Q: What do you hope to accomplish as chairwoman of DURA?
A: I want to continue the good works that we do already and to enhance and support the growth and development of Denver.
We’re looking at quite a few different projects. After 30 years, we got the Dahlia Shopping Center cleaned up and rehabbed, and now Denver Health has a clinic on that site. We’re sort of looking at different variations of things downtown, and we’re looking at different areas of town as well.
One of the things we’re doing is Alameda Square, where there’s going to be a Lowe’s, but the neighborhood businesses will stay there.
We’re not working on anything specific right now. We’re getting in bids and proposals. With the economy, we’re being extra cautious with regards to what will work.
Q: What are the biggest challenges for DURA?
A: Like everyone, we live in the reality of this economy.
The challenge is looking at things from an economic viewpoint now but also looking ahead. We have to look ahead at what will be best for Denver and think about how we want the city to grow.
The biggest challenge is to have that crystal ball that no one really has right now: What’s 10 years from now? What’s 20 years from now? That’s the biggest challenge for me.
We are a society where the economy will come back. Maybe in a different form, but it will.
Q: How do you think the stimulus package will help Denver and your company?
A: I think Denver is doing pretty well compared to the rest of the country. It may not seem that way when you’re in Denver and in the construction business, but I think it will get better.
The stimulus plan helps construction people, with infrastructure and other things that are needed. I think it will stabilize us, and I think it will grow from there.
Everyone in construction is waiting for the rules of the game. When you have (the U.S. General Services Administration) committing $300 million to Denver for construction, it will be a positive impact. We’re being very aggressive about pursuing it, and we’re planning on making sure at least we’re in the game.
Edited for length and clarity by Margaret Jackson
