CREJ

DECEMBER 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \

as the city center in the Rocky Mountain West and people

are moving here because Denver is a great city. No longer

is Denver lost in the rhetoric of the “mountain” dialogue.

We’ve worked hard on a place-based economic develop-

ment strategy to provide a vibrant downtown where people

want to live and work, and Denver’s Union Station is just

one example of that.

As to our future, the Partnership has many active ini-

tiatives, some large and some small, each cited on aspects

of the “Vibrant Center City” concept outlined in the 2007

Downtown Area Plan, our long-term strategy. Our next big

effort is Arapahoe Square, which is a neighborhood that is

ripe for redevelopment. This area, located between Larim-

er and Tremont streets, and Park Avenue and 20th Street,

comprises approximately 30 city blocks. We envision it to be

the densest mixed-use neighborhood in the city.

JS: What are some additional examples of work your team

has launched?

TD:

We are focused on perpetuating our culture of in-

novation and entrepreneurship. We co-founded Denver

StartUp Week, the largest free entrepreneurial event in

North America, and co-created The Commons on Cham-

pa, our Entrepreneurial Center at 1245 Champa, with our

city and Colorado Technology Association partners. We are

building a significant platform of support and commu-

nity to help companies start and grow in our center city.

As a place-based economic development organization,

an important component of this relates to our parks and

public spaces. It is essential to ac-

tivate them in a way that reflects

the brand of our center city. We do

so through such great programs as

the Southwest Rink at Skyline Park,

Wynkoop Plaza events and more.

We continue our efforts to advo-

cate for the addition of more pro-

tected bike lanes to enhance com-

muting opportunities and, as the

20-year plan states, to create a bicycle

city.

We are beginning to develop plans

for the “downtown loop,” which propos-

es combining an innovative bike and

pedestrian path connecting Denver’s

center city neighborhoods. It is quite ambitious and very

exciting. It is envisioned to be a unique expression of our

lifestyle, arts and culture.

As we look to the future of downtown Denver, planning

is a constant. And implementation is the key. Whether it is

a new development or a series of events, there is a contin-

uous cycle of things to be revived and plenty of opportu-

nities to create something new. It is through this balance

that we sustain our downtown. Our center city is constant-

ly changing. Through the Downtown Denver Partnership,

the business community is inspired and committed to en-

suring downtown Denver further secures its position as

the Queen City of the Rocky Mountain West.

Leading the Way

Tami Door

President and

CEO, Down-

town Denver

Partnership

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