Page 14 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

ii. Application of the Program
Chandler’s program operates with an overlay along a major corri-
dor, which includes the city’s original downtown.

iii. Staffing
The Chandler program is housed in the city’s economic develop-
ment office, with coordination in the planning department.

iv. Learning from the Chandler Adaptive Reuse Program
While the Chandler adaptive reuse program is modeled off the
Phoenix program and therefore has some similar components, a
couple additional lessons can be learned from the Chandler pro-
gram:
• Determine the appropriate location within the City depart-
Another before and after image pair ment structure for the adaptive reuse program: As noted
(or in the case - before and almost above, the Chandler adaptive reuse program is located with-
complete) shows a former auto shop
turned into a fast casual eatery along in the economic development office, but coordinated with
South Arizona Ave in Chandler. the planning department. While this is different than many
adaptive reuse programs, the setup is successful for Chandler
and is one that could be explored for Denver’s adaptive reuse
program.

Los Angeles, CA
The Los Angeles Adaptive Reuse Ordinance (ARO) provides
incentives for preservation and reuse of existing buildings in Los
Angeles. It exempts qualified projects from certain existing reg-
ulations. The ordinance was initially adopted in 1999, but has
since been amended to expand the geographic area and zone
districts to which the ordinance applies, as well as amendments to
establish fire and life safety provisions. The ARO applies to any
existing building built before July 1, 1974, and to many buildings
constructed after that, as long as the property is at least five years
old and is determined to be no longer economically viable in its
current use.

One distinct aspect of the LA program is that it focuses on the
creation of housing, which is a critical issue in LA. The LA Adap-
tive Reuse program has seen the conversion of many historic and
other underused structures to residential use, creating an estimated
14,000 new downtown housing units, with more in the develop-
ment pipeline. Eligible projects can bypass the usual zoning and
environmental approvals and apply for a building permit. All
historically significant buildings (those on a national, state, or city
register) are eligible for the adaptive reuse program, but those
designated as Historic-Cultural Monuments require review and
approval by the Cultural Heritage Commission.

10 City of Denver, CO