Auraria is not your typical college campus. Located adjacent to downtown Denver, it is shared by three separate and distinct institutions of higher learning: Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver and the University of Colorado Denver. The Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) manages the shared services, facilities and property.

The 2012 AHEC campus master plan acknowledged the need for "place-making" within the campus community. One key location identified was the Tivoli Quadrangle, a central area directly adjacent to the historic Tivoli Student Union.

The vision of the 4-acre Tivoli Quad is a shared campus community space designed to support special events, recreation and education. AHEC worked closely with the design team, led by Wenk Associates of Denver, to transform the fenced-in athletic fields adjacent to the Tivoli Building that were previously unavailable for public use, into a vibrant park that would serve the Auraria campus and the greater Denver community. The multicomponent area consists of a tiered patio; a grass quad; peaceful areas with seating and trees; a large amphitheater; roadway/streetscape improvements that create greater connectivity; a two-way, separated bike lane that connects the north and south sides of campus; utility and stormwater infrastructure; site and activity lighting; and site furnishings/amenities.

Tivoli Quad now serves as a place to showcase student talents, partner with outside groups to sponsor events and concerts, and host graduation and campus festivals.