“Placemaking is about turning a place you can’t wait to get through into one you never want to leave.”
Colfax Avenue and the Mayfair Town Center will accommodate some of Denver’s future growth. We’re working to create a 21st century main street and town center that serves area neighborhoods with places and things people need to make life better.
Streetscape Improvements
In 2017, we partnered with other Colfax BIDs to advocate for general obligation bond-funded pedestrian improvements. The $20 million project, approved by the voters, will address safety concerns and add streetscape elements to Colfax, from Monaco to Sheridan Boulevard. Our district streetscape plan is designed to make the area more attractive, safer and easier to get around for the thousands of people who work, live, shop and socialize on Colfax. Here’s a project summary. The City is designing these improvements along with Bus Rapid Transit improvements. In the meantime, the City has installed pedestrian safety features at 15 intersections along Colfax Avenue, including at Monaco, Krameria and Hudson Streets in our district. These safety improvements from Denver Public Works will shorten crossing distances, slow down vehicle turning speeds, create pedestrian refuge space, and help drivers see pedestrians crossing the roadway. More information here.
Bus Rapid Transit
The bond list also includes $55 million for Bus Rapid Transit improvements. This “light rail on wheels” project involves streetscape improvements, transit stations and buses that run every 5 minutes between the Auraria Center downtown to the Anschutz Medical Center. There are many benefits to this: more retail and restaurant options; new development investment; freed up public realm for outdoor dining; more foot traffic; more efficient vehicular traffic, landscape, and tree canopy. The BID is working with the city to ensure that business needs are met in the final design. More information and videos are posted here.
Area Planning
The East Area Plan will guide growth and development in our area for many years to come. Colfax is defined as a “community corridor” by the city, meaning that it will be a mixed-use area that serves the daily needs of adjacent and area neighborhoods. This could include new multifamily homes, offices, retail stores and services. More on this project here. Here’s what we we think about some of the current recommendations.
Adaptive Reuse Program
In order to make it easier for people to renovate older buildings on Colfax, we are working with the City on a new Adaptive Reuse Program. Click here for information.
Branded Amenities
Branded bicycle racks and trash cans are installed around the district to serve area consumers. The BID owns and maintains them.
Storm Water Management
The City of Denver and the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District are studying storm water flooding in this area. Solutions will include installation of higher volume pipes, new storm water detention and things every property owner can do on their own property. Learn more here.