Market Station is downtown Denver’s newest development and includes the entire city block bounded by 16th, 17th, Market, and Blake Streets. This revitalization project combined 80,000 SF of retail, 95,000 SF of office space, 225 residences, and below grade parking. To create additional indoor/outdoor space, the Market Station Basecamp was created by activating the alley way area. This paseo features design details that celebrate the outdoor recreation culture of Colorado and offers an active space for the public to enjoy food, drink, art, and interaction.
Project developer Continuum Partners contracted with landscape architecture firm, Dig Studio, to figure out the hardscape design on the decks, along the streets, and throughout the paseo. Having successfully worked with both firms in addition to Kiewit, the general contractor, Colorado Hardscapes was selected to perform the concrete installations. Colorado Hardscapes worked with Dig Studio to develop the colors, the scoring layout, and construction details, becoming a partner in the process, rather than just an installation contractor.
Form and Function Fulfilled
Multiple Bomanite systems were chosen for this project, including Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems and Bomanite Toppings Systems. Dig Studio chose Bomanite Sandscape Texture with alternately stained panels. The initial design called for a more pointed saw cut design that resembled a chevron pattern, but Colorado Hardscapes recommended a reduction in the pattern angle to prevent cracking. Determining the darker color on alternate panels of the Bomanite Sandscape Texture concrete required several rounds of samples, including a 150 SF mockup at the Colorado Hardscapes yard, which led to the use of Bomanite Paténe Artectura featuring Bomanite Ebony Chemical Stain.
The entire scope of work included approximately 18,753 SF of Bomanite Sandscape Texture flatwork. Used in combination with a variety of color and staining options, Bomanite Sandscape Texture creates consistent texture and durability, making it ideal for this application at Market Station. Furthermore, broom finished sidewalks, various walls, benches, trench drains, planter walls, planter curbs, truncated domes, curb and gutter, storm inlets, specialty sawcuts, staining, and Bomanite Micro-Top walls were also completed by Colorado Hardscapes.
Challenges and Achievements
Project challenges included developing a thickness and reinforcement that would qualify the pavement for emergency equipment access. Additionally, due to construction scheduling, the pavement could not be continuously placed, but had to be poured in a manner that allowed it to look as if all concrete was completed in one pour.
These challenges were on top of having to coordinate the snow melt system, which required an extra layer of mesh and proper placement of chairs for all the reinforcement and snowmelt tubing so that the concrete could be sawcut without cutting through the radiant tubing. The layout of the scoring also needed to meet both the crack control concerns as well as the decorative scoring needs. Despite the many technical challenges that came with this project, the uniqueness of the paseo has created a memorable spot for those living in the area or visiting Denver for the first time.
Colorado Hardscapes values the back-and-forth discussion with their clients because it allows for a better understanding of the project, reduces the chances of unexpected outcomes, and better establishes expectations. Colorado Hardscapes was specifically chosen for this project to provide a premier Bomanite Sandscape Texture finish with precise staining and complex, detailed sawcuts and rightfully so as they earned the 2021 Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems Project Gold Award for their spectacular execution. Their accuracy and expertise in the installation of Bomanite Sandscape Texture decorative concrete at Market Station aided in transforming the heart of LoDo, providing a paseo with a unique, urban aesthetic, and creating an extraordinary alternative destination.
