RiNo ArtPark Wins Historic Denver Remix Award
RiNo ArtPark was awarded the Remix Award at Historic Denver’s 54th Annual Gala. RiNo ArtPark is a striking example of community collaboration and advocacy in action, and how creative design can blend the old with the new.
The $7 million+ project breathes fresh life into Denver’s industrial past as the result of years of advocacy by the RiNo Art District and a series of first-of-their-kind public, nonprofit, and private partnerships aimed at addressing community needs.
Through a number of community meetings, the team heard what people wanted from these industrial warehouses along the South Platte riverfront and worked with Wenk Associates and Tres Birds Workshop to design functional, affordable spaces with those needs and wants in mind. The park’s design preserves the industrial character of the area while integrating new elements like vibrant community hubs, an elevated walkway, and lush green spaces, creating a harmonious blend of natural and built environments.
photo credit: James Florio
Through a partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation, RiNo Art District is responsible for the fundraising, building out, and managing the new community assets at RiNo ArtPark in Akins Park. RiNo ArtPark is now home to Bob Ragland Branch of Denver Library, the Alto Gallery, eight affordable artist studios managed by Redline Denver, Denver Zone Library , and Comal Kitchen. With the cost of rent in Denver, the Art District knew affordability would be a major challenge for these organizations, so they provide all of these spaces at substantially below-market rates.
The newest addition to the ArtPark is Truss House (also known as the Interstate Building), a new community and performing arts venue. Designed with inclusivity and access in mind, arts and nonprofit users have rotating access to the new space at subsidized rates. The venue is also available to the community for private events, the costs of which further subsidize creative and community programming.
RiNo ArtPark in Arkins Park demonstrates how thoughtful development can honor the past while serving the future, offering a model for urban revitalization.
See award video courtesy of Historic Denver and Havey Pro Cinema.
