Larimer Square Plans Revitalization to Ensure Vibrancy, Relevance and Historic Appeal for Next 100 Years
Significant investments in affordable housing, infrastructure, green roofs and alley activation are part of the proposed long-term vision
Feb 20, 2018, 05:30 ET
DENVER, Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- For more than 100 years, Larimer Square has been Denver's "main street", evolving into a top Denver destination, offering a mix of cultivated retail, restaurants, office space and entertainment. Now it is poised to be a premier destination for the next 100 years as Larimer Square's steward for 25 years, Jeff Hermanson, in partnership with Denver-based Urban Villages, Inc., has outlined a strategy to invest in the block for decades to come, while retaining its unique status as Denver's oldest historic district.
Larimer Square has experienced a variety of changes from its beginning in 1861, including its transformation from a dilapidated street in the mid-1900's, to Denver's first historic district through the preservation efforts of Dana Crawford in 1971, to an exciting entertainment destination with new buildings erected on the block as recently as 2003. The investment plans announced today will continue this stewardship by shoring-up deteriorating infrastructure and ushering in the next phase for this unique, historic area.
"Larimer Square is a world-renowned destination due to its careful management, thoughtful investment and unwavering public support," said Jeff Hermanson, Larimer Square's steward for the past 25 years. "Our intention is to invest heavily in the block so that it continues to stand the test of time. We want to preserve all that is special and historic while ensuring this iconic block remains vibrant for generations to come."
In order to maintain the historic integrity and character of the block, the two new proposed buildings will be located on the alleys and underutilized courtyards behind Larimer Square.
Click here to download initial renderings of the proposed Larimer Square project
Hermanson and Urban Villages have been, and continue to be committed to, working with a large cross-section of city leaders, historic preservationists and community members. The plans call for two new buildings – one of which will be dedicated to much-needed affordable housing, built in the most desirable part of downtown Denver.
"Larimer Square is a unique and storied destination, and our intention is to stay true to its legacy," said Jon Buerge, chief development officer at Urban Villages. "We anticipate this project will standalone amid the transformation Denver is experiencing through the thoughtful integration of historic properties and modern amenities. What we are planning will ensure that downtown thrives, and that Larimer Square remains a shining star in our growing city."
The development plan also includes an array of rooftop urban gardens and small farms that will grow produce for the restaurants that operate in and around Larimer Square. The block's historic brick alleys will be revitalized and refurbished to become a fully activated pedestrian corridor where an eclectic blend of retail and public spaces can thrive. The alley corridor will offer incubator spaces for burgeoning ideas and businesses that otherwise wouldn't have the opportunity to grow in downtown Denver.
Urban Villages and Hermanson are committed to working closely with a variety of constituents including the residents of the area to ensure the future plans for Larimer Square preserve the soul of the block. Additionally, the team is committed to helping Denver city leaders and residents tackle Denver's housing crunch. Many of the people who make Larimer Square such a premier destination, including restaurant workers, boutique employees and small business staff cannot live near the block or within the city limits due to rising housing costs.
The development team projects the revitalization of the block to take several years, commencing in 2019 upon all necessary approvals from city leaders.
About Jeff Hermanson
Jeff Hermanson's real estate development experience dates back more forty years through multi-family development and strategic investments in Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and California. Hermanson owns the real estate on Denver's most historic and beloved block, Larimer Square, and was a principal partner in the award-winning restoration of Denver Union Station. In 2015, Hermanson was inducted into The Denver & Colorado Travel Industry Hall of Fame for his long history of supporting historic preservation and re-energizing Denver's retail, restaurant and entertainment scene.
Jeff's philanthropic and social responsibility efforts are principally focused on the good food movement, hunger awareness and land conservation. He serves on the Board of Directors for We Don't Waste and has been a board member and served as the President of the Crested Butte Land Trust.
About Urban Villages
Urban Villages is a real estate development and property management company that focuses on long-term value generation through place-oriented design and detail-oriented operations. Informed by nature, the firm employs the best practices of traditional urban design and ecological planning to create forward-leaning neighborhoods and communities that support regional planning, balance economic needs with environmental concerns, and are designed for diverse use and transit methods.
Urban Villages' projects use less energy, consume fewer natural materials, create long-lasting returns, and evolve harmoniously over time in tandem with their communities. http://www.urban-villages.com
About Larimer Square
Larimer Square, a single historic block located between 14th and 15th on Larimer Street in downtown Denver, is home to more than 20 independently owned and unique boutiques and has one of the region's most significant collections of exclusive, chef-owned restaurants. For more information, visit LarimerSquare.com or follow the Square on Facebook at facebook.com/larimersquare and on Instagram at Larimer_Square.
SOURCE Urban Villages, Inc.