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Session Guide

FRI-C05: From Setback to Comeback: Reviving an Urban Icon

Friday, October 10, 2025
2:00 PM - 3:15 PM CT
Location: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Room 220-222
1.25 PDH, LA CES/HSW, AICP, FL

This session explores how an integrated team tackled the challenges of revamping a historic public transitway and pedestrian mall in downtown Denver through a “design-build” process. Key solutions include preserving businesses during construction, innovative paving and planting designs, and ensuring long-term maintenance for this transformative urban renovation.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explore the design-build delivery method’s benefits and challenges, including “Buy America” procurement, while addressing the complexities of redesigning historically designated projects to meet modern codes and create vibrant public spaces.
  • Learn innovative design solutions for planting large trees in complex urban settings, addressing access, utilities, drainage, and horticultural needs.
  • Discover the latest technologies and techniques for granite paving in freeze-thaw environments, ensuring durability and performance in harsh climates.
  • Understand the essential strategies for ongoing maintenance, operations, and programming to ensure the long-term success and vitality of large-scale public realm spaces post-construction.