A key milestone has been reached in an ambitious redevelopment effort in Golden. AC Development, CoorsTek, Holder Construction and Tryba Architects celebrated the topping out of the first building within the Clayworks district on May 8, according to a press release from AC Development.
The topping out ceremony, a construction tradition that marks the placement of the final steel beam, was held for Clayworks Building B3 at 800 Ford St. The four-story, 182,000-square-foot office building is part of the development’s initial phase, which is set to include three new plazas, two new streets and various food and beverage operations by its completion in early 2026. At full build-out, the 1.25 million-square-foot Clayworks district will span six city blocks, blending office, residential, retail and hospitality spaces to revitalize the former CoorsTek ceramics site into a walkable, sustainable community hub.
“This is a moment to reflect on how far we’ve come and to honor the people and history that laid the foundation for this next chapter,” said Michael Coors, co-CEO of CoorsTek and board director at AC Development. “We’re honored to breathe life into a space that champions opportunity and contributes meaningfully to the fabric of this community.”
Building B3 will feature 172,000 square feet of Class AA office space and 10,000 square feet of ground-floor restaurant space. CoorsTek will establish its new global headquarters on the building’s top two floors. The structure is designed with sustainability in mind, including a 180-kilowatt rooftop solar array and 42 geothermal wells, with goals of achieving LEED-Gold, LEED-Zero and WELL certifications.
Clayworks is also the recipient of a Geothermal Energy Grant from the Colorado Energy Office, reinforcing its push for net-zero carbon emissions and energy-efficient infrastructure. The district will ultimately include new public plazas, expanded streetscapes, green spaces and space for a boutique hotel, contributing to the city’s economic and environmental goals.
“This project represents a long-term investment in the health, prosperity, and character of Golden,” said Dan Cohen, president of AC Development. “Our team is committed to placemaking that respects the town’s heritage while welcoming future generations.”
With leasing now underway, the Clayworks development is expected to bring hundreds of jobs, new affordable housing and expanded commercial offerings to Golden.
