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— Retail Properties Quarterly — May 2016
T
here are underutilized gath-
ering spaces in Denver’s real
estate – alleys. When alleys
are activated, or specifically
designed to function as com-
munity gathering spaces, they can
create unique places that engage
visitors. Compared to other gather-
ing spots, such as shopping malls or
parks, alleys have a unique appeal,
as they are intentionally small and
narrow, creating quaint, comfortable
and engaging outdoor environments.
The concept of activating alleys
is becoming a significant trend in
real estate, with examples seen in
cities like San Francisco and New
York. Denver’s first truly activated
alley will come soon when the Dairy
Block – a redevelopment mixed-use
project located along Wazee and
Blake streets between 18th and 19th
streets – is completed in spring 2017.
How does one successfully create
an activated alley? The true test of
success is whether visitors want to
spend time in the alley. This means
they must not only be initially drawn
to the space, but also intrigued with
what they find as they explore.
Through intentional visioning and
planning, this can be achieved. The
alley must be designed as an integral
element of the larger city block and
have connecting functions far more
grand than the traditional delivery
and waste purposes. Not only should
the alley showcase exciting and
unique retail and dining options,
but also all facets of the city block
should complement the alley’s offer-
ings and features.
A successful activated alley should
engage all of the senses and appeal
to individuals of
all generations,
establishing a dis-
tinct experience for
visitors. Interest-
ing sound effects,
lighting fixtures
and art murals on
the buildings can
create a visually
appealing environ-
ment, for example.
The acoustics
within the alley
should be consid-
ered during the
design process, as
the alley should
sound busy and
vibrant, but not overwhelmingly
loud. It also is important to remem-
ber the retailers will be contribut-
ing to the alley’s atmosphere – the
aromas from a coffee shop or bakery
will waft into the alley to catch the
attention of passersby.
Programming should be consid-
ered during the design process. Effi-
cient and flexible design will allow
the space to hold pop-up events
such as live music performances,
markets or art exhibitions.
Bringing this real estate trend to
Denver benefits the city and its busi-
nesses. Denver’s current landscape
is filled with back alleys that serve
solely for waste and delivery func-
tions. They often are viewed as unlit,
unfriendly spaces that visitors avoid,
especially in the evenings.
If developed successfully, acti-
vated alleys can work symbiotically
with adjacent users. The vibrant
alley will draw visitors to the block’s
retail and dining options. In turn,
when developers are mindful about
placing unique tenants in the alley
storefronts, and these merchants are
seen as exciting “community desti-
nations,” they will draw visitors to
the block, where guests can continue
to explore and indulge.
The Alley at Dairy Block
This synergistic relationship will
be evident in Denver’s first acti-
vated alley. The Dairy Block, which is
being developed by project partners
McWhinney, Grand American and
Sage Hospitality, will be a mixed-use
office, hotel and retail destination.
As the core of the development, the
alley serves as the focal point in the
project’s design.
The alley contributes significantly
to the overall atmosphere of the
block that the project’s vision aims
to create – an element of “found”
and exploration. Through an excit-
ing array of retail and dining options
as well as the first-floor hotel lobby
and bar, the project partners are
hand selecting a unique tenant mix
that will further enhance the alley’s
dynamic micro-district. The alley
will foster a community of makers
and innovative brands, creating an
experience not found anywhere else
Mark
Witkiewicz
Senior vice
president of
commercial
development,
McWhinney,
Denver
Retail Trends
Images courtesy McWhinney/Crème Design
The activated alley planned for the Dairy Block is being designed to draw visitors into the
space and then keep them there by intriguing them with what they find as they explore.
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