Best New Building in LoDo

Most of the new buildings in LoDo are little more than three-dimensional wallpaper that blends into the background. But every once in a while, an inspired designer comes up with an idea that is compatible with Lower Downtown Historic District requirements and also stands on its own as architecture. Such is the case with the Millennium Building, which was built with remarkable speed in a former parking lot. This postmodern edifice, by Denver architects Parkhill-Ivins, shows a real eye to detail; for example, it's faced in brick that has been laid in fancy patterns -- clearly a response to its historic neighbors. Sure, LoDo needs parking -- but it needs good-looking buildings such as this one even more.