Underutilized passageway at base of Highland Bridge gets pedestrian- and bike-friendly overhaul
DENVER (August 19, 2019) – Unico Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Unico Investment Group LLC that has been acquiring, managing and developing commercial properties in Colorado for more than 13 years, today announced plans for Platte Street Plaza. The proposed vision will transform the underutilized passageway at the base of the Highland Bridge on Denver’s Platte Street into a dynamic public plaza designed as a gathering space and pedestrian/bicycle thoroughfare from Highlands to Union Station. Platte Street Plaza is a public/private partnership between the City of Denver and Unico, with the $1.7 million in equity required for the project furnished by Unico.
“Our vision for Platte Street Plaza will fill a gap in the current streetscape, creating a central community gathering place for the neighborhood,” said Unico Vice President and Regional Director Austin Kane. “We are working closely with the City of Denver to offer a park-like setting at the heart of Platte Street. Not only is this a boon to residents of and visitors to Denver, the plaza will also entice people to stop and explore the surrounding dining, retail and entertainment options in the area.”
Located between The Circa Building and historic Zang Building, Platte Street Plaza will function as an urban park with trees, shade, seating and free Wi-Fi. The plaza’s design promotes connection and relaxation, while keeping safety top of mind with clear sightlines and additional lighting incorporated throughout the area.
Platte Street Plaza will be equipped with power to host community and civic activities – from neighborhood meetings and farmers’ markets to pop-up events and more. To ensure the plaza remains an enduring asset in the community, Unico has committed to overseeing its ongoing maintenance.
Our vision for Platte Street Plaza will fill a gap in the current streetscape, creating a central community gathering place for the neighborhood.
“Recognizing how busy this corridor is, we’re committed to maintaining clear pathways for both pedestrians and cyclists,” added Kane. “We know construction can be a hassle, but we assure you that the final plaza will be worth it. We’re building this on behalf of the community and hope everyone feels welcome to enjoy it once complete.”
The plans for Platte Street Plaza align with Denver Parks & Recreation and the Downtown Denver Partnership’s master plan for downtown Denver’s outdoor spaces, The Outdoor Downtown. The 20-year plan focuses on enhancing quality of life in the downtown area through investment in parks and public spaces.
It also aligns with the Downtown Denver Partnership’s Urban Forest Initiative, which aims to create a healthy tree canopy throughout downtown Denver to benefit the community and local businesses. According to DDP’s website, downtown Denver’s current tree canopy is 4 percent, with plans to increase it to 10 percent.
Additional partners on Platte Street Plaza include landscape architect Dig Studio and general contractor Swinerton Construction.
For the latest information about Platte Street Plaza, visit plattestreetplaza.com.
To learn more about Unico’s portfolio in Colorado, please visit https://unicoprop.com.
About Unico Properties LLC
Unico Properties LLC, a subsidiary of Unico Investment Group LLC, is a real estate investor, developer and full-service operator focused on office and multifamily assets throughout the United States. Committed to transforming the built environment for the better, Unico has been acquiring, managing and developing commercial properties in Colorado for more than 13 years. Unico currently owns and operates nearly 4 million square feet of commercial properties in Colorado. For more information, please visit https://unicoprop.com.