L.C. Fulenwider Inc. has hired Denver developer Ferdinand “Ferd” Belz III to jump-start development of property it owns near Denver International Airport.

Belz, board chairman of the Downtown Denver Partnership Inc. (DDP), worked most recently on the Union Station Alliance team that’s implementing a plan to redevelop Denver Union Station for the Regional Transportation District. Belz will continue to work with the USA team, which is building a luxury hotel on the top two floors of the station.

“The benefit of working for Cal Fulenwider is his name and his reputation,” said Belz, vice president of development at Fulenwider. “People know when Cal gives his word, it’s going to happen. He comes from an era where a handshake sealed a deal.”

Cal Fulenwider III, president, has been seeking a new development leader for months, since senior executive Bill Prather cut back his hours. He even posted the job description on the company website.

Fulenwider didn’t have to look far to find Belz — he’s had an office at 1125 17th St., Fulenwider’s headquarters, for 11 years. Fulenwider traded the office space for Belz’s consulting work on a 202-room Marriott Courtyard at 6901 Tower Road, Denver, that the company built at its Denver International Business Center (DIBC). Fulenwider, grandson of the founder of the 108-year-old company, also built that 25-story 1125 17th Street building.

Belz has helped build four Ritz-Carlton hotels and eight Marriotts around the world, and worked on such high-profile Denver projects as the Tabor Center, the Pepsi Center and the redevelopment of the old Mercy Hospital site, 17th Avenue and Fillmore Street, into the City Park South residential towers.

“Ferd’s talent and experience bring a lot to this company,” Fulenwider said.

Belz worked for years on redevelopment of the former Gates Rubber Co. plant off Interstate 25 and Broadway in Denver while he was president of Cher- okee Denver LLC.

Gates Corp. took back most of that property in 2009, after lack of financing derailed Cherokee’s plans.

Belz then formed Real Estate Generation LLC (REGen) with Kenneth Ho and Rick Wells.

As Fulenwider lobbies RTD to put a commuter rail station at the DIBC, Belz’s prior experience can only help, Fulenwider said.

“He’s a true expert when it comes to mixed-use, transit-oriented development,” Fulenwider said.

Belz said the thought of working for a Colorado developer that isn’t going anywhere is refreshing.

“The incredible thing about Fulenwider is not just the legacy it has, but the long-term perspective,” Belz said.

“They’re still here, and they’re going to continue to be here. They understand what it takes. There’s just an allure in working for a solid company like that.”

Ho, who’s been the development manager for Trammell Crow Co.’s Denver office since December, said, “Fulenwider is signaling to the market it’s getting back into the development game by hiring a real estate professional like Ferd.”

Wells is finishing the remainder of REGen’s projects, Ho said. - Denver Business Journal