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3-story development proposed for site of Bonnie Brae Tavern

A concept plan shows the tavern and neighboring gift shop would be replaced with a building housing residential, retail and restaurants.

DENVER — The Bonnie Brae Tavern in Denver and neighboring gift shop may be demolished and replaced with a three-story, multi-use development.

The initial concept plan, which has yet to be formally submitted to the city, calls for a 68,000-square-foot building with 43 residential units and parking spaces, as well as ground-floor retail and restaurants.

Credit: Denver Community Planning & Development

The plan comes less than a year after the building's owner, Michael Donald Dire, on April 2, 2019 requested a "nonhistoric" status — formally referred to as a "certificate of demolition eligibility" — for the building. That means Denver's landmark preservation team analyzes the building for potential historical designation.

Denver's team found that the Bonnie Brae Tavern, located at 740 S. University Blvd., did have potential and posted a public notice on the property on April 9. From there, the community had 21 days to submit a designation application.

Credit: Corky Scholl

A spokesperson for Denver's Community Planning and Development said the department received a few inquiries, but no formal designation application was submitted.

Since the 21-day period has expired, the city approved the nonhistoric designation on May 1 — it expires May 1, 2024.

The spokesperson also said no one has applied for a demolition permit as of yet, but due to the nonhistoric designation, it will be automatically approved when and if it is submitted.

RELATED: If you see a 'certificate of non-historic status' this is what it means

A concept plan is an initial plan presented to Denver Community Planning and Development and staff from various city department and agencies. It is designed to allow parties to address things like zoning, feasiblity and design — and can change as it is refined, often undergoing many iterations.

Once a concept plan meets the minimum requirements provided by the review team, it can be formally submitted.

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