Lower Downtown District, Inc.

LOWER DOWNTOWN NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN APPROVED

Oct 18, 2000

On August 28th, the Denver City Council unanimously approved the Lower
Downtown Neighborhood Plan. The plan is now the official guide for the
future of the Lower Downtown Historic District. It is also an important
amendment to the City?’s Comprehensive Plane.

Consistent with our tagline, ?“LoDo Denver Old. New. Now,?” the plan
merges past themes with new ideas, and presents actions we can take
today to make a difference.



OLD: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE


Contrary to many perceptions, Lower Downtown was neither an overnight
phenomenon nor a by-product of the recent success of Coors Field. In
fact, stirrings of current Lower Downtown began in the early 1970?’s when
local property owners led a successful effort to change Lower Downtown?’s
existing industrial zoning to a mixed-use classification. Fifteen-plus
years passed before a unified vision for the area was codified in a
series of ordinances, plans, and investment programs. In 1988, the
Lower Downtown Historic District was designated.

The early vision for Lower Downtown focused on preservation of the
buildings and character of the Historic District; creation of a
mixed-use neighborhood incorporating residential, retail, industrial,
office and entertainment uses; stabilization of the real estate markets;
redevelopment of a pedestrian-friendly environment; improved transit and
access; and creation of a sense of a place. This vision is now largely
in place ?– most of the historic buildings have been renovated, mixed-use
is a reality, the market for new infill construction is booming, and our
streets are safe and revitalized. We will soon have light rail transit
and mall shuttle service extended to Union Station. Lower Downtown has
become the most unique mixed-use neighborhood in the region. So, with
all of this success, why a new plan?



NEW: WHY A NEW PLAN?


The greatest threat to the success of Lower Downtown is the success of
Lower Downtown. In the early 1990?’s, realizing the growing inadequacy
of existing plans to accommodate the heightening interest in the area,
LDDI began to ask these questions: How should new buildings fit into
the context of the Historic District? How should residential and
hospitality uses coexist? What should we do about traffic, parking, and
affordable housing? Do existing plans and guidelines adequately address
new issues and problems in Lower Downtown?

In June 1995, with funding from the Colorado Historical Fund, the
Downtown Business Improvement District, and the Lower Downtown District,
Inc., the development of a new Neighborhood Plan began. As the plan?’s
leader, LDDI understood that an inclusive, open planning process would
bring the strongest result. The process included all of the
constituents in Lower Downtown, neighboring districts, city agencies,
and City Council. Consensus was reached on all issues raised in the
plane.

The new plan unites many of the separate plans supporting the 1980?’s
vision, into one cohesive document. In supplementing these original
ideas, the plan also fills in the gaps of prior planning efforts,
seeking new approaches to issues that were not envisioned two decades
ago.


NOW: KEY POINTS OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN


Historic Preservation: Stremthens the use of historic buildings as the
basis for consideration of a proposed project?’s ?“fit?” into the District.

Design of New Buildings: Contemporary buildings shall be an expression
of their time, while being compatible with historic design elements.

Uses: Increased Park and open space, mixed housing types, attraction of
neighborhood retail and service businesses, expansion of business and
office uses, and preservation of art and cultural opportunities are
proposed to enhance the living and working environment in Lower
Downtown.

Mobility and Parking: Increased transit utilization, traffic calming
and management of vehicular traffic, and alternative parking supply and
management options.

Streetscape: Enhancement of pedestrian friendly sidewalks and alleys.

These elements are clearly independent. They require building strong
working relationships within and outside of Lower Downtown.

The Neighborhood Plan will bring new assurances to residential, business
and property owners as to the direction of the neighborhood, and their
role in achieving that future.

This plan offers everyone more knowledge about the neighborhood than has
ever existed. I encourage you to review the plan and get involved in
shaping the future of Lower Downtown. I also encourage you to join the
Lower Downtown District, Inc., as we work together to implement the key
elements of the plan. To find out how you can help, call the LDDI
office at 303-628-5428.