Southwest Area Plan

Introduction 

• Expanded historical narrative and added historical impacts map 
• Updated equity section with citywide maps, expanded narrative and related policies 

Land Use 

• Stronger outcomes around housing stability and home ownership, wealth building and retention and workforce development 
• Recommendation for small-scale, multi-generational development in residential areas 

Mobility 

• Proposed river crossing connecting future Jewell bridge and Ruby Hill Park 
• Policy to further study the traffic impacts of the National Women’s Soccer League stadium on a curbside area management plan
• Additional outcome around traffic safety enforcement including non-street legal vehicles and racing 

Quality of Life 

• New safety and security outcomes for public spaces, along the river corridor and in areas with higher reported incidents 
• Stronger outcomes for wayfinding, signage, lighting and safety along trails and in open spaces
• Stronger outcomes for cultural centers, inclusive spaces, and diverse outreach and languages 

Neighborhoods & Focus Areas 

• Expanded river history and context into Riverside Communities focus area and added sub-area visions 

Download full list of changes made in the second draft

The draft Southwest Area Plan organizes the community vision into six guiding themes that lay out the future for the area:  

• Housing Stability and Options: The Southwest Area will offer affordable housing options that appeal to families from diverse backgrounds and support new housing that enhances community character, enables access to transit, business and services, and prevents displacement. 
•  Diverse Cultural Hubs: The Southwest Area will continue to be a diverse cultural hub that honors the past by recognizing, celebrating and supporting the area’s unique character, diverse communities and cultural business legacy.
• Communal Spaces: The Southwest Area will have a variety of safe, comfortable and authentic public spaces that encourage community gathering and enhance access to services, recreation, civic institutions and the arts.
• Integrated Industry: The Southwest Area will continue to be a key industrial and manufacturing area within the City of Denver and provide better and safer connections with surrounding communities. 
• Improved Infrastructure: The Southwest Area will have infrastructure such as roads, trails, sidewalks and landscaping that promotes mobility choice, comfort, connectivity and safety.
• Natural Resources: The Southwest Area will honor its natural resources such as water and open spaces through adequate environmental protections and community access. 

This would involve rezoning centers and corridors to appropriate mixed-use districts that will allow for a mix of commercial and residential uses. For some areas along Federal Boulevard and Broadway, this would involve rezoning to a design overlay district that requires nonresidential ground floor active uses and does not allow the drive-thru building forms or parking between the building and the street to promote more walkable destinations. The Evans Station Area is also being considered to be rezoned from an industrial district to a mixed-use district to promote transit-oriented development. 

This would involve bringing properties currently governed by Former Chapter 59, the city's old zoning code, into the Denver Zoning Code to ensure predictable development in line with modern requirements. 

The industrial rezonings under consideration involve three areas. The first is rezoning the Santa Fe industrial area from an all-industrial district to an industrial mixed-use district that will allow for some residential uses. The second would rezone industrial mixed-use properties in the Platte River industrial area to industrial where the guidance is for more intense industrial uses. The third is rezoning properties along Lipan St. From industrial mixed-use to residential and mixed-use to act as a transition between the lower intensity residential to the west and the more industrial uses to the east. 

• Westwood Neighborhood Plan(PDF, 15MB) (2016)  
• I-25 & Broadway Station Area Plan(PDF, 13MB) (2016)
• South Platte River Corridor Study(PDF, 37MB) (2013)
• Alameda Station Area Plan(PDF, 21MB) (2009)
• Evans Station Area Plan(PDF, 14MB) (2009)
• Louisiana-Pearl Station Area Plan(PDF, 4MB) (2007)
• Baker Neighborhood Plan(PDF, 4MB) (2003)
• Athmar Park Perimeter Plan(PDF, 2MB) (2000)
• West Washington Park Neighborhood Plan(PDF, 8MB) (1991)

• North: Alameda Avenue
• East: The South Platte River from Alameda to Mississippi Avenue, Broadway from Mississippi to Yale Avenue
• South: Yale Avenue from Broadway to the South Platte River, Jewell Avenue from the river to Sheridan Boulevard
• West: Sheridan Boulevard  

• The Southwest Area is shaped by natural features including the South Platte River, gulches, and a hilly topography. This landscape has been intersected by rail lines, highways, trails, and other major road corridors connecting to other areas of the city, but also creating difficult barriers. 
• This area evolved from focal point of Native American culture to agricultural land and later industrial and suburban housing developments. As the area was annexed and became more populous, it became a working-class area. Redlining also took place in and around the river corridor. The Flood of 1965 damaged much of the area.  At this time, a former land fill was transformed into Ruby Hill Park.  Since then, the area has continued to grow, seeing more recent investments in light rail transit. 
• Today, the Southwest Area is home to 51,847 residents of which about two-thirds (67 percent) identify as Hispanic and nearly half (45 percent) are under the age of 30. This area has higher rates of foreign-born population and those that speak English less proficient.  Household sizes vary, but households of four or more make up 30 percent of all households (compared with 16 percent citywide) and are most common in Westwood and Mar Lee. 

