The River Mile - Shears Adkins Rockmore

The River Mile is a new, urban mixed-use neighborhood to be built along a one-mile stretch of the South Platte River between Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway in Downtown Denver. Adjacent to two transit stations and the birthplace of the city, the plan calls for a bike and pedestrian-oriented public realm, new waterfront parks and public spaces, and the continued restoration of the South Platte River.

The site is currently home to the Elitch Gardens Theme Park as well as swaths of parking lots designed to serve the nearby stadiums and downtown amenities. Spanning across 60 acres, it will take several decades for the entire River Mile neighborhood to be developed, requiring a creative phasing strategy that will ensure continuity for current uses while incorporating new ones. A total of over 15 million square feet of vibrant mixed uses is planned for the development at completion.

Location Denver, Colorado
Area 62 Acres
Client Revesco Properties
Design Partner Dialog Design
Markets Civic/Cultural Mixed-Use
Type In-Progress Planning

River Mile Site Plan — The master plan focuses on creating urban variety and interest through varied block sizes and configurations while maintaining developable block configurations in concert with the custom zoning text for this neighborhood.

The River Mile Intermodel Transit — The challenge of a large grade change from the elevated road connections down to the river led to a solution that gently slopes the site down over an artificial topography concealing parking and service while focusing views and activity to the river.

River Mile Public Realm — The master plan recommends a variety of diverse spaces and streets that activate the river and create an organic system of roads and pedestrian mews that focus on functional uses such as activities and gatherings and encourage walking, biking and social interaction.

The River Mile Pedestrian Connections — The plan seeks to improve public health by providing safe, appealing and comfortable street environments with activated ground levels in all buildings.

The River Mile Transit — This fexible Transit Plaza serves the heart of the neighborhood and can adapt to bus, car share, autonomous shuttles, personal transport, and other future travel modes. Retail, restaurant, and ofce front the plaza activating the space throughout the week.

The River Mile

SAR+’s involvement on the River Mile and Meow Wolf projects here in Denver has been as impactful as it has been enjoyable. Their progressive thinking and optimism for the possibilities for Colorado makes this process fun for all of us involved. Perhaps most importantly, their ability to incorporate the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders into a project’s path - while still being mindful of the client’s vision - is an art form.
Rhys Duggan
Revesco Properties

Press 5280
Inside One of the Largest Redevelopments in History
February 2020
Award American Planning Association Award
APA CO Award Winners
September 2021

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