Denargo Market unveils rhino statue named Rhingo

Denver’s Denargo Market welcomed the official unveiling of “Rhingo,” a 30-foot-tall colorful rhino statue, by developers Golub & Co. and FORMATIV. This marks the first public art installation in the 17-acre redevelopment within the city’s RiNo Art District.

Weighing 22,000 pounds and made from weather-resistant steel, the statue was named through a community-driven “Name the Rhino” campaign, which received nearly 1,500 submissions and votes before concluding on June 5.

The unveiling event was attended by Denver City Councilman Darrell Watson and members of the development team.

FORMATIV CEO Sean Campbell stated, “The rhino is our first big step in prioritizing public elements for locals and visitors to interact with. Whether you’re climbing its sides, snapping a photo, or exploring our new parks and river activation, the rhino will welcome you to Denargo Market as a landmark that will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Among the finalist names to choose from were Rosey, Roxy, Rusty, and Spike besides Rhingo. The statue features all-weather climbable panels, custom paint, integrated lighting, playful surrounding elements like birdhouses, and is described as “fab, famous, and always ready for a photo op.”

Situated at the corner of 29th Street and Arkins Court, the statue was conceptualized by Denargo’s landscape architect Sasaki in collaboration with joint venture partners Golub and FORMATIV.

Local fabricators JunoWorks and Eldorado Climbing Walls, along with engineering by Craft Engineering Studio, brought Rhingo to life. While not yet open to the public for climbing, the sculpture will be accessible later this summer when over 4 acres of public parks, plazas, and recreational spaces open at Denargo Market.

FORMATIV and Golub emphasized the focus on creating a public space designed for people during the neighborhood’s development process. Spread across the South Platte riverfront north of Downtown Denver, Denargo Market is designated to offer 3 million square feet of development, including residential, retail, office, and hospitality spaces, public art, and more.

Construction of infrastructure and public parks began in September 2023. Last year, the development team completed a 56-unit affordable housing community, a dog park, and a multi-sport court to support activities like basketball and pickleball.

Future plans for the area include a pedestrian plaza, a half-acre green lawn with a pop-jet fountain, improved sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and more community-centered amenities.