General

• The majority of the area is dedicated to residential uses, mostly low residential (61 percent) one-unit properties, which leaves few spaces for other housing types or other community amenities. However, there is an opportunity to explore how and where to better integrate more housing diversity to the area.
• All of the neighborhoods include major centers and corridors with a mix of zone districts.  Many of them have strong ties to small and cultural businesses, especially along Federal Boulevard and Morrison Road. Updated guidance can help define the characteristics and future design elements that are attributed to each center and corridor as well as address mobility and business concerns.   
• The Industrial Areas Land Study classifies areas in the Southwest Area as “High Value, Low Threat” and designates some as manufacturing preservation areas (MPAs). Many MPA sites are identified as Innovation/Flex in Blueprint Denver.  Further analysis should consider mobility, environmental justice, the number of jobs, tax revenue generated by industrial uses, and sustainability elements within and surrounding industrial areas.
• This area is home to unique large regional parks and trails. There is an opportunity to assess their impact and benefits, and how accessible they are to the surrounding communities. There is also an opportunity to make better connections between them, including Ruby Hill Park, Overland Golf Course, South Platte River Trail, Sanderson Gulch, and other neighborhood parks.  There are many institutional uses, such as schools, that are community assets. There is an opportunity to better define, preserve and highlight some of these public and quasi-public community assets.
• There are additional opportunities to rezone Former Chapter 59 zone districts, expand accessory dwelling units, improve the mismatch between desired uses and existing zoning.

Economics

• Much of this area’s economy features retail and industrial sector jobs, with residents earning a lower household income and earnings compared to the citywide average.  There is a strong presence of small and cultural businesses representing the diverse population within and surrounding area, creating a cultural hub unlike anywhere else in the city.  This brings opportunities to support and strengthen these businesses through collaborative programs and to celebrate the neighborhood’s culture.  

Housing

• Much of the area is considered more affordable compared with the rest of the city, but there are ongoing displacement pressures, such as increasing property values and rents. Some residents have relied on multi-generational households or “doubling-up” to keep their housing affordable.  Although much of the area is built out, there are opportunities to improve affordability and incorporate new housing options while retaining the neighborhood character.  

Preservation and Design Quality

• There is only one local landmark and there are no design review areas within the plan area.  Much of the area is suburban, but it features some early Mid-Century Modern subdivisions and earlier commercial and residential sections to be evaluated further for preservation-related tools and recommendations.  

• The Southwest Area lacks connectivity, especially on the east side of the area.  This includes physical barriers such as the South Platte River, highways (I-25, South Platte River Drive, Sante Fe Drive), and railroad tracks.  Currently, there are only three connection points that cross all of these barriers (Alameda, Mississippi, and Evans) and some partial connections.  All of these and other key corridors and intersections are a part of the city’s High Injury Network, with a high number of vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian crashes.
• The bicycle network has many gaps and few high-comfort facilities beyond trails within the area. North-south connections are limited, and further analysis is needed to reduce gaps, improve access, and create safer crossings and segments. There is an opportunity to create a loop among key destinations within the neighborhoods. 
• Sidewalks throughout the area are too narrow, do not meet the 5-foot standard or are missing all together, especially around parks, gulches, and industrials areas.  There is an opportunity to highlight priority areas for sidewalk improvements as the sidewalk improvement fund is developed, especially along major corridors such as Federal Boulevard.

• The Southwest area has many popular parks and trails, but there is an opportunity to connect them as well as improve amenities and general usage.  Additional research is needed to better understand food access beyond groceries and restaurants. There are no major hospitals, but clinics and care facilities are scattered and will need to determine the demand for additional services. 
• There is a growing network of community services and non-profit organizations providing much needed resources and filling gaps among community spaces and cultural preservation. However, there is a lack of sustainable funding opportunities to access resources, which may hinder this network.  

Fernando Abbud - Project manager
Senior City Planner - Habla español
fernando.abbud@denvergov.org

Will Prince
Associate City Planner
william.prince@denvergov.org

Council District 2
Councilman Kevin Flynn
kevin.flynn@denvergov.org

Council District 3
Councilwoman Jamie Torres
jamie.torres@denvergov.org 

Council District 7
Councilwoman Flor Alvidrez
jamie.torres@denvergov.org

Key focuses of this phase included: 

• Maximizing participation to ensure residents were aware of and excited for opportunities to participate in refining the draft plan and recommendations 
• Gathering feedback from diverse, representative cross-sections of Southwest Denver through a variety of in-person and virtual engagement activities
• Continuing collaboration with community members and organizations to honor the heart of the community, building trust and accountability  

