CREJ

DECEMBER 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \

Colorado Pulse

existing fabric and quality of life in the neighbor-

hood;

- and, in doing so, must not only aesthetically com-

plement, but also improve the quality of the existing

conditions beyond what was there previously. This

‘improved quality’ must be adequately represented

and presented prior to approval, andmust clearly iden-

tify how the new or remodeled construction improves

the quality of life of the adjacent properties, streetscape

and overall neighborhood condition and community.”

The intent is not to control the stylistic aesthetic, but

to require that all new projects first understand the qual-

ities that make a neighborhood, street and/or individual

site special, then change the paradigm from solely meeting

“blanket” form-based codes and criteria, to a focus on char-

acter and improving quality of life. Any new or remodeled

construction would need to make a positive contribution

before moving to the next step in the approval process. This

is what a true 50-year vision for Denver would involve – an

approach that would help synergize Denver neighborhoods,

and give them back design control of their communities.

Design Review Boards

Well-conceived, neighborhood-level design review

boards – consisting of architects, other design profession-

als and neighborhood representatives – must also be es-

tablished immediately. They must have authority and pri-

ority that takes precedence over the required city review

process, and an overarching, consistent approach easily

implemented in all neighborhoods. Further, design control

must be placed in the hands of the neighborhood, not the

city, and be empowered to approve any new or remodeled

construction before it moves through the city’s review pro-

cess. (If some of you are skeptical about how we make this

happen, just take a look at your favorite neighborhoods in

Denver – Cherry Creek, Country Club and the Golden Trian-

gle, for example – and ask who has design review authority.)

The more Denver’s vision gives power and authority to

the neighborhood design review process, the greater the

opportunity for enhancing the livability of our communi-

ties. All involved must remain focused on the bigger objec-

tive of enhancing and improving the character and quality

of life in each neighborhood so a more sustainable, diverse

and truly special Denver can grow and evolve.

*Jeff Sheppard is a guest columnist for December’s Colo-

rado Pulse.

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