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Arvada City Center

25 Years of Renewal (slideshow)
(Note: It may take a moment for the photos to load on each slide.)

Arvada's first project area was established in July of 1981 and expired twenty-five years later in 2006 to great acclaim. Arvada's City Center District is only the second district to sunset in Colorado and is widely regarded as one of the most successful examples on urban renewal in the state. AURA increased the tax revenue in the district by over $13.7 million a year; this translates into significantly increased services for the citizens of Arvada.

The Authority was charged with redeveloping the 443-acre area located in the southeast quadrant of Arvada, abutting Interstates 70 and 76 and bisected by Wadsworth Boulevard. This area of the City was the impetus that caused the citizens of Arvada to take action and vote for the creation of an urban renewal authority.

Over the past two and a half decades the district has seen a remarkable transformation from an underutilized area with poor infrastructure, high crime rate, blighted neighborhoods and a dying Olde Town into a vibrant commercial and retail center. Not only has the inclusion of large retailers such as Costco and Home Depot created shopping options never before available in the City, but AURA used its powers to invest in the preservation, protection and enhancement of Historic Olde Town Arvada, a regionally unique downtown community, and to develop the Water Tower Residential Village.

Here is a detailed look at the three project areas within this district.

"New" Town

AURA took the underutilized area north of I-70 and redeveloped it into a thriving power center by attracting large format stores like Costco, Sam's Club, Lowe's, Home Depot, PetsMart and Office Depot among others. We also lured restaurants like Texas Road House, Red Robin and Applebee's to the district along with banks, automotive services and a 14-screen theater.

Historic Olde Town Arvada

The revitalization of Olde Town was a priority for AURA. This historic jewel had been neglected for decades and in need of serious repair to bring it back as the vibrant heart of Arvada it once was, preserving its original character.

Our commitment to enhance the area included these projects:

PDF - "Historic Olde Town Arvada - The Finer Points"

• Grandview Plaza & Reno Place

  Situated on the premier corner in Olde Town - Granview Avenue and Olde Wadsworth - AURA is working with Landon Enterprises, LTD to construct three beautiful mixed-use buildings with incredible views of both Downtown Denver and the mountains. These two-story buildings will house exciting new restaurants and retail on the ground floor with office space above and provide over 100 parking spaces.

  Landon is looking to complete the project by the summer/fall of 2007. For leasing information please contact Blake Fisk with Landon Enterprises at (303) 394-3300.

  PDF - Grandview Plaza Site Plan

  
  Grandview Plaza

• Olde Town Square & Library

  The long awaited Olde Town Library opened to great fanfare in September 2006. In conjunction with the new library, AURA redeveloped Olde Town Square. The library opens onto the square which now features an interactive fountain, picnic area beneath a grove of trees, extensive perennial gardens, and enough space to host community events.

  The new library's monthly attendance is in excess of 40,000 patrons.

  

• Façade Grants

  Over the years, AURA awarded over $350,000 in façade grants to 27 property owners in Olde Town to restore their buildings to their original historic look. This successful program has made a large visual impact to Olde Town.

  Before...After...
  
  Steve's Meat Market

• New Streetscapes

  AURA invested $3.7 million in new streetscapes along Grandview Avenue and Olde Wadsworth. The sidewalks were widened, colorful brick pavers replaced concrete and trees line the street. Large planters, hanging flower pots, benches and new lights decorate the street.

  

• The Webster Center

  AURA awarded this .44-acre project, strategically located catty-corner from the new library, to local businessman Joe Jehn. Mr. Jehn plans to construct a two-story brick office building on the site and relocate his engineering firm, complete with 75 primary jobs, into the heart of Olde Town. Construction is due to start fall of 2007.

  

Water Tower Residential Village

Prior to urban renewal, this 26 acre parcel located adjacent to Olde Town was run down and crime ridden. It contained 16 poorly maintained apartment buildings with the dubious honor of having the highest crime rate in the city. AURA purchased 50 parcels of land, including these apartment buildings, and relocated 75 families into better neighborhoods. One apartment building was saved and renovated with a new façade and now adds an essential affordable housing aspect to the Village.

Before...

The area now houses 600 beautiful row houses, cottages, lofts and luxury apartments. The Village is very pedestrian oriented with alley loaded garages, detached sidewalks, tree lined streets and two pocket parks.

Norstar Residential developed the for sale units and Carmel Partners the luxury apartments.

After...

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