LandWise developed a comprehensive design and construction strategy that allowed for multiple spaces within the courtyard to give the residents as many options as possible. The final design extended a large patio area from the existing adjacent dining hall and connected to three individual hardscape patio areas. Looking over design renderings, ASLA members made sure everything gets in the right spot.

On June 19th, 2013 the Beacon Place project came to a head on a "blitz build" day with upwards of 140 volunteers at the Denver homeless facility. While many of the volunteers worked on the interior renovations, volunteers worked tirelessly on the ground managing teams of unskilled volunteers through the installation process.

In March of 2013, AEC Cares, a not-profit organization actively supported by Reed Construction Data, Hanley Wood and the American Institute of Architects, contacted ASLA Colorado with a call to action for landscape architects. The call was for a local firm to donate design and management services for a volunteer project in June.

In the third year of their program, AEC Cares selected Beacon Place in Denver for their annual humanitarian project. Beacon Place is a long-term re-habilitation facility for the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless that provides invaluable services to a wide spectrum of people in need.

A design team was assembled quickly, led by Denver design/build firm LandWise and local ASLA members Judy Ward and Michael Weir. We began a collaborative process working with Beacon Place staff, AEC Cares, and architects from Path 21 Architecture. A landscape design would re-invent the outdoor space at the facility.

Over the years, the extensive courtyard that runs the length of the 100-year old building had fallen into disrepair. At our first site visit, despite six inches of snow on the ground, we could tell that the grounds were essentially bare dirt punctuated by dilapidated picnic tables, overgrown Siberian Elm trees, a resident pigeon population and deteriorating concrete. Despite this state, the outdoor area was clearly dear to the local residents and a heavily utilized social space. Though falling apart, an old gazebo served as the center point of the long and narrow courtyard.

As we worked through the design process and spent more time on the grounds, it became apparent that there existed a wider than normal spectrum of personality types that would be using the space. We observed many small clusters of two to four people who would hang out together.

Once the design was finalized, in early June, we began initial demolition and prep of the site, an arduous and costly phase due to the crowned, compacted soils and shallow root systems of the existing elms. Thanks to the efforts of Duane Keesen of Keesen Enterprises and LandWise staff, we spent two weeks excavating and hauling dirt, trenching, installing an entire new irrigation system which would allow for a new lawn area, and fine grading in preparation for the hardscape installation.

The site was transformed into a beautiful park-like setting. After numerous follow up visits to Beacon Place, we have received countless expressions of gratitude from the residents, the staff, and the neighbors as well.