The recently completed T3 RiNo building in Denver’s River North Art District (RiNo) marks a significant milestone in sustainable architecture. Developed by a collaboration that includes Pickard Chilton, Hines, McCaffery, and La Caisse, this six-story mixed-use facility encompasses 239,000 square feet of office and retail space. T3 RiNo emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and innovation, employing a design model focused on timber, transit, and technology.
Innovative Features and Design
T3 RiNo is designed to foster collaboration and creativity among its occupants. Key features include open terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows that provide expansive views of the Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains. The building also houses 19,000 square feet of ground-floor retail, which connects to wide, covered sidewalks suitable for community gatherings and pedestrian traffic. Additionally, the structure includes a three-story underground parking facility to accommodate tenants.
The building’s timber materials, provided by Nordic Structures and manufactured by Québec-based Chantiers Chibougamau, contribute to its environmentally friendly profile. T3 RiNo is constructed with nearly 5,200 cubic meters of heavy timber, which is expected to sequester approximately 4,210 tons of carbon dioxide. This environmentally conscious approach results in a nearly 38% reduction in product stage embodied carbon compared to traditional office spaces.
Michael Hensley, AIA, a principal at Pickard Chilton, expressed enthusiasm for the project’s completion, stating, “Our design emphasizes a strong and vital connection to nature… T3 RiNo is a testament to our commitment to creating innovative spaces that enhance the well-being and productivity of its occupants.”
Significant Tenant and Community Impact
The building has attracted significant interest, with Xcel Energy Colorado pre-leasing more than 220,000 square feet of office space, making it the largest office tenant in the RiNo district. The decision to lease was influenced by T3’s refined timber design and the appealing open layouts with 12-foot ceilings.
T3 RiNo’s location also enhances its connectivity. Positioned near the 5th Street pedestrian bridge and close to the RTD commuter rail system, the building offers convenient access to Denver International Airport and Union Station. This strategic location positions T3 RiNo as an attractive destination for tenants and visitors alike.
The project’s emphasis on sustainability and community engagement has not gone unnoticed. T3 RiNo has received multiple accolades, including the 2024 NAIOP Colorado Development Deal of the Year and the 2025 CoStar Impact Award for Commercial Development of the Year. Additionally, it has been recognized by Engineering News-Record Mountain States & Southwest with a 2025 Best Projects award for the Colorado/Wyoming region in the “office/retail/mixed-use” category.
With T3 RiNo, Pickard Chilton not only showcases its design expertise but also reinforces its dedication to creating sustainable, innovative workplaces. This project reflects a broader trend toward environmentally responsible building practices, offering a modern solution that meets the needs of today’s tenants while honoring Denver’s architectural heritage.
