Molson Coors Picks HQ

DENVER-Molson Coors Brewing Co., the world’s fifth largest beer brewing company by volume, leased 40,000 sf at the 17th Street Plaza office building for its corporate headquarters. The 666,653-sf, 32-story building is at 1225 17th St. The company was created from the merger in February of Golden-based Coors and Montreal-based Molson.

Bill Lucas, leasing director for Jones Lang LaSalle, which manages the building, represents its owner J.P. Morgan. Jim Ranson of Redhawk Property represented Molson Coors. Jones Lang LaSalle currently is marketing another 85,000 sf in 17th Street Plaza.

Molson Coors plans to lease another 4,000 sf in the near future to occupy a total of 444,000 sf, according to Lucas. The company, which will build an internal staircase as part of its renovation, is taking the two top floors.

Lucas tells GlobeSt.com that he is “honored that Molson Coors, a Fortune 200 company, chose 17th Street Plaza as its headquarters location.” He adds that Molson Coors is a “great addition” to the Denver business district.

Tamara Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, shares his enthusiasm. Door says she expects a great deal of benefit from the addition of Molson Coors. Not only will new employees help Downtown retailers and restaurants, but she expects many of the employees will consider moving Downtown.

In addition to the new Molson Coors’ lease, two existing tenants have renewed their space at 17th Street Plaza. Xcel Energy, the main electric power and natural gas utility for the state and a building tenant since 1991, has signed a five-year, 110,000-sf lease to maintain its headquarters in the building. Additionally, the regional US Attorney’s Office has re-signed its lease at 17th Street Plaza, expanding its space by 4,218 sf feet to a total of 72,595 sf.

The building has a recently renovated lobby, a landscaped outdoor plaza, sculpture garden, outdoor putting green and an on-site deli and fitness center. It also is an easy walk to restaurants, hotels, banks, and a wide variety of housing in the LoDo area, as well in Upper Downtown.