OPEN HOUSE MEETINGS HELD FOR 9TH AND COLORADO DEVELOPMENT

Shea Neighbors presented the current proposal for the 9th and Colorado Boulevard Development at open house meetings co-hosted by the Colorado Boulevard Healthcare District (CBHD) on Jan. 10 and 23.

As reported on the front page of the Denver Post (Jan. 1, 2008), the meetings were open to the public and attendees were able to view the current redevelopment plan for the former University of Colorado Health Sciences Center (UCHSC) site. Shea representatives unveiled a slide show presentation detailing the development plans and provided background information that is being submitted to the City of Denver as part of a General Development Plan (GDP).  The proposal is currently going through an extensive City of Denver approval process, so this is not a final public unveiling.

Shea detailed the development plans, including the significant reuse of many of the existing structures on the site that will contribute to a vibrant new community; and along with the CBHD facilitated a question and answer session.  Denver City Council representatives and City personnel were also in attendance.
Shea was chosen to be the master developer of the former UCHSC site in 2004.  Since that time, Shea has undertaken a comprehensive planning process with City of Denver officials, neighborhood leaders and business stakeholders.  Chetter Latcham, President of Shea Homes, recently commented “Shea has worked extensively with the neighborhood organizations and the dedicated volunteers of the CBHD Board.  They have made this project a reality and have contributed to every street, every design element and the entire project.” 

The CBHD is the community advisory committee for this project.  The District has representatives from each of the adjacent neighborhoods, hospitals and surrounding businesses.  The District serves in an advisory capacity, guiding the redevelopment project along with Shea.
Shea anticipates that the site will be vacated by the end of 2008 and that construction will commence in January 2009.

ABOUT SHEA NEIGHBORS

Shea believes that neighborhood outreach provides the foundation for the success of this project. To that end, Shea has created a separate entity called Shea Neighbors. Shea Neighbors will be an outreach organization focusing on gathering input and dispensing information to area stakeholders. Stakeholders include neighbors, businesses, hospitals and transit organizations.

The existing Colorado Boulevard Healthcare District has agreed to serve as the community advisory committee for this project and other committee members will be added at a later date. The District will have representatives from each of the adjacent neighborhoods, hospitals and at least two businesses. This District will serve in an advisory capacity, guiding the redevelopment project along with Shea. Various subcommittees are being formed to help facilitate additional discussions on certain issues. For instance, the Transportation Subcommittee will be tasked with specific transportation issues that will require additional neighborhood input.

The surrounding neighborhoods will be continually updated about the happenings at the site. Shea Neighbors has created an interactive Web site full of helpful information. The Web site contains up-to-date information on the 9th Avenue project, renderings, news releases, ideas on how to get involved as well as an area to share your opinions. Additionally, Shea Neighbors will distribute a newsletter to all interested parties. The newsletter will be available on the Web site in an electronic version.