Engagement Strategies and Activities 

• Continued collaboration and communication through channels from Phase 1 to bring awareness to the project and increase participation: 
  • Plan website
  • Newsletters sent to people on the project email list
  • Social media
  • Collaboration with 6 Registered Neighborhood Organizations along with other community group networks
  • Posting fliers at local establishments
  • 30 yard signs to supplement signs placed during Phase 1 
  • 1200 postcards distributed at key locations and events throughout the Southwest Area
• Prior to the engagement phase in April and May, the team met with the Southwest Advisory Committee and Equity Subcommittee to ensure plan refinement was aligned with community desires and needs
  • Advisory Committee Meeting #4 12/12
  • Equity Sub Committee Meeting #2, 1/29
  • Advisory Committee Meeting #5, 2/12
  • Hosted small group conversations to gather insight into specific community concerns
    • Nonprofit Small Group, 5/28
    • Business Small Group, 6/3
    • Housing Small Group, 5/17 and 6/6
• Collaborated with Community Navigators in association with the local organizations Commún, Una Mano Una Esperanza, and BuCu West to engage community members through trusted channels. Navigators collected 311 paper surveys from pop-up events and targeted outreach at the following existing community events and locations among other touchpoints:
  • Monroe Elementary Back to School Night
  • Cinco de Mayo
  • Southwest Denver Coalition May meeting
  • Fiesta Comunitaria Abraham Lincoln High School
  • Castro Elementary Resource Fair
  • Business Canvassing 
  • Athmar Recreation Center
  • Compass Academy
  • Denver Housing Authority Resident Council Board
  • Hadley Branch Library
  • Las Monas
  • Made in Westwood
  • Westwood Community Center office waiting room
  • Safe Summer Kick Off, 6/7
  • Denver Indian Center Community Dinner, 6/27 
• Hosted public meetings and community workshops to present the draft plan and gather community input to refine the vision and recommendations
  • Open House at Goldrick Elementary School, 4/26
  • Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO) Meetings
    • Athmar Park Neighborhood Association, 5/13
    • Mar Lee, Brentwood, and Sharon Park RNO, 5/17
    • Ruby Hill Neighbors, 5/20
    • Westwood Community Action Team, 5/20
    • Overland Park Neighborhood Organization & Neighbors of Overland North, 5/22
  • Hosted student workshops with high school students from Rocky Mountain Prep and Abraham Lincoln where the students had the opportunity to visit the city building, hear from a panel of city professionals and career paths and provide input on the plan.
    • Rocky Mountain Prep, 5/2
    • Abraham Lincoln, 5/9 

Community input, existing conditions, and citywide guidance informed the visions of six guiding themes and six focus areas that organize the draft plan and capture the Southwest community’s priorities. These guiding themes are supported by recommendations to implement the overall plan vision through policies related to land use (L), mobility (M), and quality of life (Q) in Southwest Denver.  

Phase 2 engagement focused on asking the community how strongly they agreed with each vision statement and which recommendations were priorities, ensuring alignment of these guiding themes and their corresponding recommendations with community interests and needs: 

Six guiding theme visions with corresponding recommendations: 

• Housing Stability and Options 
  •  Create affordable and stable housing options in every neighborhood (L1)
  • Ensure an adequate supply of high-quality, well-maintained housing (L2)
  • Moderately increase housing density in residential areas (L3)
  • Build housing close to major transit corridors (L4)
  • Build affordable housing near commercial areas and corridors (L5)
  • Create vibrant commercial centers and corridors that encourage new housing and job growth (L12)
• Communal Spaces
  • Strengthen community-serving institutions such as schools and non-profits (L9) 
  • Support small and local businesses that serve the community (L6)
  • Create vibrant commercial centers and corridors that encourage new housing and job growth (L12) 
  • Ensure major roads feel safe and comfortable for all residents (M2) 
  • Increase resident access to healthy and affordable food resources (Q6)
  • Create reliable and easy access to healthcare and public health facilities (Q7) 
  • Ensure Southwest neighborhoods feel safe and welcoming (Q8) 
  • Create vibrant programming and activities that celebrate the area’s diverse cultures (Q9)
• Diverse Cultural Hubs
  • Create affordable and stable housing options in every neighborhood (L1) 
  • Support small and local businesses that serve the community (L6)   
  • Create vibrant commercial centers and corridors that encourage new housing and job growth (L12) 
  • Preserve the unique historic and cultural character of homes and buildings (L10) 
  • Ensure future buildings and public areas reflect neighborhood character and are inviting for all (L11) 
  • Create vibrant programming and activities that celebrate the area’s diverse cultures (Q9)
• Integrated Industry
  • Diversify the local economy to increase job opportunities for residents (L8) 
  • Support existing and attract new industrial businesses (L7) 
  • Make industrial districts more walkable and comfortable (L13) 
  • Improve resident access to public spaces and parks along the river (M3) 
  • Reduce impacts of heavy truck traffic on residential areas (M9) 
  • Work with industrial areas to support the community’s environmental and public health priorities (Q2/5)
• Improved Infrastructure
  • Make industrial districts more walkable and comfortable (M13) 
  • Enhance the comfort and safety of bus service along key routes (M7) 
  • Control high speeds on streets parallel to Federal Blvd (M8) 
  • Reduce impacts of heavy truck traffic on residential areas (M9) 
  • Add green infrastructure such as trees near schools, parks and community centers (M11) 
  • Add ADA-compliant and detached sidewalks to local streets (M13)
  • Improve busy intersections where lots of people cross (M14) 
  • Increase vehicle compliance at 2-way and 4-way stop intersections (M15) 
  • Enhance pedestrian and cyclist comfort, safety and access (M1/2/5/6/12/17)
• Natural Resources
  • Build green infrastructure to minimize flooding, heat impacts, and pollution (Q1) 
  • Enhance park trail connections and amenities in area neighborhoods (Q2) 
  • Enhance recreational trail connections and amenities (Q3) 
  • Restore the natural health and protection of the South Platte River (Q4) 
  • Improve resident access to public spaces and parks along the river (M3) 

