Applewood Beer Garden

Project Summary

Applewood Beer Garden, a collaboration between City Street Investors and Symmetry Builders, is planned for a 1.5-acre site at West 20th and Youngfield in Golden. Inspired by their successful previous beer gardens, including the Lowry, Green Valley Ranch, and Edgewater locations, City Street Investors envisioned this new garden to offer a similar experience. The 4,400-square-foot building will feature both indoor and outdoor seating with roll-up glass doors and a two-sided fireplace. Additional highlights include a 3,000-square-foot outdoor patio, keg storage, keg cooler, walk-in cooler and freezer, a commercial kitchen, and a beer hall. The venue will also provide 73 new parking spaces. The design provided by EVstudio’s Commercial Studio was finalized in August 2024.

Exterior rendering of the Applewood Beer Garden at sunset, where warm light blends with the natural surroundings, creating a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Exterior Render of Applewood Beer Garden

Design Process

Conceptual & Schematic Design

The design draws from Golden, Colorado’s natural and architectural colors, blending with the landscape and previous beer gardens. Earthy tones, stone accents, wood trusses, and muted reds reflect the area’s rugged beauty. Large roll-up glass doors connect the beer hall and outdoor patio, creating a flexible social space. An open kitchen layout ensures efficient circulation between food prep and beer service, fostering guest interaction. The design integrates the charm of Golden with a dynamic, engaging atmosphere.

The interior of Applewood Beer Garden, bathed in natural light, offering a bright, inviting space for dining and socializing.Interior Render of the Beer Hall

 

Structural Systems

We evaluated both exposed and concealed wood trusses for balance between aesthetics and functionality. Exposed trusses were chosen for the beer hall to add warmth and a rustic feel. Concealed RedJoist trusses were used in the kitchen and service areas for structural support and streamlined integration of lighting and HVAC. The structural system was key to shaping both the visual character and operational efficiency of the design.

Elevations of Applewood Beer GardenExterior Elevations

 

Lighting and HVAC Design

Soft, focused lighting in the bar highlights the area’s intimate, lively atmosphere, while ambient lighting in the open dining space maximizes natural light from large windows and roll-up glass doors, blending indoor and outdoor elements.

Ceiling fans in the dining area maintain air circulation, ensuring comfort while preserving the natural feel of the space. The HVAC system is carefully integrated with the two-sided fireplace to provide consistent temperature control. Zoning allows independent temperature regulation for the bar and dining areas, ensuring comfort year-round. This combination of lighting, fans, and HVAC decisions enhances the overall experience and atmosphere of the beer garden.

Exterior elevations of Applewood Beer GardenExterior Elevations

Construction & Permitting

The Applewood Beer Garden project faced unique challenges related to parking and permitting. One key issue was the insufficient number of parking spaces required for the site, given its location between the Applewood Grove Shopping Center and the Applewood Gas Express. The team was able to successfully negotiate a reduction in the parking requirements by adding additional bike spaces. This strategic decision not only helped meet the permitting requirements but also aligned with the project’s goals to promote sustainability and community engagement. By offering more bike spaces, we encouraged patrons to bike rather than drive, particularly after enjoying a beer or two. This approach reinforced the beer garden’s commitment to creating a safe, environmentally friendly experience while navigating the challenges of parking and permitting.

Lessons Learned

This project highlights our ability to navigate complex permitting processes and implement sustainable site solutions. It strengthens our portfolio, showcasing our commitment to creating dynamic, community-focused spaces that blend function and design.

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