Denver’s Civic Center Park Revitalization Plan Faces Hurdle
Denver’s ambitious project to revitalize Civic Center Park has encountered an obstacle. The proposal seeks to reorient the iconic Greek Theater by 180 degrees, integrate a new canopy and stage, enhance accessibility with new pathways, and establish a pedestrian loop around the park’s Central Promenade. Despite receiving a majority vote from the Landmark Preservation Commission, the project failed to secure the necessary five votes, as only six of the nine members participated in the recent meeting.
Concerns have been raised by historians and architects that the renovation could compromise the historic integrity of Denver’s sole National Historic Landmark. Vice Chair Erika Warzel indicated that Denver Parks and Recreation must resubmit the project for further review by the commission.
Notably, the current proposal represents the most extensive modifications since Civic Center Park’s 2012 landmark designation. Designed by the renowned architectural firm Studio Gang, the plan aims to address solar glare issues by repositioning the stage, creating a more intimate public venue, and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Denver’s downtown parks program manager, Jenna Harris, emphasized a desire to better activate the park for community performances.
However, dissenting voices emerged during discussions. Commissioner Graham Johnson criticized the proposed stage relocation, likening it to altering the revered Red Rocks Amphitheater. On the other hand, Commissioner Larry Sykes praised the proposal as a "more thoughtful" approach to issues faced by the Greek Theater.
Public sentiment remains divided, with some historic preservationists arguing that the changes would radically alter the theater’s original design, while others support the improvements. The city expresses commitment to evolving the design to strengthen its neoclassical character as the project develops, currently projected to break ground in late 2024 and conclude by spring 2027. The vote’s implications on the timeline remain uncertain.
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