Upper downtown master plan
Upper Downtown is in the heart of Denver and is well connected to the surrounding neighborhoods and cities. Four light rail routes, two free buses, and 23 bus lines have stops within the study area. Upper Downtown is the commercial hub of the Central Business District. The DDP identified five guiding principles for this study: pedestrian first, economic viability, public-private partnerships, connectivity, and authenticity. Denver neighborhoods are rapidly evolving as Denver's population continues to grow. The first phase of this project includes public outreach, an assessment of existing conditions, and strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities and constraints (SWOC) analysis.
Six concepts were specifically chosen to be catalytic improvements at UpDown and to inspire future development within the study area that was not identified in this plan. These projects also provide a path toward realizing the vision outlined in the original plans for the city center as a whole, the 2007 Downtown Area Plan. Each of the case studies provides substantial support for both conceptual projects and their potential for success through strategic implementation.
Analysis of existing conditions
Proposals for intervention
Major projects are located between E 16th Avenue and Cleveland Place, along 15th and 17th streets, along California Street between 14th and 20th streets, in the current parking areas between Pavilions and 15th Street, at along Glenarm Place, and finally in the current parking lot. between Broadway and Lincoln Street at 19th Avenue. Each project incorporates its own set of recommendations for improvements in the area and is loosely grouped by a focus on "Connections" or "Destinations." However, even projects that focus on cultivating destinations for UpDown also serve the goal of connectivity by attracting populations close to the area, providing a boost for people to cross barriers that would otherwise be imposed in the area, and providing opportunities to mitigate those barriers through redevelopment.