Six focus areas 

• Federal Boulevard 
•  Morrison Road
• Neighborhood Shopping Centers (Mar Lee, Mississippi Avenue, and Alameda Square)
• River Corridor
• Lipan Street
• Santa Fe Corridor 

Housing Stability and Options 

65% of engagement participants strongly agree and 25% somewhat agree with the vision, supporting housing options that are affordable and adequate for families with diverse backgrounds, enhance community character, and prevent displacement.  

Of the corresponding recommendations to implement this vision, the top three include: 

1. Create affordable and stable housing options in every neighborhood (L1)
2. Ensure an adequate supply of high-quality, well-maintained housing (L2)
3. Build housing close to major transit corridors (L4) 

When asked whether they supported adding housing along certain areas of Federal Boulevard, 61% strongly agree and 24% somewhat agree.  

Community members broadly support more affordable housing and better transit, but are wary of high-density development that displaces residents, removes green space, or prioritizes profit over people. There is strong enthusiasm for moderate, incremental density (ADUs, duplexes), particularly if it preserves neighborhood character, offers ownership opportunities, and is coupled with infrastructure upgrades. A clear desire emerges for community-centered planning, transparency, and housing solutions that balance growth with quality of life. 

Communal Spaces 

70% of participants strongly agree and 21% somewhat agree with the vision, supporting the creation of safe, comfortable, and authentic gathering spaces with enhanced access to services, recreation, civic institutions, and the arts. 

Of the corresponding recommendations to implement this vision, the top three include: 

1. Ensure major roads feel safe and comfortable for all residents (M2)
2. Support small and local businesses that serve the community (L6)
3. Increase resident access to healthy and affordable food resources (Q6) 

Respondents want a neighborhood that is safe, walkable, clean, culturally vibrant, and inclusive. While there is some tension around policing and development, the dominant tone was constructive. There is strong support for affordable housing, small business vitality, youth services, and thoughtful placemaking that reflects the Southwest’s diversity and values. 

Diverse Cultural Hubs 

72% of participants strongly agree and 15% somewhat agree with fostering a Southwest that celebrates the area’s unique character, diverse communities, and cultural business legacy. 

Of the corresponding recommendations to implement this vision, the top three include: 

1. Support small and local businesses that serve the community (L6)
2. Preserve the unique historic and cultural character of homes and buildings (L10)
3. Create affordable and stable housing options in every neighborhood (L1) 

Overall, respondent support a 3-story height limit policy (57% strongly agree and 22% somewhat agree) in certain areas along Federal, Morrison, and Broadway. 

Building design preferences favor distinctive brickwork, small scale multi-units, low and horizontal layouts, and contrasting materials. 

Integrated Industry 

55% of respondents strongly agree and 23% somewhat agree with the vision of maintaining an industrial and manufacturing area within Southwest Denver that is better connected with the surrounding communities. 

Of the corresponding recommendations to implement this vision, the top three include: 

1. Improve resident access to public spaces and parks along the river (M3)
2. Make industrial districts more walkable and comfortable (L13)
3. Work with industrial areas to support the community’s environmental and public health priorities (Q2/5) 

63% strongly agree and 17% somewhat agree with the proposed vision of supporting commercial and community activities, housing and industrial uses, and park connections along Lipan Street. 

Respondents want to foster communication and connection between industry and residents. Some want to see areas turn from strictly industrial to mixed-use and higher-density development. They encourage the attraction of small businesses They express concern about air quality and pollution risks to residents due to the proximity of industry to residential zones. 

