Populus, Colorado’s first carbon positive hotel, is set to open its doors in Denver in summer 2024.
Managed by Aparium Hotel Group and developed by Urban Villages, the hotel will comprise 265 guestrooms, a signature restaurant, lounge and coffee bar, as well as flexible event spaces, and a rooftop restaurant and bar offering unobstructed views of the mountains, city skyline and Civic Center Park.
Committed to sustainable development, the hotel’s embodied and operational carbon footprints are being offset through reforesting efforts and agricultural collaborations that sequester more carbon than the building emits throughout its lifecycle.
Already, Populus has planted over 70,000 trees in Gunnison County, in partnership with One Tree Planted vis-à-vis the United States Forest Service. Populus’ approach to planting trees will support biodiversity within the alpine ecosystem, as the trees planted re-introduce the Engelmann Spruce species, a primary tree species that has been diminished by natural causes. The trees are planted in La Garita Wilderness, a part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which protects and preserves federally managed wilderness areas in their natural condition. Populus will also uphold its carbon positive status throughout its lifetime by tracking, reducing and offsetting the carbon emissions of its operations, including energy use, team member and guest transportation, food sourcing and transport.
The hotel’s architecture is courtesy of Studio Gang, with a distinct form that is inspired by the growth process of Colorado’s native Aspen tree – Populus Tremuloides. Interiors by Wildman Chalmers Design meanwhile also pay homage to the Mountain West with warm colours, natural materials and undulating forms, inspired by the feelings evoked by sitting among an Aspen grove. Interiors are further brought to life by a thought-provoking art collection, curated by artist and environmentalist Katherine Homes.
Guestrooms have been designed to refer to nature throughout, despite the property being located in the heart of Denver. Merging the indoors with the outdoors, each accommodation features large Aspen eye-shaped windows that flood the space with natural light. In many guestrooms, the windows extend into a curved, cushioned hammock that provides a space for guests to soak in the city. Bespoke furnishings made from sustainable or recyclable materials underscore Populus’ environmental efforts, while thoughtful design touches like pressed wildflower art and handcrafted ceramic accessories further reflect nature.
Public spaces are equally on-theme, including the ‘forest floor’ lobby, which features double-height ceilings, 30ft windows, a moody reception area, and a vibrant bar and restaurant. A curved grand staircase connects the activated ground floor experience to the second floor, which houses a cluster of enclosed and interconnected meeting spaces, as well as a gym.
Populus’ rooftop – which includes a signature restaurant, outdoor terrace and lush garden designed by Superbloom – will serve as a coveted public gathering place for hotel guests and locals, while the top floor also features a private dining room.
“Populus is destined to become a must-visit destination for today’s modern traveller, a place that Denver residents are proud to have in their backyard, and a landmark that redefines the future of sustainable travel with a commitment to superior service and an elevated guest experience,” says Mario Tricoci, Chief Executive Officer and founder of Aparium. “With dynamic amenities and a distinct reverence for nature, the hotel will foster connections between guests, the city and the environment.”
General Manager George Prine adds: “This is an exciting milestone for Populus as we open reservations for guest visits in summer 2024 and beyond. The hotel proudly delivers a vibrant, nature-inspired respite in the heart of Denver, providing guests and locals with the best of authentic translocal hospitality, imaginative food and beverage, and dynamic design.”
