Unfortunately, I open on a somber note. I am sure that you have heard about the tragic stabbings that occurred on the 16th Street Mall on the weekend of January 11th and 12th resulting in the death of two individuals. You should have received an email notifying you that UpDoNA has arranged a meeting with our city leaders to discuss the stabbings, safety concerns, and the lack of police presence in downtown. The meeting will be held on Monday, February 3rd, at 1:00 p.m., at the Downtown Denver Partnership offices. In addition to hearing from the Mayor’s Office and Chief of Police, there will be a Q/A session where you will have the opportunity to have your questions and concerns addressed. Please attend this very important meeting.
The UpDoNA Safety Committee regularly meets with the Denver Police Department, Ryan Ertman/Allied Security, and Safety Director Saldate to discuss safety issues in Upper Downtown. In addition to those meetings, we have a direct line of communication with those parties wherein we can report immediate needs and/or concerns. Although downtown is a much cleaner and safer place, there will always be issues that need to be addressed. Please remain vigilant and help protect our neighborhood and those who live, work, and play here. Report issues, incidents, and crimes using 311, 911, the Clean and Safe app, and the RTD Transit App. Even if an incident seems minor, it needs to be reported. The Denver Police Department wants to know what’s happening in downtown and uses that data to request more resources and officers. If you have any questions on reporting, please visit UpDoNA’s Report an Issue page at: https://updona.org/report-an-issue/
Thanks to our members who emailed City Council and Mayor Johnston regarding Council Bill 24-1791. As you know, Mayor Johnston vetoed the Bill. The Bill would have amended the Needle Exchange Ordinance by removing distance requirements from our schools and by removing any limitation on the number of Needle Exchange Sites allowed in Denver. It can be assumed that the sponsors of the vetoed bill will work on a new bill. The UpDoNA Board of Directors will keep you apprised.
On January 21, Anthony Gemma, an UpDoNA member and landscape architect, and I attended The Landmark Preservation Commission hearing and public comment session regarding the proposed revitalization plans for Civic Center Park. The first phase plans involve the Greek Theater and Promenade. The reimagining of the Greek Theater will honor its history while improving its functionality and usability. Along the promenade, meditation gardens and gathering spots will be added allowing residents to meet friends or pull up a chair and have lunch. These changes will transform Civic Center Park into an everyday park, not just a special event park. The Commission voted 8-1 in favor of the proposed plans. Construction should begin this spring.
The Downtown Area Plan (“DAP”) Advisory Board is moving into the next phase of planning. Based on community input, five focus areas in downtown have been identified: 1) Speer Blvd/Cherry Creek Corridor, 2) Skyline Park, 3) Ballpark/Sakura Square, 4) Broadway/Arapahoe Square, and 5) Upper Downtown/Civic Center Park. Although these five focus areas have been identified, all downtown will be included, and benefit, from the DAP. As for Upper Downtown/Civic Center Park some of our identified needs include increasing residential population, more daily life uses like grocery stores and shopping, accessibility to/from Civic Center Park into downtown core, and more opportunities for small businesses.
There are several buildings in Upper Downtown that have been identified for conversion to housing. Those include: an office tower at 17th and Glenarm with a proposed day care; the Petroleum Building at 110 16th Street which has been approved and is waiting for construction permits; the George/Symes Building at 820 16th Street whose owner is hoping for approval by April of this year; and the University Building at 910 16th Street whose owner is still working on financing.
Exciting news! The new Glenarm Plaza should be finished by Memorial Day! Glenarm Street will be permanently closed from mid-block 15th Street to mid-block 17th Street. There will be amazing structures, café tables and chairs, planters, trees, art sculptures, and more surprises. Exciting things are starting to happen in Upper Downtown!
I’ll talk to you again in March. In the meantime, stay warm!
Lisa L. Pope
President
Thumbnail attribution – Lisa Pope