Improved Infrastructure

71% of respondents strongly agree and 18% somewhat agree with having roads, trails, sidewalks, and landscaping in Southwest promote mobility choice, comfort, connectivity, and safety. 

Of the corresponding recommendations to implement this vision, the top three include: 

1. Control high speeds on streets parallel to Federal Boulevard (M8)
2. Add green infrastructure such as trees near schools, parks, and community centers (M11)
3. Reduce impacts of heavy truck traffic on residential areas (M9) 

Building safe crossings under or over major highways, rivers, and railroads emerged as a key priority as well as making major corridors safer and more comfortable to walk along. To facilitate better pedestrian and bike connections, respondents favored connections on Florida Avenue and Iliff Avenue with Jason Street and Tennessee also being important.  

Natural Resources 

79% of respondents strongly agree and 15% somewhat agree with honoring natural resources in Southwest through adequate environmental protections and community access. 

Of the corresponding recommendations to implement this vision, the top three include: 

1. Restore the natural health and protection of the South Platter River (Q4)
2. Enhance park trail connections and amenities in area neighborhoods (Q2)
3. Build green infrastructure to minimize flooding, heat impacts, and pollution (Q1) 

Overall, respondents support (70% strongly agree and 18% somewhat agree) increased pedestrian and bicyclist comfort along South Platte Drive on the east side of the river near Santa Fe and south of Evans. 

Strong desire for more green spaces, shade, and improved park amenities in their neighborhood. Concern about condition of lake near Mississippi and Lowell which is seen as a health hazard. Residents want better playgrounds, pools, protected lanes, and support for family-friendly activities. Need for cleaner, greener, and more accessible public spaces.  

Focus Areas

Federal Boulevard 

65% of respondents strongly agree and 21% somewhat agree with a Federal Boulevard that supports all types of travel with efficient bus rapid transit, improved safety, and better pedestrian access. Green infrastructure will increase, along with access to healthy, diverse foods, affordable housing, and public art reflecting the area's multicultural character. This vision includes the preservation and celebration of Little Saigon and support for small businesses, enhanced public spaces, and expanded community events.  

Community members shared a range of ideas focused on improving safety, accessibility, and livability along the Federal corridor. Key priorities include connecting bike paths, calming traffic, and making public spaces safer and more pedestrian-friendly. There is support for adding greenery, breaking up concrete, and revitalizing sidewalks and storefronts. Residents expressed interest in more local businesses, co-ops, and coffee shops, as well as enhanced bus service and park-and-ride options. Concerns were raised about maintaining housing affordability, avoiding large-scale development, and supporting unhoused neighbors with essential services. Additional suggestions included supporting the Little Saigon cultural district, reducing noise, adding sound barriers, and creating cleaner, greener, and more vibrant public spaces. 

Morrison Road 

68% of respondents strongly agree and 21% somewhat agree with the vision of Morrison Road, supporting the preservation of Morrison as a cultural and community hub, with design elements celebrating its unique areas, improved streetscaping, and diverse and affordable housing. 

Community members emphasized the need for street safety and visibility, suggesting redesigns at dangerous intersections (especially Mississippi/Sheridan), clearer bike lane markings (e.g., green paint), and ensuring trees, plants, or utility boxes don’t block pedestrian views. There is support for multilingual signage and inclusive communication, as well as preserving the cultural identity of the area. Suggestions include flexible and innovative zoning and building codes that prioritize safety, along with calls for better coordination with RTD to maintain access to shops and housing. Additional ideas included adding recycling containers, opposing new apartment developments, and converting high-traffic intersections into community green spaces. 

River Corridor 

72% of respondents strongly agree and 14% somewhat agree with the vision of connecting South Platte River to the surrounding areas, restoring its health, and creating access and useable gathering spaces.  

Safety emerged as a top priority for improving the river corridor and adjacent trails. Many community members expressed concerns about the noise, pollution, and poor user experience near I-25, along with a strong call for increased security, trail rangers, and safer access points, especially for women and families. Support for clearer signage (e.g., “No Camping” signs), better lighting, and improved access between parks like Sanderson Gulch, Overland Pond Park, and Ruby Hill was also expressed. 

People want more gathering places and amenities like those at Nixon’s in Littleton, recycling and compost bins, and pedestrian/cycling bridges, especially west of Santa Fe. Several comments advocated for wildlife protection, with calls to create off-limit areas along the river for ecological preservation. 

Participants also urged the city to honor the river’s cultural and environmental history, including its Indigenous significance. Some suggested offering incentives for eco-friendly businesses that support waterway restoration and called for thoughtful development that balances nature, recreation, and public access. 

Lipan Street 

67% of respondents strongly agree and 19% somewhat agree with the vision for making Lipan Street a vibrant community hub that blends local businesses with industrial spaces while providing a safe and comfortable route for pedestrians, making it easier for residents to navigate between residential and industrial areas for park, neighborhood, and river access. 

