The area between I-25, Speer Boulevard, and the Auraria Parkway could look very different if Revesco Properties' new neighborhood plan passes.

Center Platte Valley, that area near Elitch Gardens, could potentially become The River Mile, a new neighborhood development connected to the South Platte River. While it hasn't been officially signed off by the city (yet), Revesco Properties, the company heading the project, has unveiled its plans for the new neighborhood. They will be reworking the 2007 Downtown Area Plan in order to help make the redevelopment easier, to build upon the area, and to reflect its surrounding community and the vision for a diverse and walkable downtown. Steve Nalley, neighborhood planning supervisor, told Denver7, "It's about streets, parks, access to the river itself and the trail system. It's about how people get around this place, the types of uses people want to see, opportunity for affordable housing, and opportunity for community services." [gallery type="rectangular" size="large" ids="34546,34545"] Some of the community amenities of The River Mile will include the following, among others:
  • Three riverfront parks
  • Affordable housing
  • New bridge crossing CML Rail at 7th Street
  • Pedestrian tunnel under Speer Boulevard
  • 137,900 square feet of public space -- recreation center, daycare, school, etc.
Also, because of its proximity to Elitch Gardens, many have speculated that the theme park would be relocating. But Revesco Properties posted on its website that "Elitch Gardens will remain right where it is for the foreseeable future." So we can all breathe a bit easier knowing that our favorite park isn't going anywhere. Meow Wolf Denver will also remain where it's set to be constructed for its 2020 opening.
If you would like to let the city planners hear your thoughts about the potential neighborhood development, you can attend one of the four upcoming meetings, which will give the public the opportunity to learn more about The River Mile and to see what else is planned for the area:
  • March 28 @ 6:30 p.m. -- La Alma Park Neighborhood Association | 861 Santa Fe Drive
  • April 4 @ 3 p.m. -- Planning Board Public Hearing | City & County Building Room 389
  • April 10 @ 10:30 a.m. -- Denver City Council Land Use, Transportation & Infrastructure Committee | City & County Building Room 391
  • April 30 @ 5 p.m. -- Denver City Council Public Hearing
There's also a draft of the plan as well as a survey, if you're unable to attend one of the meetings. You can find both HERE. What do you think? Are you a fan of this new neighborhood development? Or are you against it? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's get the conversation started.

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