CREJ

/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / DECEMBER 2016

vibrant city is one that founded on commu-

nity engagement, leadership, intention

and investment. Downtown Denver is

one example in which these aspects are actively

a part of the present and future. As an example,

the decision to redevelop the rail yard at Union

Station and transform the Union Station district

from cargo rail to a passenger-centric amenity

provided another layer of community to down-

town Denver. The Downtown Denver Partnership

sits squarely in the center of city building efforts

by creating opportunities for our citizens and busi-

nesses to grow downtown as the economic engine of

our region. We met with Tami Door, president and

CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, to gain

some insight on the state of downtown Denver.

JS: Denver’s Union Station development has become

a strong example of successful urban investment.

How has this impacted the state of downtown and

what do you see for the future?

TD:

The Downtown Denver Partnership, found-

ed more than 60 years ago, has long been focused

on creating a vibrant city. We do this by building

upon our vision for downtown, identifying oppor-

tunities, engaging with the community and seeing

it through the planning process with the city. I be-

lieve strongly that it’s our investment in visioning

and the time we put in up front for early discovery

and defining project goals and outcomes that creates

a strong platform for decision making, especially on

multiyear planning initiatives.

For a long time, Denver wasn’t seen as a city center.

Rather, we were leveraging the mountains and life-

style to attract visitors, companies and population.

We believe now we have the opportunity to be seen

Leading the Way

Joy Spatz, AIA

Principal,

Studio

Collaborative

Arapahoe Square

Denver’s Union Station