Community feedback emphasized the need for improved pedestrian and bicycle connections, particularly a crossing at Lipan Street to connect with the West Tennessee trail and the river. Comments also highlighted traffic and walkability challenges, noting that semi-truck traffic and narrow roadways on Lipan reduce safety and accessibility for pedestrians. Suggestions included developing a designated truck route, expanding sidewalks, and increasing curb space. 

Participants expressed support for enhanced lighting, additional trees, and increased security in high-crime areas. There was also interest in preserving existing small businesses and exploring live/work and lower-density residential development to transition the area from primarily industrial use to a more mixed-use, walkable environment. 

Additional recommendations included: 

• Providing education about nearby industrial activity and potential pollution
• Installing clear signage
• Creating a parking lane on Lipan
• Adding amenities such as a coffee shop
• Ensuring that infrastructure improvements align with future development plans 

Santa Fe 

68% of respondents strongly agree and 21% somewhat agree with transitioning Santa Fe from an auto-oriented commercial and industrial area into a mixed-use, vibrant, transit-oriented neighborhood. 

Community input highlighted the need to improve and restore local parks, particularly Johnson Habitat Park, Vanderbilt Park, and the Vanderbilt Parkway Park. Safety was frequently mentioned, especially in relation to the Mississippi and Santa Fe crossing, which many felt needs significant improvement to ensure safe access for all users. 

Participants expressed strong interest in better east-west pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, including connections at Louisiana Avenue and improved access from west of Federal to east of Santa Fe and South Broadway. Several comments emphasized the importance of creating bike and pedestrian connections near the new stadium. 

Other priorities included: 

• Preserving trailer parks
• Advancing plans for the Broadway Park development
• Supporting the community through job opportunities, internships, and workforce development
• Providing safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ individuals
• Hosting a farmers market
• Updating graphics for consistency and reflecting new features like the stadium 

Overall, the comments call for safer, more connected public spaces that are inclusive and supportive of both environmental and community needs. 

Mar Lee 

67% of respondents strongly agree and 14% somewhat agree with making Mar Lee a place that builds upon the existing community uses, better connects the surrounding community, and creates spaces for community business to thrive and community activities to take place. 

Community members expressed a strong desire for revitalization of the Mar Lee Shopping Center, including repaving the parking lot and attracting a greater variety of local businesses. Many residents repeatedly requested the addition of a local coffee shop, as well as other gathering places like restaurants or bars to help activate the area. 

There was general support for upgrading sidewalks, especially along Florida Avenue, and improving overall maintenance and upkeep. Suggestions to enhance the public realm included adding bike racks, recycling containers, a trampoline park, and medians with trees to calm traffic on major roads like Tennyson. 

Several commenters supported preserving existing affordable retail like the dollar store, while expressing concern about the impact of new apartment developments, preferring height limits and lower-scale (3–5 stories) buildings to preserve the character of the neighborhood. There is an interest in balancing new development with thoughtful design and community needs. 

Alameda Square  

73% of respondents strongly agree and 16% somewhat agree with the vision for Alameda Square, prioritizing safety, comfort, and a strong connection between businesses, community services, and the surrounding residential community to ensure a thriving and balanced neighborhood. 

Community members emphasized safety and crime reduction as top priorities, with repeated concerns about the Zuni Shelter’s impact on nearby businesses and crime levels. Many called for its removal. 

There is strong support for revitalizing Alameda Square into a pedestrian-friendly, community space, with ideas for plazas, landscaping, better bus stops, and reducing excess parking. Residents want to preserve existing businesses and local culture, while activating the area with more cohesive design and gathering spaces. 

Additional suggestions included infill development, creating destination areas on Alameda and Mississippi, and providing clarity on the future use of "campus" properties. 

Mississippi  

75% of respondents strongly agree and 13% somewhat agree with making Mississippi Avenue a place that builds upon existing community uses and creates spaces for community business and activities to take place.  

Community feedback emphasized the need for improved walkability, safety, and transit access, particularly through sidewalk upgrades, traffic calming, and more frequent #14 bus service. Many supported reducing excess parking and adding trees and landscaping. 

There is interest in supporting third spaces like coffee shops, bookstores, community centers, and cinemas. Many also want to preserve existing businesses, especially those offering authentic food, and praised neighborhood assets like Planet Fitness and the Athmar Shopping Center sign. 

Opinions were mixed about narrowing Mississippi Avenue—some opposed it due to concerns about increased traffic and the impact of the new stadium without parking, while others supported flexible mixed-use development along the corridor. 

There is a shared vision to transform Alameda and Mississippi into destination areas, with more vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces that support both community and commercial activity. 

