SEPTEMBER 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
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growth we’ve had since then, development has occurred in
the areas of change at a ratio of 5:1 over areas of stability.
That is the metric we track to determine the success of
Blueprint Denver. It worked. Planning works.
When asked about Denver’s future and how to create
the best out of growth, Buchanan noted, “It’s about formu-
lating the citizens vision.” But first, let’s talk about the ex-
plosive growth we’ve seen. In 2013, Denver saw record con-
struction investment of $2.4 billion in projects permitted
in Denver. It was about the same in 2014. But in 2015, we hit
$3.6 billion in construction permits, blowing by the previ-
ous record by 50 percent!
And that 2015 investment occurred in areas of change at
a ratio of 10:1 over areas of stability. Again, Blueprint Den-
ver has been a successful document.
Today’s vision is blossoming through Denveright, a com-
munity-driven, multi-agency planning initiative for the
next 20 years.
JS: How does Denveright inform the future?
BB:
We are engaged in many neighborhoods with neigh-
bors, residents, developers and planners discussing what
people want. I don’t think we’ve ever seen this level of
citizen input. It’s a formative component that will have
very positive outcomes. So now we are focusing on four
(land use, transit, pedestrian/trails and parks) parallel, cit-
izen-based planning efforts bringing residents, neighbors,
developers, business owners and planners together to dis-
cuss our future priorities.
JS: What elements are you focused on?
BB:
I think I have a sense of what we are going to see
in 20 to 40 years. Just like Blueprint Denver 20 years ago,
we need to think ahead to ensure the experience of that
which is authentically Denver endures.
There are several priorities that have emerged from the
community dialogue.
We want to make absolutely sure that regardless of in-
vestment and growth, we think about precious open space,
views, walkability, neighborhood character and a vibrant
downtown.
Our planning initiatives are responding by developing
four plans in support of these priorities:
• Denver Moves: pedestrians and trails
• Denver Moves: transit
• Game Plan: parks and recreation
• Blueprint Denver: land use and transportation
JS: To what do you aspire for Denver’s future?
BB:
As an architect, I want to do everything I can to push
our entire community to demand higher levels of design
quality – thinking about the buildings that get built and
space between in the public realm. If we keep our focus
on that which is most important to the experience of our
city – affordable housing, mobility, equity, planning and
urban design, all done at the quality levels that we are
capable of – Denver will be an even greater place 20 years
from now.
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Leading the Way
Since 1996, LAI Design Group has been involved in
a variety of high density multifamily and attached
housing projects ranging from 10 to 200 units per
acre. In addition LAI Design Group has designed
and planned numerous Affordable Housing
Developments in Colorado, Texas, North Dakota,
Florida, Georgia, California, and South Africa.
For more information on
Affordable or LIHTC projects contact us
303.734.1777
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