The iconic Denver airport tower has been reimagined as a vibrant restaurant.

Once a key player in guiding planes through the skies, this now-forgotten air traffic control tower in Denver is now guiding guests through its menu offerings.

Standing as the last remnant of the former Stapleton International Airport, the tower has been reworked into a unique dining and entertainment venue by Punch Bowl Social, a Denver-based company.

The revamped space combines classic diner fare with fun activities like bowling, karaoke, and breathtaking views of Denver's skyline.

Robert Thompson, founder and CEO of Punch Bowl, shares, 'It was a thrilling chance to give back to our Colorado roots, and these are the final pieces of the old airport that was a landmark in Denver for so many years.'

Reimagining history for a modern purpose

Since the closure of Stapleton Airport in 1995, various ideas were proposed to bring the tower into the modern era.

Determined to preserve the structure, the city ultimately partnered with Punch Bowl Social, eager to take on the challenge and contribute to the community's growth.

"Transforming a former airport tower into something new is a rare chance to both preserve a landmark and breathe new life into a once-forgotten space," explains Rebecca Stone, managing principal at OZ Architecture, who collaborated on the project with Punch Bowl.

The company has also revitalized a decaying building in Denver and is currently breathing new life into a 1924 San Diego boxing ring.

"Before our partnership with Punch Bowl Social, no one had proposed a realistic plan for the tower's future—one that could be executed with the necessary resources. That’s where OZ's creativity and technical expertise truly came into play," adds Stone.

Soaring to new heights

The developers were committed to preserving the building's historic façade, though this presented its own set of challenges.

"Preserving the tower’s height and design was essential to honoring its historical importance, but it also posed certain limitations, requiring us to think creatively and explore unconventional solutions for the space," explains Stone.

The tower's original exterior materials were repurposed for the interior walls, with many design elements throughout the 32,000 square feet space reflecting the glamorous jet-setting era of the 1920s and 1930s.

The building’s aviation history is echoed in its culinary offerings, including aviation-inspired cocktails, while the interior design continues to pay homage to its storied past.

Distinctive features include wall coverings that evoke the sensation of being 30,000 feet in the air, a hostess stand crafted from vintage steamer trunks, and dining tables that, when arranged together, form an abstract runway design.

Now welcoming guests

As of November 2017, the newly reimagined Stapleton Tower has opened its doors, breathing new life into a once-iconic Denver landmark.

The developers aim for the tower to be a beacon of creativity and innovation, helping to drive the city’s regeneration forward.

"For architects and developers, the opportunity to reinvent and design a project around the abandoned tower—the last remaining piece of the old Stapleton Airport—has been an exhilarating challenge," shares Stone.

"The true reward will be in solidifying Denver’s place as a national leader in creative and successful adaptive reuse projects," she adds.