Dana Crawford initiated a concept of urban renewal that was one of the first of its kind in the United States. She pioneered the redevelopment of Denver’s historic Larimer Square in the mid 1960s, creating a festival shopping area from the neglected and abandoned buildings of Denver’s original main street. Today, Larimer Square serves as a prototype for the revitalization of forgotten main streets and architectural landmarks throughout the country. Dana has now redeveloped more than 1 million square feet of historic property in the city of Denver.
As part of her visit to Parker, Dana will share with the Creative District Steering Committee her observations regarding how the revitalization of the historic Mainstreet Center could help spur development in the Old Town Creative District. Dana will be joined by her business partner, Jennifer Vecchi, an urban planner from Longmont whose practice focuses on creating authentic places that are economically vital. Together they led the visioning process to create an Arts and Entertainment District in downtown Longmont.
Crawford’s visit starts with a community reception at 5:30 p.m. at the Mainstreet Center, followed by a formal presentation at 6:15. Community members are welcome to attend and are encouraged to RSVP to astebbin@parkeronline.org
About Parker’s Emerging Creative District
In 2012, Old Town Parker received designation by the State’s Office of Economic Development as an Emerging Creative District. Last March, a Steering Committee comprised of artists, business owners, land developers, nonprofit groups, and various Town departments began to discuss what it would take to make the Old Town Creative District more of a destination for arts and culture, dining, shopping, and entertainment. In August, the Steering Committee will finalize a vision statement and action plan with suggested projects and partners. Parker’s goal is to be named as a State-Certified Creative District in 2014.