Page 60 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

iii. Discover Denver – Citywide Building Survey
Discover Denver is a citywide building survey focused on identi-
fying the buildings that help tell Denver’s story. Some of the city’s
buildings are well-known and associated with famous individuals
or events, but most have stories still waiting to be discovered. The
program is a partnership between Historic Denver, Inc. and the
City and County of Denver. It aims to identify buildings that are
historically, architecturally or culturally significant. Once collect-
ed, the survey information for the adaptive reuse pilot program
area may assist in determining appropriate treatment for build-
ings along the corridor. It may also provide a better look at which
buildings are candidates for adaptive reuse and can be incentiv-
ized to be reused.

Partners
While adaptive reuse program implementation will focus on
changes that can be made to City policies, regulations and process,
it is also important to recognize external partners that can assist in
making the program work.

i. Business Improvement Districts and Their Directors
A BID is a special district that provides enhanced services to its
members by providing a self-governed annual assessment to all the
property owners within the district. A BID is formed by petition
and special election. Three Business Improvement Districts (BID)
operate in the defined project area along the East Colfax corridor
– the Colfax Ave BID, the Bluebird BID, and the Colfax Mayfair
BID. Each of these BIDs also work closely with the City to imple-
ment economic development, placemaking, public safety and ad-
vocacy tools. Each BID has a Director and Board. The Directors
of each of the three BIDs along East Colfax have been involved in
this project and will be key advocates for successfully implement-
ing the program, as they work closely with property owners on a
daily basis.

ii. Non-Profits
In addition to working with BIDs and their Directors, who are
focused on key areas of the East Colfax Corridor, non-profit
organizations throughout Denver can also serve as an important
partner in advocating for adaptive reuse and assisting applicants.
For instance, in Historic Denver’s efforts to “protect and honor
Denver’s unique identity for all generations,” preserving buildings
along East Colfax and ensuring they remain in active use falls
directly in line with the goal of adaptive reuse projects.

56 City of Denver, CO