Page 64 - Denver, CO Adaptive Reuse Program

Overview of Existing System
Currently, no formal educational initiative exists for users in any
of the key departments related to permitting for or facilitating
adaptive reuse projects. This is a major gap that should be ad-
dressed in an adaptive reuse program. Even where flexibility
already exists in the system, it will not be perceived as being
user-friendly if the process is unpredictable or time consuming.
Providing information that focuses on creative problem-solving
can change perceptions and stream-line project realization. The
party responsible for this educational initiative should be the same
department within which the Coordinator ends up. The Coordi-
nator should be in charge of leading these educational outreach
initiatives, but can request assistance from staff that are the “ex-
pert” on the topic.

Recommendations
A robust education component should be developed for the adap-
tive reuse program. This should include print material and online
information. It also should include training programs for staff in
key departments.

Develop a User’s Handbook for Adaptive Reuse
The Handbook should provide information that helps property
owners and business owners plan their projects to be successful.
It should include an overview of how various permitting process-
es interrelate and provide examples of successful projects. This
should include:
• An explanation of the typical permitting processes that one
would encounter
• An overview of how flexibility is available for adaptive reuse
projects
• Case studies that demonstrate how flexibility in a variety of
regulations may combine in an individual project
• Links to key contacts in the departments who can help with
adaptive reuse

The User’s Handbook should be regularly updated so that the
information and links remain up-to-date. This effort should be led
by the Coordinator, who may request assistance from other staff in
updating the document. (Note: A first draft of a User’s Handbook
is being produced, as a separate but concurrent task along with
this strategy paper.)

60 City of Denver, CO