Project: Mile High Flood District
Architecture: Kestrel Design Group
Location: Lakewood, Colorado, United States
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Jess Blackwell
In celebration of 50 years of dedicated service to Denver and its surrounding areas, the Mile High Flood District sought a new home that would reflect its mission and values. Faced with the choice between leasing office space or purchasing a building, the decision was made to acquire a 30-year-old, two-story structure. Tasked with the modernization of this space, Kestrel Design Group embarked on a transformative journey to create a headquarters that not only met the program requirements but also resonated with the organization’s core mission.
A Space that Reflects Mission and Purpose
The Mile High Flood District is committed to protecting people, property, and the environment through stream preservation and flood management. It was essential that their new office space embody these values. To achieve this, Kestrel Design Group infused the design with colors that evoke the natural elements the organization works to protect—greens, blues, and purples, the soothing hues of water, dominate the color palette. These colors not only create a calming environment but also serve as a visual reminder of the District’s dedication to environmental stewardship.
Bringing the Outside In
The design team was inspired by organic patterns and neutral textures found in nature, creating a base palette that is both modern and timeless. To bring the outside in, colorful graphics and murals with vibrant, high-chroma colors were boldly splashed across the walls, adding energy and life to the space. These elements serve to connect the indoor environment with the natural world, reinforcing the District’s mission in a subtle yet powerful way.
Modernizing a Historic Space
The building, with its existing amenities such as open stairwells, large training and meeting spaces, and a central atrium, provided a strong foundation for the redesign. Kestrel Design Group’s modernization efforts focused on enhancing these features while integrating new design elements that align with the organization’s goals. The open stairwells promote connectivity and movement, while the large atrium offers a flexible space for both entertainment and work, fostering a sense of community within the office.
A Sustainable and Functional Design
Throughout the design process, Kestrel Design Group remained mindful of the project budget and goals, ensuring that the modernization was not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and sustainable. The result is a space that supports the Mile High Flood District’s work in flood management and environmental protection, providing a headquarters that is as forward-thinking and resilient as the organization itself.
The Mile High Flood District’s new home is a testament to the organization’s past achievements and its future aspirations, providing a vibrant, inspiring space that celebrates its 50 years of service and its ongoing commitment to the community and the environment.
