Exciting New Life for a Denver Candy Factory Site

Once the site of a candy manufacturer, The Ridge at Ward Station, developed by Toll Brothers, establishes an infill townhome community within steps of the Wheat Ridge Ward Station light rail station. And, with light rail being more of an attractive option to access employment and urban amenities, professional couples, empty-nesters and independents/singles are all putting a premium on such a location. Many are first time home buyers attracted to a more affordable price point.

The site plan creates a pedestrian-friendly street fabric which had originally been disrupted by the candy factory. North-south Vivian Street deflects west to intersect with a new street. A neighborhood park is created at this location near the center of the community. This three-way intersection provides traffic calming for a safer environment for the residents.

A Linear Green connects the neighborhood park to the parking area for the station. A small mixed-use building anchors the site at Ridge Road across the street from the station. This building may include a ground floor café and the neighborhood community center on the upper floor. Units that face Ridge Road have the option to include live/work commercial space on the ground floor, with large glass overhead doors that open to the street.

Smaller pocket greens and paseos are distributed throughout the community providing access to the front doors of some residences and small “nodes” for connection points within the community.

The architectural character is influenced by the industrial heritage of the area, incorporating masonry, metals and glass. The new life for this former candy factory site reflects a great urban scale with intimate neighborhood feel!