments in West City Park.