What Is the Gateway Project and Why Should You Know About It
THE GATEWAY PROJECT is comprised of two separate but coordinated proposed development projects along Colorado Boulevard, one at the First Avenue intersection and one at Bayaud Street intersection in Cherry Creek East. Both intersections are currently neglected areas (some would say “eyesores”) which should be enhanced to provide more appropriate “Gateways” into the Cherry Creek area. The unusual east Harrison Street block between Harrison Street and Colorado Boulevard has long presented redevelopment challenges due to the lack of an alley access and a large City setback requirement along Harrison and a ‘parkway’ setback along Colorado Blvd.
WHY NOW? For over a decade this land has needed development. Few developers have been willing to invest the time and money to negotiate a functional yet beautiful project here. Traffic, vehicular and pedestrian concerns, plus landscaping and a “Gateway” entrance concepts complicate any plan. The Cherry Creek Area Plan of 2012 contemplated redevelopment and it appears that, with neighborhood approval and proper zoning, it may at last be a possibility. The McKinnon Group which now owns the land has a proposal and has met extensively with the Cherry Creek East residents who are the most affected. He will be meeting with us on November 26th to discuss the First Avenue portion of this project.
WHAT DO WE AS RESIDENTS NEED TO KNOW AND DECIDE? The outline of the project on the north side of Colorado and 1st Avenue will ideally both protect the residential character of Cherry Creek North and improve the “Gateway” approach to the overall community by creating an inviting and safe entrance into the Cherry Creek area. Doug McKinnon’s proposal will keep the north parcel residential and provide for a more attractive gateway to the neighborhood. Doug McKinnon proposes to work with the City of Denver and CDOT (the Colorado Department of Transportation) to reconfigure the intersection in order to provide a true “Gateway” area for the neighborhoods. By reconfiguring the drive lanes to provide for pedestrian appropriate walk areas with tree lawns and Gateway location opportunities, this development provides the implementation of the vision of the Cherry Creek Area Plan. The CCNNA zoning committee has been working with Mr. McKinnon and Cherry Creek East to reach development agreements and covenant protections, which will attach to the land and be conditions to any rezoning.
There's something for everyone at Ross-Cherry Creek (305 Milwaukee St.) from baby story time to engaging lectures, crafts and music events. And it's all free!
Did you know? You can get flat $5 garage parking in CCN after 5:00pm and on the weekends at eight Cherry Creek North Garages. Read more.
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Garfield Street Bikeway
Through the Denver Moves planning process, Denver Public Works has identified the Garfield Street corridor for development as a neighborhood bikeway to prioritize multimodal north/south movement between City Park and the Cherry Creek Trail.
Neighborhood bikeways (NBWs) include design features that enhance bicycling and walking for a wide range of people while also supporting local vehicle traffic for residents and businesses. When fully constructed, the Neighborhood Bikeway will link key business destinations to neighborhoods, provide active living opportunities to families, strengthen neighborhood character, encourage mode share change along the corridor, and work toward Vision Zero safety goals.
$5 Parking in Cherry Creek North