A landmark revitalization project, Midtown transforms a 182-acre brownfield site into a vibrant mixed-use community just minutes from downtown Denver. Midtown was planned as an extension of historic neighborhoods nearby while creating a community all its own. The design completes the fabric of neighborhoods surrounding downtown, filling a gap created by the industrial use that previously existed on the site.

 

Philosophy and Intent
The vision for Midtown was to create a walkable, sustainable community that ties into and adds to the rich vibrant culture found in Denver's historic neighborhoods. It is intended as a mixed-use, abundantly diverse and artful community. Adjacent to the Clear Creek Greenway, regional trails and within walking distance to three transit stations, Midtown creates a healthy urban community with access to all the things Denverites love to do. Key elements include the transformation of an urban infill brownfield site and the opportunity to provide safe and convenient modes of transportation (automobile, bike and pedestrian).

Midtown was planned with a respect for the gridded street fabric of the existing adjacent 1950s neighborhood. Porch-lined streets with an emphasis on the pedestrian environment help create a walkable, bikeable, commutable setting. At Midtown, residents will be able to easily hop on their bikes with direct access to the Denver area regional trail network, jump on and off the commuter rail trains, or even stroll to their own garden plot.

 

Scope of Work and Project Requirements
The Midtown design guidelines were written to execute a vision for the community, zeroing in on the details that build the big picture. The planning team worked closely with Adams County staff to revise zoning codes and requirements and develop new standards and guidelines that create this healthy neighborhood. The development standards enable a dense community with a broad mix of uses, complemented by abundant community-driven amenities.

Norris Design collaborated closely with DTJ Design of Boulder, the project architect, to ensure the designs for indoor/outdoor and public/private spaces work in unison. The residential lots are adjacent to abundant outdoor public spaces.

 

At the heart of the community is the Garden Shed Community Center. It is planned with retail space, public gathering spaces and areas for play for all ages. The entirety of the design brings people together to create successful, vibrant parks, open spaces and streetscapes.

Brownfield Redevelopment
Midtown was an agricultural site prior to becoming an industrial site in 1955, where aeronautical manufacturing operated until 2004. The site was classified by the EPA as a brownfield and has since undergone remediation. The developer purchased the land and employed new technology to clean groundwater and contaminated soil, providing a clean slate for the community.

 

A 43-acre park replaces the largest area of environmental impacts, healing the land and bringing activity to this once-blighted area. Norris Design worked closely with the environmental consultants and design team during the creation of the community plan to ensure that specific areas were identified for development, while capitalizing on the extensive areas preserved as open space.

Education
To create the character and authenticity that supports Midtown's vision, Brookfield Residential, Norris Design and Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design students collaborated to design and fabricate custom site furnishings. For two years, 2014-2015, students at Kansas State worked with the design team to develop designs fitting of Midtown's lively character. The custom site furnishings created as a result of this collaboration are present at the Garden Shed Community Center, and will also make an appearance at a nearby neighborhood park.

 

The Garden Shed Community Center Design
The Garden Shed Community Center acts as both the heart of Midtown and a welcome mat to the new community. Radial geometry was used throughout the site design to reiterate the sense of community and create a focal point for gatherings. Community is the key to Midtown's success, and the Garden Shed Community Center allows ample opportunity to create and sustain a healthy urban community.

 

Urban Farming
Drawing from its roots as an agricultural site, Midtown has an onsite working urban farm. Local produce is grown to eventually serve retailers, the Farmers' Market or provide farm-to-table dining experiences. Adjacent to the urban farm is a community garden to further enhance this ideal and provide garden plots that serve the community.

 

Accompanying Community Parks and Gardens
Throughout all aspects of the planning efforts special consideration was given to healthy living by designing enhanced pedestrian amenities and connecting community members to open space corridors and bike trails, a regional park and the Garden Shed Community Center. The site features an outdoor plaza and commons area, and a geometrically configured garden that includes both edible and ornamental plantings. Next to the community garden, a professionally farmed vegetable garden provides fresh produce for nearby restaurants and for community members to partake in the seasonal produce. The 43-acre regional park located at the west end of the community is large enough for soccer fields, and will have walking paths that connect to the natural landscape and adjacent creek area, and a temporary leash-free dog park. Soon to be completed, a nearby neighborhood park located in the center of the Midtown community features lush open space, various seating options and play equipment. The park is also home to a water play elements, including water rills, arcing jets and natural boulders for all ages of play.

 

Significance
A model for new urban communities in Denver, Midtown honors the past and embraces the future. It restores the land and revitalizes the community with a new brand of healthy, urban neighborhood. It celebrates the vibrant local culture, infuses traditional yet modern architecture, cultivates a cutting-edge community garden and brings people together.

The project garnered a 2014 Colorado ASLA Chapter Merit Award. The Midtown Amenity Center won Gold for Best Clubhouse in association with the National Association of Home Builders National Sales and Marketing Council.

Coordination Team/Parties 

Crestview 

Adams County Building Department 

Denver Water 

Pecos Water 

Xcel 

Comcast 

Centurylink

Installation Team 

BK Welding: Metal Wavy Fence and Light Poles
Colorado Hardscapes: 

Detailed Sidewalks
Creative WCCI 

Denver Heating & Air Conditioning: HVAC
Fennimore 

Kerwin Plumbing 

LS Paint 

Martin Marietta 

Productive Electric
Schultz Industries

 Security Central 

Sidewalks / Flatwork: Western Concrete 

Slade 

Taylor Fence 

Waner Construction: 

General Contractor
YESCO Sign

Design Team
Developer: Brookfield Residential 

Landscape Architecture & Planning: Norris Design 

Architect: DTJ 

Civil Engineer: Redland 

Structural Engineer: Vertex McGlamery Engineers 

Electrical Engineer: AE Design 

Irrigation/Water Management Consultants: Hydrosystems, KDI 

Geotechnical Engineers/Construction Materials Consultants: Cesare 

Compliance/Engineering/Remediation: LT Environmental 

Custom Site Furnishings: Kansas State University (College of Architecture Planning & Design, 
Department of Interior Architecture & Product Design, and Professor Dustin Headley, 2014-2015)

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