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Historic Larimer Square wants public input on future development in downtown Denver

Posted at 6:03 PM, Feb 16, 2019
and last updated 2019-02-16 22:08:02-05

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DENVER -- Larimer Square is one of downtown Denver's most visited spots. The city block is full of fine dining, unique shopping, an awesome night life and most importantly, a rich history. Larimer Square was Denver's first main street and housed the first bank and post office. Like any aging landmark, the area needs some tender love and care. In order to keep thriving it has to evolve.

Developers want to make sure evolving doesn't mean destroying.

The company Urban Villages was hired by Larimer Square owner Jeff Hermanson to manage development in the historic area.

"We're looking at ways that we can bring in economic diversity," said Jon Buerge, the chief development officer with Urban Villages. "We're trying to find ways we can add affordable housing on this block so every income class can really celebrate and enjoy it and call it home."

On February 25, a community center on Larimer Street will open to the public. As you walk inside there are historic pictures on one wall and a huge paper board on the other with Sharpies. People are asked to write down their favorite parts about Larimer Square, what they want it to look like in the future.

"We’re going to have this space open for people to come by and learn and enter a dialogue and have conversations with us," said Buerge.

Denver7 talked to a few Larimer Square visitors who all had the same sentiment; no matter what changes, the history must remain.

"To me, the architecture is kind of like the bones of Larimer Square.," said Carlos Martinez.

Buerge says the construction of new buildings and the revenue that will come with them will ultimately help pay to restore and preserve the original buildings.

The public community center will be open Monday through Friday starting February 25.

You can also provide input on the Larimer Square Facebook page.