While I’m sad to see this happen, here’s a press release I received about Fillmore Plaza in Cherry Creek -
The Cherry Creek North Business Improvement District (BID) broke ground on the new improved design for Fillmore Plaza, which will enhance pedestrian, event and retail activity on that block, and have a major positive impact throughout the entire District. Upgraded features include special trees and landscaping, lighting, environmental graphics, street furniture and a central canopy-like shade structure. Fillmore Plaza will serve as a major gateway into Cherry Creek North from the District’s south side, allowing both cars and pedestrians to access the District from 1st Avenue. In addition, the new space will be closed off throughout the year for events such as the Cherry Creek Arts Festival, Cherry Creek North Food & Wine, and other community activities.
“We are very pleased with the way this evolved,” said CCNBID President Julie Bender. “So many people were passionate about an outcome for Fillmore Plaza which would work for all interests. There was a great deal of conversation and creative thinking, which led us to a solution that is going to benefit businesses, shoppers, neighbors, and visitors alike.”
L-R: Denver Mayor Bill Vidal, BID President Julie Bender and Denver City Councilor Jeanne Robb break ground on the new Fillmore Plaza on Feb. 3. (Photo by Scott Dressel-Martin)
The new design has received widespread support from the community. The plan was initially approved by the BID Board in early 2010. The BID then facilitated an almost year-long collaborative discussion with the many stakeholders including BID constituents, the City of Denver, Denver City Councilwoman Jeanne Robb’s office, and surrounding neighborhoods. Last year, it received majority support from registered neighborhood organizations such as Cherry Creek North, Cherry Creek East, Country Club and Capitol Hill Neighborhood Associations. At its January 10, 2011 meeting, the Denver City Council unanimously approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the City and County of Denver and the BID, which cleared the way for improvements to begin. The design and construction costs are paid for by the BID. There are no City funds involved.
The Fillmore Plaza upgrade is the final step for “The New North,” an $18.5 million renovation of the entire District. The construction on the entire project began in March 2010 and was substantially completed in October 2010. Recent improvements included new landscaping to beautify the area and conserve water, new lighting for safety and energy conservation, better identity and wayfinding, 20 new Art and Garden spaces and upgraded infrastructure. It is the first major renovation to the area since 1989. In addition, the City of Denver included the District in their transition from parking kiosks to new customer-friendly Smart Meters last year.
Design Workshop and CommArts served as the project’s architects and landscape designers, Nolte and Associates handled program and construction management and the Weitz Company served as the general contractor for “The New North” project. Work on Fillmore Plaza will begin in February and the planned completion date is in time for the 2011 Cherry Creek Arts Festival in July.
Graphic representation of the new Fillmore Plaza (Courtesy of Nolte/DesignWorkshop/CommArts)
