Urban Design/Mixed-Use

Cherry Creek North

Denver, Colorado

Transforming an old arts and retail district into an economic powerhouse

Cherry Creek North, a 16-block retail and arts district, was struggling to make profits due to high maintenance costs, deteriorating infrastructure, tired aesthetics and fierce competition from newer outdoor retail environments. Working with a Business Improvement District, a design for revitalizing the streetscapes, pocket parks and Fillmore Plaza, the project’s centerpiece, has improved the look of the outdoors, increasing the time that people spend shopping, eating and strolling. The physical changes, equitable to all businesses and owners, has led to a 16 percent increase in retail sales tax for the District within a few years of all improvements being installed. Today, Cherry Creek North has seen a wave of private investment in new housing, retail, office and hospitality space, making the District a major attraction and regional juggernaut.

Services Provided: Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Signage & Wayfinding, Construction Observation

Awards

  • Mayor’s Design Award, City of Denver Community Planning & Development
  • Merit Award for Design, ASLA Colorado
  • Downtown Merit Award, International Downtown Association
  • Top 10 Shopping Streets, USA Today
  • CSI Case Study, Landscape Performance Series, Landscape Architecture Foundation

Client

Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District

Collaborators

Stantec/CommArts, JVA, Martin/Martin, Monroe & Newell, Patrick B. Quigley Associates, Scanlon Szynskie Group, Inc., HydroSystems-KDI, NV5