We have an exciting summer ahead of us in Upper Downtown! This month, the Downtown Denver Partnership and the Colorado Rapids are excited to present Soccer Celebrations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup! We will be able to watch live games at our own Skyline Park 1 soccer fields. The Rapids will also host live viewings of every FIFA World Cup 26™ match on large outdoor screens. There will be food vendors, retail, and surprise guests. Visit UpDoNA’s Events on our website and in our newsletter for the schedule. And, in July, there will be a 25th Anniversary Celebration of Harry Potter drone show over the Auraria Campus. The celebration includes an hour long, 1,200 drone show with live music and themed treats.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS – the UpDoNA Annual Meeting will be held at Maggiano’s at the Denver Pavilions on Tuesday June 9th from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Please join us at 5:00 for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and delicious pasta. Our guest speakers include Mayor Mike Johnston and Doug Tisdale, Downtown Development Authority Board, who will be discussing the future vision for Upper Downtown. Your input is encouraged. Watch your emails for the Eventbrite invitation that will be sent in the coming weeks.
UpDoNA Board Member Candidates Needed: Want to get more involved in your neighborhood and learn a lot! Then consider running for the UpDoNA Board of Directors. Please join us in leading our organization and being involved in decisions that have a direct impact on Upper Downtown. If you are interested, please contact lisapope@updona.org, or Gil Vondrasek at gilvon2001@gmail.com by no later than Monday, May 4th.
Denver Pavilions – The Urban Land Institute presented its recommended plans for the Denver Pavilions. I was one of many panelists to provide input for the future vision of the Pavilions. Thanks to everyone who sent me their ideas. (Interestingly, almost everyone asked for a grocery store.) All panelists were interviewed on Tuesday, and the report was presented on Friday. An amazing turnaround prepared by members of the ULI who have a myriad of backgrounds and expertise.
You have probably read about the report, but it entails replacing a portion of the Pavilions structure with an urban open space while keeping the cinema tower. The open space would include a park programmed continuously with markets, films, and civic events. Approximately 70,000 sq. ft. of retail would be retained. It was also recommended that two residential buildings be built on the two 15th Street parking lots.
An interesting comment – a hotel expert said that downtown needs two more 800-room hotels to complement the Convention Center. Planners are always looking for large hotels to accommodate ALL their attendees instead of having them spread at different hotels. What was shocking is that it costs approximately $800,000 to $1m PER HOTEL ROOM to build a large hotel. Needless to say, there aren’t many hotels being built. The ULI expert stated that the parking lots behind the Pavilions would be perfect for a large hotel, however, she acknowledged that there is a more urgent need for residents in Upper Downtown.
Isn’t it exciting when you find something new in and around downtown? That’s what happened to me when I attend last month’s Police Advisory Board meeting at the CELL – Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab – located at 99 West 12th Avenue. The CELL is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preventing terrorism through engagement and empowerment. The museum is small, but packed full of amazing things to discover, including a beam from the South Tower of the World Trade Center.
CELL also offers a Community Awareness Program which involves a free 45-minute online training session which empowers you to recognize suspicious behaviors, spot signs of radicalization to violence, and report concerns. UpDoNA members who complete the online training will be invited to a private tour of the museum followed by a wine and cheese reception. I’ll be sending out an email with a special UpDoNA url so that you can sign up for the training session and reception. I’ll see you at the CELL!
Upcoming Election:
State House District 5 Seat: Alex Valdez will be vacating his seat at the end of this term. There are two candidates vying for the open seat – Justine Sandoval and Sterling Simms. A candidate forum is scheduled on Thursday, May 28th, at Su Teatro Performing Arts Center, 721 Sante Fe Drive, doors open at 5:30 p.m. The forum occurs before the June 30th Democratic primary. To get your free ticket go to: hd5@denverdemocrats.org.
Legislative Update:
Veo Contract – On Monday, April 27th, City Council approved a three-year contract with Veo. Veo will begin its rollout on May 1st, and Lime and Bird will have all their equipment removed by May 15th. Veo offers five different types of vehicles – standing scooter, seated scooter, two-seated scooter, cargo scooter, and a trike.
Municipal Sentencing Bill – as you know, this Bill is being sponsored by CMs Parady, Lewis, and Gonzales-Gutierrez. There are still many concerns about the Bill expressed by the City Attorney, District Attorney, Denver Fire Department, Denver Police Department, Mayor’s office, and others about how the Bill could negatively impact businesses, Denver residents, and all-around safety. During the contentious Health and Safety Committee meeting on April 15th, it was determined that too much work is left to be done before the Bill can be approved by the committee. The next discussion will occur at the Health and Safety Committee meeting on May 13th. UpDoNA will continue to monitor the proposed Bill.
Have a wonderful Memorial Weekend! I’ll talk to you again in June!
Lisa L. Pope
President
Thumbnail attribution: Leo Marce
