Watch CBS News

Republic Plaza Visitor's Guide

Republic Plaza (credit: CBS)Republic Plaza (credit: CBS)

At 714 feet tall, Republic Plaza is the largest skyscraper in Denver. There's plenty of construction taking place throughout the downtown area that may try to compete with the plaza building, but for now, it has held its title since 1984. The Republic Plaza is a 56-story office building that you can see from miles away. Want to learn more about Denver's tallest skyscraper? Here are some fun facts.

Republic Plaza
Brookfield Office Properties
370 17th St.
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 629-3400
brookfieldofficeproperties.com

The Tallest Building In The Rockies

The Republic Plaza rises 714 feet (218 meters) into the sky and is 56 stories tall. The second-tallest building is 1801 California Street, at 709 feet tall. The Wells Fargo Center comes in third at 698 feet tall. The Republic Plaza is currently listed at 109 on the tallest buildings of America list.

Designed By Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill is one of the largest architectural firms in the United States. Based in Chicago and founded in 1936, the firm claims more than 10,000 projects in more than 50 countries. Sustainability and iconic design are the trademarks of the firm's projects. Other sites the firm has developed include the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, the Lever House in Manhattan, the Chicago Civic Center and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. They also designed the new Denver Union Station and New York's Freedom Tower. SOM has been making headlines since its founding and continues to infuse modern designs with art and sustainability features.

New Subterranean Work Space

Building owners Brookfield Property Partners made the decision to transform the 20,000 square-foot food court space below ground into a collaborative work and fitness space for its tenants. The transformation is now complete, and the new space was unveiled this summer. The modern subterranean work space includes ping pong tables and shuffleboard courts, conference rooms, lounge seating with big screen tvs, laptop connections and tables and an 8000 square-foot fitness center complete with lockers, showers and an exercise studio. Access to outdoor seating and open-air atriums allow building tenants to enjoy the great outdoors and get away from their desks for a break. Brookfield hopes this addition will allow the older building to compete with more modern buildings that are being constructed today.

Related:  Top Architecture In Denver

Join the Fight for Air Climb
American Lung Association
action.lung.org

The Fight for Air Climb is one of the American Lung Association's major fundraisers throughout the year. In Denver, the Republic Plaza is open to climbers every year for the event. Participants can support the ALA by running up all 1098 steps of the Republic Plaza. Climb as part of a team and help raise awareness and funds for research and advocacy. Climbs normally take place in February.

ArtsBrookfield Brings The Arts To Republic Plaza
www.artsbrookfield.com

The mission of ArtsBrookfield is to "present free world-class cultural experiences to the public." Republic Plaza offers quarterly art installations and receptions (free wine!). Artwork you'll find here is mostly modern art. Find a Friday afternoon to sneak out early and enjoy one of Denver's coolest buildings and the art inside!

Related: Top Outdoor Art In Denver

Jennifer Eberhart is a writer, reader, crafter, traveler and New Yorker. She has worked for non-profit organizations for over a decade and recently moved to Colorado. Her degrees are in communication studies and art history. You can contact Jennifer on Twitter at @egyptologist. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.