Page 57 - CCD Magazine-Spring 2019

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an degrade a design, if not properly managed. “One of
the biggest challenges is making sure the design lasts throughout the process; that the story and design intent are clear in the finished product.”
Buteyn agrees and as the contractor at the table,
understands the importance of achieving the owner and
designer’s vision down to the smallest detail wherever
possible. When the intent is achieved in placemaking it’s
DOWNTOWN CASTLE ROCK
MILLER’S LANDING
usually fairly easy to see if the original vision for a place is successful.
MEMMEN
CENTENNIAL PARK
PHILIP S. MILLER PARK
Miller’s Landing in Castle Rock is a positive example of sustainable
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ffective placemaking in all of Colorado. Where only
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ting Trail suburban forethought and encouraging green space development in
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Denver Union Station, and there is likely no better example
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rdscapes was involved in the redevelopment of
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jor Roadwaysstride with commercial investments. se 1 Main Street
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few years ago there was a large neglected property
se 1 Prairie Ha
hat are the challenges of placemaking?
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FAIRGROUNDS REGIONAL PARK
EAST PLUM CREEK TRAILHEAD
“Placemaking is about establishing a vision and achieving it. The beneficiaries of better places are communities,” continues Nicola. “I solve the problem of red-tape by hiring the best consultants I can find and asking for a lot.”
Black and Raines nod knowingly and the group discusses recurring entitlement and approval process problems that design and construction projects of every magnitude and purpose seem to face. Many in the industry are fatigued by continually having to routinely build new relationships with individual personalities at several entities with potentially subjective and, occasionally, contradictory interpretations of building codes and regulations on every project they undertake. Many suburban municipalities also seem to share a certain sense of stubbornness on collaboration. A municipality’s unwillingness to move much further than their own initial understanding can lead to a repetitive, formulaic expression of place. Even routine requirements like a road closure can feel contentious on the consultant’s side of the counter, where it’s best to simply try to follow the rules and be proactive with permitting when possible.
“Once you get the place designed, the work isn’t over,”
says Black of the process of turning his drawings over to a contractor for execution and then shepherding it for many months while the work is realized. Projects remain under pressure throughout construction – affordability issues, schedule, entitlements, approvals, logistics – each of which
filled with people, food, spirits, smiles, profit, possibility, purpose, and play inside and out. An entire new epicenter of the City has emerged in the new heart of Denver, and on a warm summer’s day with nothing to do it’s definitely a special place to be.
“It’s a wonderful feeling to be involved in helping make these places come to life,” finishes Butyen. “Special places are worth the work and worth the investment because special places are where memories are made.”
“The honest answer is entitlements,” says Nicola, a statement that is greeted by a palatable sense of agreement around the table. Beyond his leadership in the creation of Coors Field and Stapleton, Nicola was the Construction Director and Owner’s Representative for the Denver Bronco’s $400 million stadium and he’s spent decades on projects with the highest levels of complexity the field has to offer.
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whose only purpose was to serve the nearly-nonexistent
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Travel by Train crowd, today Denver Union Station is a place
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Colorado Construction & Design | 57
WILCOX STREET
EAST PLUM CREEK TRAIL
PLUM CREEK PARKWAY
East Plum Creek Trail
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SELLARS GULCH TRAIL