Horizon Uptown Announces Joint Venture with Lauth

Lend Lease Communities recently announced a joint-venture agreement with Lauth, one of the nation’s leading development and construction firms, for the development of a 60,000-sq-ft, build-to-suit commercial site at Horizon Uptown.

The agreement is for a three-story building to be constructed on five acres in the northwest corner of the 500-acre development.

“Lauth brings a substantial amount of expertise and market knowledge to this partnership,” said Greg Ochis, project director for the Horizon Uptown development. “In addition, the company’s commitment to sustainability is aligned with our vision to bring the first truly sustainable mixed-used development to Aurora.”

Plans for the build-to-suit building include 20,000 sq ft per floor. In addition, the project will seek LEED-gold certification, at a minimum. Once the building is 30% pre-leased, Lauth will enter into a detailed design, permit and construction process.

“This will be a prime site for any company seeking a strategic location adjacent to two major highways and minutes from Denver International Airport and Buckley Air Force Base,” said David Lanzer, vice president for Lauth. “Lauth is excited to partner with Lend Lease Communities to develop this integral part of Horizon Uptown’s business community.”

This will mark the latest sustainable building developed by Lauth, the nation’s 13th largest commercial real estate developer, according to Commercial Property News. Last week the company topped out Montecito Point, an 187,000-sq-ft, LEED-registered building in Las Vegas.

The company is also constructing NASCAR Plaza, a 20-story, LEED-registered office tower in downtown Charlotte, N.C. Last year Lauth opened one of the largest green distribution facilities in the nation, a 525,000-sq-ft, LEED-silver-certified building for REI in Bedford, Pa.

Cushman & Wakefield of Colorado Inc. will be responsible for marketing the site to potential tenants.

Horizon Uptown recently received approval of its Framework Development Plan from the city of Aurora. Next up for the project will be the creation and approval of a contextual site plan, which will outline infrastructure and landscape improvements for the first phase of the project. This plan is scheduled to be completed this year.