Have an idea that will improve the block along California Street between the Colorado Convention Center and the 16th Street Mall?
The Downtown Denver Partnership wants to hear it.
The business organization is looking for ways to enhance the block while redevelopment options are being studied.
“In the end, whatever use is designated must be temporary, while creating an exciting use of the space,” Tami Door, president and CEO of the partnership, said in a statement. “This will not only provide a much-needed upgrade to the appearance of this block, but could also encourage the redevelopment of adjacent properties.”
The property was purchased recently by developer Evan Makovsky of Shames Makovsky Realty Co. Makovsky plans to spend about $350 million developing 1 million square feet of shops, offices, residences and hotel rooms on the site, which is viewed as a crucial bridge between two major tourist draws.
The location for the temporary project is the site of the Republic Hotel and the Bank of Denver Buildings, both undergoing demolition. The area is 31,250 square feet with 125 feet of frontage along 15th Street and a 250-foot frontage on California. The goal is to have the project completed for the Democratic National Convention in August 2008.
Ideas should be submitted to info@downtowndenver.com and contain the name and contact information for the person submitting the idea; general concept (200-word maximum); and possible sources of funding and/or sponsorships.
Deadline for submissions is Oct. 5.
Staff writer Margaret Jackson can be reached at 303-954-1473 or at mjackson@denverpost.com
