In the mid-2000s, Denver’s Union Station area was a far cry from the bustling, vibrant district it is today. Partially developed, the district left little to indicate the transformative changes on the horizon. But then came the Glass House, a project that not only changed the skyline but also marked a significant milestone for JE Dunn Construction.
The Glass House project was born out of JE Dunn’s acquisition of RJ Griffin, a construction firm with deep roots in the high-rise residential market of Greater Atlanta. One of RJ Griffin’s long-standing clients, Wood Partners, saw the potential in Denver and partnered with a local developer to bring a high-rise condominium to the area. For JE Dunn, this was an opportunity to make a statement in a new market, leveraging its existing relationships and expertise.
The project kicked off in 2005, at a pivotal moment for JE Dunn. The acquisition of RJ Griffin had recently taken place, and the company was transitioning to a unified “One Dunn” model, consolidating its business units under a single brand. The Glass House became a flagship project during this period, showcasing JE Dunn’s ability to deliver on large-scale, high-profile developments.
At 23 stories, the Glass House was not just another building in the downtown area—it was a landmark. It featured an all-glass enclosure, a first for Denver’s condominium market, which was more accustomed to traditional brick facades. The building’s design offered floor-to-ceiling glass, providing residents with unobstructed views of the city and a modern aesthetic that set it apart from other structures in the area.
Building the Glass House was no small feat. The project’s scale required two tower cranes and a highly visible presence on the edge of downtown Denver, particularly along the I-25 corridor. For JE Dunn’s Denver office, which had only been established seven years earlier, this was the largest project to date—both in square footage and significance.
The construction process also introduced new techniques to the team. Through the expertise brought over by RJ Griffin, JE Dunn adopted an accelerated construction schedule, cycling through one floor per week. This efficiency allowed the team to complete the first phase of the project in just 19 months, with the entire building finished in 21 months—an impressive timeline for a project of this magnitude.
While the construction site posed some challenges, such as dealing with coal ash deposits from the area’s industrial past, the project proceeded smoothly. The location, adjacent to the rail line and situated on a former coal ash dump, required careful handling of the materials, but there were no significant setbacks.
The Glass House was also a commercial success. The building’s units sold out rapidly— with the majority of units selling within the first six weeks. This swift sell-out demonstrated the strong demand for upscale, downtown living and solidified Glass House’s place as a key player in Denver’s real estate market.
Today, the Glass House demonstrates JE Dunn’s ability to execute ambitious projects and adapt to new markets. It was a defining moment for the Denver office, proving that in just a few short years, JE Dunn could go from having no local presence to delivering one of the city’s most iconic residential towers.
Looking back, Dustin Liljehorn recalls the project as a pivotal experience in his career. “At the time, I probably didn’t appreciate the trust our partners placed in us, bringing a long-standing client like Wood Partners to a new market,” he said. “But now, I see how significant it was. The Glass House wasn’t just another building; it was a symbol of our growth and capabilities.”