• 612 open house and RNO meeting comments
• 198 student workshop comments
• 15 Safe Summer Kick Off comments
• 220 online comments
• 53 from emails, office hours, general comment form, etc. 
• 311 paper surveys
• 2 Southwest Advisory Committee meetings supported by the Equity Sub Committee
• Intentional outreach and participation was continued through the following partners:
  • Commún 
  • Una Mano, Una Esperanza 
  • BuCu West  

Southwest Comment Tracker Phase2(XLSX, 287KB)

• Maximizing stakeholder participation and promoting awareness of the project via multiple communication channels
• Conducting a variety of in-person and virtual engagement activities 

• Collaborating with community members and organizations to gather input on concerns and opportunities in their neighborhoods

Established communication channels to bring awareness to the project and increase participation:

• Plan website
• Project newsletter
• Social media
• Collaboration with 7 registered neighborhood organizations along with other community group networks
• Sharing fliers at local establishments and apartment buildings
• 70 yard signs
• 23,000 postcards

Met with the Southwest Advisory Committee and Equitable Engagement Subcommittee to represent a diverse set of interests across the plan area, spread awareness, gather community input, and seek consensus on plan content:

• Advisory Committee Meeting #1, 7/24/24
• Advisory Committee Meeting #2, 7/31/24
• Advisory Committee Meeting #3, 8/7/24
• Equity Sub Committee #1 (joint with Far Southwest Area Plan), 10/23/24
• Advisory Committee Meeting #4, 12/11/24 

Hosted focus groups to gather insight into specific mobility, quality of life, and land use concerns 

• Broadway Corridor, 12/6/24 
• Morrison Road Focus Group #1, 12/10/24 (virtual)
• Industrial Businesses and South Platte River Focus Group, 1/9/2025
• Federal Boulevard Corridor Focus Group, 1/16/2025
• Broadway Corridor Focus Group Follow Up, 01/16/2025
• Southwest Neighborhood Shopping Centers Focus Groups, 01/23/2025 

Collected community feedback via surveys and connected with stakeholders during pop-ups at existing community events and at CPD events 

• Saigon Azteca, 8/10/24
• Athmar Rec Center, 10/16/24
• Table Public House, 10/18/24
• Huston Lake Park, 10/21/24
• Walk in the Park at Vanderbilt Park with Denver Parks and Recreation, 10/23/24
• Anniversary Celebration of Westwood Community Center, 10/24/24
• Mile High Trunk or Treat, 10/25/24
• Athmar Park Rec Center Open House, 10/26/24
• Federico Peña Clinic Trunk-or-Treat, 10/29/24
• Trunk-or-Treat at Abraham Lincoln High School, 10/30/24
• 2024 Muertos en Westwood, 11/2/24
• Westwood Community Center, 11/5/24 
• Evans Stations, 11/13/24 

Collaborated with Community Navigators in focused population engagement to leverage their expertise and trust with the local community, removing barriers and ensuring equitable access to engagement opportunities. We worked the community organizations of Commun, Una Mano, Una Esperanza, and BuCu West. The community organizations help collect input from a total of 490 surveys from pop-up events and targeted outreach at the following events: 

• Trunk-or-treat and trick-or-treat events 
• Día de los muertos 
• Día de catrinas
• Westwood Community Anniversary
• Mile High/Abraham Lincoln/Morrison
• Community members visiting the Westwood Community Center office waiting room
• Evans RTD Stations
• Montevista Manufactured Community meeting at La Casita
• Business Canvassing and Targeted Outreach
• Hadley Library
• Social Media 

Coordinated public meetings and community workshops to provide platforms for all community members to inform the plan at major milestones and to coordinate with other community groups or events in the neighborhoods. 

• JFK Student Workshop #1, 10/23/24
• OPNA Workshop, 10/24/24
• JFK Student Workshop #2, 10/24/24
• CD7 Zuni St Public Meeting, 10/24/24
• Student Workshop at Abraham Lincoln High School, 11/4/24
• Montevista Community Meeting, 11/14/24

Additional presentations, flier locations and pop-us:

• Athmar Park RNO, fliers, 4/3/2024
• Ruby Hill Social Club Presentation/QA, 4/16/2024
• DHA Westwood Local Resident Council Meeting Presentation/QA, 4/18/2024
• Westwood Cinco de Mayo Celebration, fliers, 5/4/2024
• DHA Walsh Manor Local Resident Council Meeting Presentation/QA, 5/6/2024
• DHA Mountain View Local Resident Council Meeting Presentation/QA, 5/8/2024
• DHA Walsh Annex Local Resident Council Meeting Presentation/QA, 5/15/2024
• Westwood Community Action Team RNO May Meeting Presentation/QA, 5/21/2024
• Neighbors of Overland North (NOON) RNO Meeting Presentation/QA, 6/6/2024
• Safe Summer Kick-Off, fliers, 6/8/2024
• Pop-Up Safety Community Conversation (Part 2) Council District 3, 7/23/24
• DHA Walsh Manor LRC Meeting Presentation/QA, 8/5/2024

