During a building boom, Denver has tightened its codes and regulations on certain types of development, and the moves have widespread support, according to a Denver Post columnist.
Though developers worry that “forced beautification” slows progress and adds cost, and architects fear that standards restrict their creativity, the aesthetics of recent projects seem to have broad acceptance. For example, a large project in the Cherry Creek area is considered a fine model for future neighborhood development.
The project used “genuine” materials, created retail spaces that are lively and transparent to keep the visuals interesting, and public plazas were built to human scale common to a low-rise area.
Denver now has about 20 neighborhoods, including historic areas, and large developments where new projects face mandatory review by the planning department. Only about 15% of the city’s total land area is subject to these reviews, however. Developers say the reviews must be timely and conducted by qualified staff for them to be effective.
Related Stories
Market Data | Apr 8, 2019
Engineering, construction spending to rise 3% in 2019: FMI outlook
Top-performing segments forecast in 2019 include transportation, public safety, and education.
Codes and Standards | Apr 5, 2019
Manhattan expected to adopt congestion pricing plan for automobiles
New York would be first U.S. city to charge drivers extra for downtown motoring.
Codes and Standards | Apr 4, 2019
Chicago makes major building code overhaul
Previous comprehensive changes were done 70 years ago.
Codes and Standards | Apr 3, 2019
Construction advanced materials makers can enhance industry efficiency with technology
Integration of new IT approaches in construction with new materials has potential to enhance sustainability, alleviate worker shortage.
Codes and Standards | Apr 2, 2019
Open offices reduce collaboration among employees
Counterintuitive finding makes value of wide open workspaces questionable.
Codes and Standards | Mar 29, 2019
New timber traceability LEED credit released
Pilot credit aims to reduce use of illegal wood in buildings.
Codes and Standards | Mar 28, 2019
Swinerton forms new mass timber business group
Will pursue new projects being developed with mass timber.
Codes and Standards | Mar 27, 2019
Shortage of skilled construction workers resulting in missed deadlines
Some 40% of contractors have turned down project offers.
Codes and Standards | Mar 25, 2019
ICC release 2019 guidelines for safe use of repurposed shipping containers
Provides in-depth, technical overview on how to design, review, and approve shipping containers as building elements.
Codes and Standards | Mar 22, 2019
Tool helps cities develop framework for life-cycle energy policies and track progress
Identifies policies, funding sources to address building energy use.
