I think they should condemn it so it can be re-hab'd.

[Image from Denver Infill]

Downtown's aura may get a makeover

'A task force looking at the urban core will suggest ways to make it a more pleasant place to be.

Expanding police presence, enforcing building-code violations and reducing illegal liquor sales are among strategies being considered by a newly formed task force charged with improving the downtown Denver experience.

And the Revitalizing the Core task force, formed to address increasing concerns over the quality of the experience in the urban core, is considering recommending condemnation to handle some of the most problematic properties downtown - the rundown Fontius building on the 16th Street Mall and the old Republic Hotel across from the new convention center hotel.

"Property owners need to understand that we need to keep moving to create a great environment in downtown," said Don Hunt of Antero Group, co-chairman of the task force. "It's no different than a run-down house next door to you. It can start a downward scale that harms investment."

The group is focused on the area along the 16th Street Mall between Welton and Curtis and California Street between 14th and 18th.'