Rivers carve canyons. Architects carve canyons into buildings.
Ma Yangson, MAD Architects’s principal architect, etched a natural terrain-inspired crack through the glass façade of this 16-story mixed-use development.
Called One River North, the building in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo) gives residents the experience of hiking Colorado’s foothills and canyons without stepping foot in nature. From the sixth to the ninth floor, you can wander along a meandering trail adorned with resilient plants, accompanied by the sound of cascading water that passersby can hear from the street below.
The Canyon, as it’s called, naturally, includes outdoor seating, shared spaces, and fitness facilities. Along your ascent, you’ll encounter 13,000 square feet of landscaped terraces that appear suspended, offering some of the city’s best views.
Reach the summit (rooftop) and you’ll find a pool, spa, and garden that provide unobstructed views of the Rocky Mountains and the Denver skyline.
The soft contours of the Canyon contrast with the sharp lines of the building’s exterior, blurring the lines between indoors and out.
One River North arrives as this district has undergone a transformation from an industrial area into a vibrant hub for artists, creators, and outdoor enthusiasts. The 16-story building signals this shift by encouraging exploration and promoting wellness among its residents, offering curated outdoor spaces that foster a connection to nature and a health-focused lifestyle that is Denver’s calling card.
Credit: Parrish Ruiz de Velasco
The building features 187 rental units across 15 floors, accompanied by 9,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space.
For MAD, One River North symbolizes a new way to think about cities and their relationship to nature.
“Imagine our three-dimensional urban spaces where high-rise office buildings and high-rise hotels introduce sky gardens, canyons, and waterfalls,” Yangson says. “In this vision, the future city is not just made of concrete boxes anymore; it becomes a place that integrates and connects people with nature.”
One River North is among fewer than 1,000 properties to earn the Fitwel certification, an accolade awarded to buildings that promote occupant health and well-being.
