22
/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / SEPTEMBER 2016
O
ne might think that Denver’s recent
growth presents unique challenges.
While growth challenges do exist, it’s not
a new condition. In late 1800s and into the early
19th century, Denver’s growth left our city ugly
and lacking in beauty. Ugly until Mayor Speer
adopted a national “City Beautiful” concept,
which left his indelible imprint on Denver. As it
was then, planning remains key to our prosperity.
We sat down with Denver Planning Director Brad
Buchanan to discuss our recent growth, Denver’s
planning strategies and what the future holds.
JS: Some of Denver’s best development results,
enabled by intentional planning efforts such as our
“City Beautiful” movement in the early 19th century,
provide platforms for development that improve our
city. Share your vision for Denver’s future.
BB:
In Denver planning, we focus most on the vi-
sion of the community. Sure, I have my thoughts
and hopes for our city, but our work is to inform
and educate the community so they can make the
best decision for the future of the city. For example,
“Denveright” is citywide planning initiative that is
currently underway. And in terms of planning and
land use, our city’s master plan is called “Blueprint
Denver.” Blueprint Denver is a
plan rooted in a vision from
Jennifer Moulton, planning
director from 1992 to 2003. Jen-
nifer Moulton had the wisdom
to define a blueprint for the
future – she clearly saw today
coming. Fast-forward to today, we
now need to update that vision
given the success of the last 20 years and the possi-
bilities of the next 20 to 40 years.
We are going to continue to see growth. How and
where do we want it to happen?
That’s the essential question Blueprint Denver
sought to answer and now needs to answer again.
Blueprint Denver, adopted in 2002, had a couple of
genius moves within it. First, it identified “Areas of
Change” and “Areas of Stability” within the city; and,
second, it mapped areas and created priorities for
future development and investment. Looking at the
Leading the Way
Joy Spatz, AIA
Principal,
Studio
Collaborative
Brad Buchanan
Denver
Planning
Director
StoutStrategies is now
BRANDiac Strategies.
We made a smart move to improve our
brand. We’re brand maniacs who use both
sides of our brains to balance strategy
with creativity. And we can help you
capitalize on your brand and maximize
your marketing efforts, too.
READY TO BE YOUR BEST BRAND?
LET’S PUT OUR HEADS TOGETHER AND
COME UP WITH SOME BRAINY IDEAS.
WE CAN HELP ANY
BRAND WORK SMARTER.
EVEN OUR OWN.
CONTACT US: 303.800.1391
