Colfax, RiNo, and LoDo: How BIDs, DDAs, and URAs Are Shaping Denver’s Key Corridors

On August 22, Downtown Colorado, Inc. (DCI) and Colorado Municipal League (CML) presented an insightful tour that delved into the transformative impact of Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Downtown Development Authorities (DDAs), and Urban Renewal Areas (URAs) on Denver’s urban landscape. The event provided a unique opportunity for Colorado communities to explore how these tools can be leveraged to achieve their own downtown development goals through effective public-private partnerships.

The day began at the historic Emerson School, a 140-year-old building that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Jim Lindberg from the National Trust for Historic Preservation welcomed participants with an overview of the school’s history and its recent renovation, which preserved its architectural integrity while adapting it for modern use. The building, now in its “third life,” serves as a community hub for several nonprofits.

Next, Frank Locantore, Executive Director of the Colfax Avenue BID, highlighted the BID’s efforts to revitalize this historic yet complex corridor. The BID provides placemaking services, maintains the area, and manages the delicate balance between existing residents and new development. He also highlighted upcoming projects, including the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) improvements, which are expected to further revitalize the area.

A key stop on the tour was the Lowenstein Theater, a redevelopment project made possible through urban renewal efforts. Tracy Huggins, Executive Director of the Denver Urban Renewal Authority (DURA), and Charles Woolley of St. Charles Town Company shared the story behind the theater’s transformation into a cultural hub that includes the Sie Film Center and the Tattered Cover Bookstore. They discussed the complexities of redeveloping historic sites, from navigating landmark restrictions to securing financing to creating parking. Woolley emphasized the importance of community involvement and the risks and rewards of public-private partnerships in such projects.

In the RiNo Art District, home to a dynamic Business Improvement District and a creative district, Sarah Cawrse, representing the RiNo BID, guided participants through the district, highlighting how it supports local artists and businesses while enhancing the area’s appeal. The group visited the Ramble Hotel, a new development that reflects the neighborhood’s character, and explored local art initiatives that contribute to the district’s vibrant identity.

A short walk from The Ramble, the tour visited the Denver Central Market and a block of bustling activity that is curated by the Edens. The block is home to Burton, Faherty, Arc’teryx and Patagonia, as well as locally grown businesses, murals, and different spaces meant to encourage interaction and fun in the community. The Edens group highlighted their process for supporting local ideas and businesses, and fostering a sense of community, engaging local community, and building on the traditional character of the area.

Tracy Huggins, Beth Moyski of the Downtown Denver Partnership, and Amanda Kannard, Progressive Urban Management Associates, led a lunch discussion, moderated by Terri Takata-Smith, which explored the power of public-private partnerships in driving urban renewal. The conversation emphasized the importance of collaboration between municipalities and private entities to achieve sustainable development and enhance the quality of life in urban areas.

The tour concluded with a self-guided walk through LoDo, including a glimpse of the newly renovated Union Station

This annual event, targeting different projects and locations each year, provides valuable insights for communities considering BIDs, DDAs, and URAs as tools for their own development initiatives.

Learn more about DCI at downtowncoloradoinc.org.