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The Brockman, an 80-unit adaptive reuse conversion at 7th and Grand, is finally showing its full facade, ending years of concealment behind a construction tarp. Renovation of the building began in early 2004.

Two years ago, the Brockman had already been shrouded for so long that local observers had forgotten what lay beneath. The facade was partially revealed early last year.

Much of the delay in the building’s construction schedule was caused by a shakeup of the development team, with West Millennium Group buying out partner Urban Pacific, LLC. Shortly thereafter, construction totals soared from $12.5 million to over $35 million.

A changed neighborhood greets the development: The adjacent Coulter and Mandel buildings — also years in the making — have begun leasing loft residences; the 7th Street Restaurant Row initiative has made significant progress; and a new bar has opened directly across the street, with a new restaurant soon to follow.

Louie Restaurant & Gourmet Market was last reported to be opening in the ground floor of the building in June of this year, though a delayed construction timeline may push that date back further. The Dean & Deluca-style market will be open from 6:00 am until late night.

Something tells me if it took four years to get this far along, it may be 2009 before we see any move-ins — residential or retail.