Developer Proposed Lowry Office Site Rezoning

Schnitzer West aims to convert a Denver office property into a residential mixed-use development.

Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Remote Work

Isometric editorial illustration of a brass surveyor tool and masonry bricks, representing urban land-use conversion and development planning. — Schnitzer West has filed a formal request to rezone its Lowry office property, aiming to replace the aging site with a new mixed-use residential development. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Schnitzer West has submitted a formal rezoning request for the property at 7901 E. Lowry Blvd. in Denver. The developer plans to demolish the existing office building to make way for a new mixed-use residential project.

Why it matters

Current trends in remote work and shifting office rent economics have made renewing leases at the 27-year-old facility less viable. This shift reflects a broader trend of repurposing underperforming commercial space to meet housing demand.

The proposed development site spans 8 acres and currently houses a 27-year-old office building. Future construction on the property is restricted to a maximum height of five stories.

The players

Schnitzer West

This real estate investment and development firm focuses on commercial and residential projects across the Western United States.

City of Denver

This municipal government authority oversees land use planning, zoning regulations, and building permits for the city.

The details

The developer seeks a reclassification of the Denver land parcel to facilitate the construction of apartments. The plan is driven by the declining commercial viability of traditional office spaces in the current economic landscape.

Schnitzer West submitted the formal rezoning request in October 2026.

Market Landscape

This rezoning proposal follows the nationwide trend of converting outdated office infrastructure into residential units to adapt to the post-pandemic labor market. By pivoting from commercial to mixed-use development, Schnitzer West positions itself to capture value in a shifting urban landscape.

Residents in the Lowry neighborhood can expect changes to land use as the 8-acre site transitions from a quiet office facility to a denser mixed-use development. This shift may ultimately increase local housing inventory in the coming years.

The takeaway

The move highlights how property developers are increasingly prioritizing residential utility over aging office layouts. Readers should expect to see more former commercial zones transitioning toward housing as remote work patterns remain prevalent.