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Buz Koelbel, Former President of Denver Real Estate Firm, Passes Away at 72

Buz Koelbel, the former president of his father’s Denver-area real estate firm, Koelbel and Co., has sadly passed away at the age of 72. He led the company for nearly 40 years before stepping down earlier this year. Koelbel died on Thursday from blood cancer, leaving behind a legacy of successful real estate development in the Denver region.

Koelbel’s father, Walter A. Koelbel Sr., founded the company in 1952 as a residential brokerage and quickly found success buying land in the growing Denver area. Buz Koelbel, born the same year the company was founded, grew up alongside the business, eventually taking on the role of president in 1985. Under his leadership, Koelbel and Co. developed numerous residential and commercial projects in Colorado, including The Preserve in Greenwood Village and The Breakers Resort in southeast Denver.

In addition to his work in real estate, Koelbel was a co-founder of the Denver South Economic Development Partnership and served on the boards of various organizations, including the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. He is survived by his wife, four children, and siblings.

Koelbel’s impact on the Denver real estate community will be remembered for years to come. A memorial service will be held on October 1st at Bethany Lutheran Church in Cherry Hills Village. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Junior Achievement or the High Line Canal Conservancy. Our thoughts are with Koelbel’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Buz Koelbel, second-generation owner of the family development firm Koelbel & Company, has passed away at the age of 72. His death comes as a shock to many in the real estate industry, as Koelbel was known for his innovative approach to development and his dedication to creating vibrant, sustainable communities.

Who was Buz Koelbel?

Buz Koelbel was the son of Walter A. Koelbel, who founded Koelbel & Company in 1952. Buz joined the family business in the 1970s and quickly made a name for himself as a talented developer with a keen eye for market trends. Under his leadership, Koelbel & Company grew to become one of the most respected development firms in the region, known for its commitment to quality and attention to detail.

What were some of Buz Koelbel’s notable projects?

During his tenure at Koelbel & Company, Buz oversaw the development of numerous residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects throughout Colorado. One of his most notable projects was the restoration of the historic Union Station in downtown Denver, which was transformed into a vibrant transportation hub and retail center. Buz was also instrumental in the development of several master-planned communities, including the award-winning Southshore community in Aurora.

How did Buz Koelbel impact the real estate industry?

Buz Koelbel was known for his forward-thinking approach to development, which focused on creating sustainable, walkable communities that integrated seamlessly with their surroundings. He was a strong advocate for smart growth principles and was committed to building projects that would stand the test of time. His legacy is evident in the many communities he helped to create, which continue to thrive and grow to this day.

What is the future of Koelbel & Company?

With Buz Koelbel’s passing, many in the industry are wondering what the future holds for Koelbel & Company. While Buz’s leadership will be greatly missed, the firm is well-positioned to continue his legacy under the guidance of his son, Walter A. Koelbel III, who now serves as President of the company. Walter has been with the firm for over 20 years and has a deep understanding of the business, making him well-equipped to lead Koelbel & Company into the future.

In conclusion, Buz Koelbel’s passing is a great loss to the real estate industry, but his legacy will live on through the many projects he helped to create. His commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation has left an indelible mark on the communities he touched, and his influence will continue to be felt for years to come.

Sources:
– Denver Post article on Buz Koelbel’s passing
– Koelbel & Company website
– Southshore community website