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Concurrent Education Session

SUN-A07: Never a Blank Slate: Fostering Community in the Presence of Profound Change

Sunday, October 6, 2024
8:30am – 9:45am ET
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 144ABC
1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW, AICP, NY/HSW, FL

Denver’s River North Art District endured extensive redevelopment and—with many newcomers attracted by the art and entrepreneurial spirit—entered a tumultuous new economy. This panel unravels how creative partnerships, community engagement, and public space manifested a community touchstone: public space that both preserves diverse histories and influences future growth.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Learning how diverse partnerships unlock potential—from land acquisition to community-informed design, to programming—participants will be walked through the benefits of coordinating a team of public, private, and nonprofit partners.
  • See tangible results of how prioritizing feedback creates a heavily used, inclusive space that enshrines the values, practices, and character of its community.
  • Learn how anchoring many diverse groups (a public art gallery, business incubators, maker spaces, library) produced a critical mass of activation and programming.
  • Learn about the design strategies used to minimize construction waste, manage storm runoff (on-site and off-site), and improve the quality of water entering the Platte River.