Downtown Area Plan Advances Through South Platte River Committee; Heads to City Council for Final Adoption

The Downtown Area Plan took a significant step forward today as Denver City Council's South Platte River Committee unanimously advanced the transformative 20-year vision for Downtown Denver. The plan now moves to the full Denver City Council for final adoption. 

The South Platte River Committee - chaired by Councilwoman Jamie Torres and Vice Chaired by Councilmember Sarah Parady, with members Councilwoman Alvidrez, Councilman Flynn, Councilman Hinds, Council President Sandoval, and Councilman Watson - reviewed the comprehensive plan that emerged from ten months of community engagement and thousands of touchpoints with stakeholders across the region. 

“The South Platte River Committee’s advancement of the Downtown Area Plan, following strong support from the Denver Planning Board, marks significant momentum for this bold vision shaping downtown’s future,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “We’re grateful for the Committee’s leadership in moving this critical roadmap forward and look forward to continued collaboration with City Council, the downtown community, and regional partners to bring this vision to life.”  

The Downtown Area Plan prioritizes downtown as a vibrant, complete neighborhood and economic epicenter, with ambitious yet achievable goals. The Plan calls for interdisciplinary efforts that create a bold roadmap for the full downtown ecosystem, including: 

• Reducing up to 7 million square feet of vacant office space through strategic redevelopment 

• Add 40,000 new housing units over the course of 20 years to increase the residential population and expand housing options to accommodate families and varying income levels 

• Revitalizing public spaces like Civic Center Park and Skyline Park and creating additional opportunities for public gathering space 

• Creating signature play features and multi-generational amenities to create a sense of belonging within Downtown for Denverites and visitors of all ages and abilities 

This Plan outlines a comprehensive strategy of policies and projects that the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) is already implementing, with the first $100 million dedicated to public parks, retail activation, and potential redevelopment opportunities.  

The Downtown Area Plan will be presented to the full body of Denver City Council, with a public hearing and final vote scheduled for Monday, November 17.  

For more information about the Downtown Area Plan, visit denverdowntownareaplan.com. Interested in supporting the Downtown Area Plan through the Council adoption process? Reach out to Britt Diehl: bdiehl@downtowndenver.com