Railhouse is a residential development located in Denver’s Sunnyside neighborhood, a mile north of the downtown business district.  Twenty-nine townhouse units occupy six buildings, each with private garages, rooftop decks, and front porches.  The site directly abuts a major freight railroad corridor that serves the expansion of Denver’s regional commuter light rail system.  Historically, the property and surrounding land was occupied by warehouses, outdoor storage yards, and industrial facilities due to the proximity to the railway.   The expansion of the commuter rail and addition of a new passenger terminal on the adjacent block creates a significant opportunity for higher density residential and consumer development.   The change establishes a district more complimentary to the single-family neighborhoods to the west by adding pedestrian oriented uses and active store fronts. 

A design forward aesthetic incorporates the industrial roots of

the site. The materials and forms found in the nearby rail yard influence the architecture, appealing to a facade rhythm and materiality responsive to the surroundings. Subtle angular elements and a ‘bowtie’ mansard constructed on the third story reference the cylindrical forms of railroad tank cars and the negative space between them.  A repeating pattern of windows takes on a semblance to the commuter rail cars.  Weathered steel accents and a custom brick color blend also reinforce this connection.

Each of the units are three stories and include rooftop decks with views of the downtown skyline and Rocky Mountains.  Vehicular access is provided via internal drive aisles at the rear of each townhouse, facilitating a greater pedestrian connection to the city sidewalks.