DECEMBER 2014 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
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mayor’s budget includes general fund dollars to address this
issue. That’s a big deal – we won’t solve this overnight, but using
city money (not just federal funds) says it’s a communitywide
problem that needs to be solved by the whole community.
Do you think most developers focus on
both sides, business and humanity?
I don’t think that’s unique. I think there are many develop-
ers who are committed to both business and social issues.
At the time I led DURA, almost every single one of those de-
velopers brought that combination to the table. The few who
didn’t were quite memorable.
I think that there are a lot of people and developers out
there who are not the flashy ones, but who are committed
in neighborhoods and doing important projects in areas that
are considered to be transitional neighborhoods. This is tough
work and it seems to attract a handful of people who like that
challenge.
So what’s it like to look back 30 years
and look at all the good you created?
I just don’t think anybody does anything alone – I mean we
had a team.
The answers to our problems are much better answers and
richer when you havemanyminds involved. I mean, that’s the
strength of diversity that we are dealing with in somany parts
of our lives today.
As I look back, I’m very proud and very fortunate to have
been here at that time in Denver’s history. While It was the
most difficult job I ever had and the most complicated work,
it was also very rewarding work.
What are you doing now?
My partners and I founded Urban Ventures in 1998 and we
develop projects in neighborhoods within Denver.
We are in it for the long haul, which is what I love about my
partners. We are likeminded and we have always been aligned
in the belief that we can’t just build buildings and walk away.
Our projects are rooted in authentic community connections.
We continue to work with Chuck Perry and Jonathan Rose
(from DURA days) as project partners and that is definitely
their ethic, too. I brought Jonathan and Chuck into the Aria
Development, which is the Marycrest project, a former Fran-
ciscan Convent on the north side of Interstate 70 and Feder-
al, near Regis University, because of our shared history. It is a
fascinating project on many levels because of the setting and
opportunities to truly develop a neighborhood on 17 acres. We
also just purchased a 3.5-acre property on the Platte River with
another partner. It’s an industrial property that had turned its
back on the river forever. We intend to change that and devel-
op a mixed-use neighborhood that will link into the exciting
ideas coming out of the Sun Valley redevelopment plans.
What do you see for Denver’s future?
Looking to the future of Denver, we are going to have a lot
of people living downtown – a lot of building and that’s the
best thing that can happen to downtown to give us stability
for the long term.
More people living downtownmeans more people support-
ing the businesses and restaurants. It becomes an engine.
Having Denver known for a downtown that’s vibrant and
almost a 24-hour city will be really important.
Also, we can’t underestimate the importance of having all
the rail connections throughout the area. That will and al-
ready has fueled downtown’s economy. The revitalization of
Union Station has made such an impact in the short time
since its reopening. The future of rail and its impact on our
city is something we can’t even describe today.
Now we need to focus on the edges of downtown and look
to those areas to help us address our needs for diversity in
housing. These adjacent neighborhoods also need to share in
the prosperity of downtown. That’s where I want to have a role
to play.
What are your top three indulgences?
Can I have four please? Well, chocolate, of course!
I love rock ‘n’ roll music. I went to Woodstock. I love Red
Rocks.
I like to bike ride as much as I can.
I love hanging out with grandchildren – there is nothing
more stabilizing in life.
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Sages & Stars
Before: The Denver Dry Goods department store building as
its renovation began in 1992.
After: DURA helped coordinate 23 lenders for the transforma-
tion of the 350,000-square-foot Denver Dry building.