Engagement efforts focused on developing understanding of the community on the following topics in addition to gathering demographic data: 

• How can quality of life in your community be improved? 
  • What activities would you like to engage in at parks, trails, or recreational centers? What changes could improve inclusivity and accessibility in the current parks and recreation facilities in your area?
  • Which amenities would you like prioritized for improvements to trails in your neighborhood? What do you consider most important for improving quality of life in your neighborhood?
• Land Use and Built Form
  • As the growth areas evolve, what items would you most want to see incorporated or celebrated?
  • What are the top challenges you face related to housing affordability?
  • What elements of family-friendly housing do you prioritize?
  • What elements best define culture and community in your neighborhood from your perspective?
  • What is one idea that you have that will help improve your neighborhood in the next 10-20 years?
  • What are you concerned about in your neighborhood now and in the future?
• Mobility
  • What streets and intersections do you feel uncomfortable on and why?
  • Where would you like a more direct or convenient route to a common destination in your neighborhood?
  • How can transportation, mobility, and safety be improved in your neighborhood? 

Quality of Life 

Overall, respondents enjoy using parks, trails, and recreational centers in their communities for walking/jogging, nature observation, picnicking, and playing sports, among other activities. Residents enjoy the nature and outdoor access that the area provides along with its unique atmosphere and diverse culture. To improve quality of life in their neighborhoods, they emphasize enhancing existing parks, with support for installing more picnic tables, expanding recreational facilities, and increasing community events. Looking ahead, respondents expressed a desire for increased safety and security, improved maintenance and cleanliness, improved accessibility, enhanced infrastructure, more green spaces and recreational facilities, and increasing sense of community. Amenities that were prioritized for improvements include restrooms, shade structures, dog waste bag stations, and trash bins.  

Land Use 

Regarding their growth priorities, Southwest survey respondents highlighted incorporating green space and parks, high-quality streetscapes, and affordable housing as important factors for the future. The greatest challenge for housing affordability is the cost of rent with housing availability and cost of utilities also burdening respondents. To support more family-friendly housing, respondents largely emphasized having safe streets, though having nearby parks, trails, and rec centers and access to housing with three or more bedrooms were also frequently mentioned. Elements that best define Southwest culture and community include the cultural events, celebrations, and traditions as well as the community itself, the people.  

Mobility 

Respondents frequently mention vehicle speeding as being an issue in Southwest, with key hotspots being Federal Boulevard, Kentucky, and Morrison. Finding a break in traffic makes these intersections uncomfortable to cross, and respondents feel like it’s difficult for drivers to see them when they cross. Overall, they expressed a desire for traffic calming, pedestrian safety, and improved public transit with more direct routes to certain locations such as Evans Station and Santa Fe.  

• 220 attended kick off workshops, providing 730 comments
• 850+ comments provided via focused engagement 
  • 6 workshops with Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs)
  • 13 focused engagement opportunities and pop-ups
  • 2 touchpoints with manufactured housing communities
  • 3 touchpoints with high school students
• 801 took the paper survey
• 287 took the online survey
• Statistically Valid Survey responses
• 4 Southwest Advisory Committee meetings supported by the Equitable Engagement Subcommittee
• Intentional outreach and participation have been conducted or started with the following partners:
  • Commún
  • Una Mano, Una Esperanza
  • BuCu West
  • Colorado Asian Pacific United (CAPU) 

2024

• 4/14: Welcome to your neighborhood plan!
• 5/20: Advisory committee interest form closes soon!
• 7/3: Take the kick-off survey! 
• 8/1: Save the date! 
• 8/28: In two weeks: Join your neighbors at September 11 community workshop
• 9/9: WEDNESDAY: Join your neighbors at community workshop this week
• 10/3: Next week: Come talk to us on National Walk to a Park Day!
• 10/9: Share your voice!
• 10/29: Don't forget to take our surveys!
• 11/12: Surveys close in two weeks!
• 11/21: This is still time to provide feedback on the online surveys

2025

• 4/11: First draft of Southwest Area Plan ready for public review
• 4/21: This Saturday: Join your neighbors at the open house!
• 4/25: Don't forget: Join your neighbors at the open house Saturday!
• 5/6: Want to talk to city planners about draft Southwest Area Plan? Here's your chance!
• 5/19: Don't forget to share your thoughts on proposed vision for Southwest Denver

• Southwest General Comment Tracking(XLSX, 390KB)  
• Community Navigator Input(XLSX, 548KB)  
• Online Land Use and Built Form Input(XLSX, 1MB)  
• Online Mobility and Quality of Life Input(XLSX, 915KB)
• Far Southwest and Southwest Resident Survey Analysis(PDF, 8MB)