Lower Downtown Development, Inc.
Denver, Colorado
A plan and design guidelines to revitalize Denver’s Lower Downtown district (LoDo) by strengthening its historic character while developing it into a major arts district, entertainment area, and downtown residential neighborhood.
Project Highlights:
- Despite its status as the largest and most significant historic district in the Rocky Mountain states, LoDo suffered from a high rate of vacant properties and deteriorating storefronts.
- A coalition including the City of Denver, Lower Downtown Development, Inc., and Historic Denver hired Goody Clancy to lead an interdisciplinary team of real estate, transportation, zoning, and public finance consultants in the preparation of a new vision, plan, and design guidelines for the district.
- Each of the clients adopted the plan and design guidelines, which have since guided a renaissance in the district. Loft housing, artist studios, restaurants, galleries, and other retail and cultural institutions have blossomed, drawing new residents and private investment.
Strategy:
- Preserve LoDo’s distinctive historic character while simultaneously encouraging its emergence as a major arts district in the western U.S., one of Denver’s strongest downtown housing markets, and a lively entertainment area.
- Craft a bold but sound plan for real estate development and urban design; draw up supporting design guidelines for commercial and residential properties; and draft strong enabling zoning to enforce both plan and guidelines.