Larimer Square Revitalization

Larimer Square, one of Denver’s oldest blocks, was preserved and restored in the 1960s by Dana Crawford and Larimer Associates. In the late 1980’s, Larimer Square was purchased by the Hahn Company. Semple Brown and Civitas were selected to create and implement a phased Master Plan which included multiple phases of improvements that have contributed to the success and longevity of the historic district.

Services
Architecture
Planning
Typology
Mixed Use
Adaptive Reuse
Planning
Location
Denver, Colorado
Size
 Square Feet

Multiple phases of improvements transformed this area through strategic urban planning and historic preservation. The collaboration with the Colorado Department of Transportation reduced the street width from five lanes of traffic to just two, enabling wider sidewalks that established a more pedestrian-friendly scale. Historic character was preserved through the restoration of 22 building facades and the careful infilling of previously removed storefronts. The area's architectural cohesiveness was enhanced with new complementary structures including The Neverland Building, 1400 Larimer, and the Parking Garage, designed to fill vacant lots while harmonizing with historic buildings. Functionality was improved through strategic connections to courtyards and the parking garage, while extensive sidewalk and streetscape improvements were implemented to accommodate outdoor dining and festival events. The development process was guided by comprehensive Tenant Design Guidelines that ensured consistency throughout the revitalization project.

Multiple phases of improvements transformed this area through strategic urban planning and historic preservation. The collaboration with the Colorado Department of Transportation reduced the street width from five lanes of traffic to just two, enabling wider sidewalks that established a more pedestrian-friendly scale. Historic character was preserved through the restoration of 22 building facades and the careful infilling of previously removed storefronts. The area's architectural cohesiveness was enhanced with new complementary structures including The Neverland Building, 1400 Larimer, and the Parking Garage, designed to fill vacant lots while harmonizing with historic buildings. Functionality was improved through strategic connections to courtyards and the parking garage, while extensive sidewalk and streetscape improvements were implemented to accommodate outdoor dining and festival events. The development process was guided by comprehensive Tenant Design Guidelines that ensured consistency throughout the revitalization project.

In 2018, Semple Brown was commissioned by Larimer Associates and Urban Villages to plan and design a series of strategic enhancements to the district. This comprehensive improvement initiative focused on three primary objectives: activating the previously underutilized alleys within the block to create vibrant pedestrian spaces, consolidating the district's infrastructure systems for greater efficiency and sustainability, and implementing shared accessibility features and pedestrian enhancements designed to improve navigation and create a more inclusive environment throughout the area.

In 2018, Semple Brown was commissioned by Larimer Associates and Urban Villages to plan and design a series of strategic enhancements to the district. This comprehensive improvement initiative focused on three primary objectives: activating the previously underutilized alleys within the block to create vibrant pedestrian spaces, consolidating the district's infrastructure systems for greater efficiency and sustainability, and implementing shared accessibility features and pedestrian enhancements designed to improve navigation and create a more inclusive environment throughout the area.

Simplicity at Every Turn

Embracing an inclusive ethos, Hurley Place positions itself with the river as its focal point, inviting diverse communities and fostering economic vibrancy. The Riverfront development is comprised of two residential towers, a hotel tower, and an expansive central open space connecting to the river. This central connector is flanked by food & beverage and retail establishments and serves as both a connection to the Promenade but also a gathering space for the community.

Process and materials

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Awards & recognition

1990
AIA Colorado
Larimer Square
Award of Merit
1990
Builder Magazine
Larimer Square
Building Magazine Renovation Awards
1990
AIA Western Mountain Region
Larimer Square
Award of Citation
1989
Historic Denver Annual Awards
Larimer Square
Honor Award
1990
Monitor Magazine
Larimer Square Bull and Bear Courtyard
Honorable Mention
1990
ASLA Design Awards
Larimer Square Bull and Bear Courtyard
Award of Merit
1990
Denver Partnership Inc.
Larimer Square Bull and Bear Courtyard
Annual Award
1990
International Conference of Shopping Centers
Larimer Square Bull and Bear Courtyard
Award of Merit
1997
AIA Colorado
Larimer Square Parking Garage
Award of Merit
1997
AIA Colorado
Larimer Square Parking Garage
Award of Citation
1997
Daily Journal
Larimer Square Parking Garage
Best of 1997's Awards
1997
PCI National Design Award
Larimer Square Parking Garage
Honorable Mention
1996
American Concrete Institute
Larimer Square Parking Garage
Award of Excellence