International Downtown Association 2010 Downtown Achievement Award Submission Planning
Elevating understanding Building relationships Forming partnerships Learning together
An important program for implementing the Downtown Area Plan
I learned that Downtown Denver could develop a significant residential population, that a large public market is a realistic endeavor, and that we live in a world class city. - 2010 Participant Given your experience on the 2010 Trip, what valuable lessons or experiences do you think we could apply here in Downtown Denver? Brad Buchanan, Trip Chair: Vancouver embraces height and density and the opportunities, sustainability and economies of scale that density brings. They also have a "let's give it a try" approach to untested planning ideas. (Most of which have worked by the way!) They have a commitment to holding a very high standard of design and urban planning, and they have publicly prioritized pedestrians and bicycles at the top of the transportation food chain. Ferd Belz, UE 2010 Steering Committee: Vancouver has a unique set of circumstances (as with any city) and an entirely different jurisdictional structure. Nevertheless, the lesson we can take away is the importance of strong, clear policies and guidelines and the necessary resources to implement our vision - Denver's Downtown Area Plan. Marc Spritzer, UE 2009 and 2010 Steering Committee: The plans they created, similar to our Downtown Area Plan, are living breathing things. Clearly the "livability" piece is something that is of utmost importance. They wanted to create a walkable vibrant city, so they looked at turning some one-way streets into two-way streets so they could slow traffic down in areas where they wanted a more vibrant environment.
The opportunity to spend time with so many interesting and diverse people is personally enriching. Not just to get to know people better, but to have peers to dialogue with regarding what we were experiencing. - 2009 Participant 100% of participants rated the trip Excellent in 2008, and 90% rated the trip Excellent in 2009.
It confirmed for me what aspects of our plans should be aggressively pursued, i.e. FasTracks. We are on the right track with respect to downtown housing and retail, and we should seriously consider some form of a market, and we need a downtown grocer. - 2009 Participant Vancouver - 2010 Portland - 2008 Washington, DC - 2009
The 2010 Trip Related to Multiple DAP Objectives: A1b Create a world class portal from Denver International Airport to Denver Union Station via the East Line, an essential FasTracks line for Downtown. C1a Continue to attract more people to live Downtown with expanded housing opportunities in different types and prices. A2c Strengthen the vitality of the 16 th Street Mall, conduct a study of Mall infrastructure. B1a Designate Downtown as a pedestrian priority zone. D1b Use distinctive ground floor retail, other active uses and the street environment to reinforce district identity. E1a - Create a green public realm in Downtown by adding street trees and landscaping in the public right of way, in private open spaces and on rooftops. A3b Develop a public market as a regional destination in the core of Downtown.
The session on Pioneer Square highlighted the importance of programming. We always think that good design will bring people. - 2008 Participant Link to YouTube video on trip. (2 minutes)
Great experience, very well coordinated and managed by staff. Will do this again! - 2010 Participant 2010 Budget The program posts a net profit, even after allocating FTE. Total expenses for the program, not including FTE, are approximately $77,000 and include staff support, transportation within city, meal and hotel related expenses, briefing materials and other items that enhance the trip experience. The total program revenue, which comes from registration fees and sponsorships, is approximately $110,000. The program s net profit is approximately $33,000.