Comments on: Writer Square Renovation Proposed

By: beyonddc

beyonddc — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 14:24:00 +0000

>I've tried to find comparable sites for cities like New York, Chicago or San Francisco

DenverInfill is a really amazing site. Ken does an amazing job with it. Denver is lucky it's here.

But other cities just do things differently. Instead of one clearinghouse site, the bigger cities tend to have massive networks of blogs/sites, each filling a more specific niche. It would just be impossible for one site to do all these same things in New York - New York is too huge for one person.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Beam me up Scotty!

By: pizzuti

pizzuti — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:05:00 +0000

I agree, Ken's take on the matter is very up-to-date with the current thinking on urban design, and certainly in tune with my own. If the sheer amount of work requires that he bring in interns or contributors, that could improve the site with more frequent updates - but I hope they'd remain under the vision it has now.

The push behind the concept of "infill" is for pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods, increasing density before claiming new prisitne land, increasing mass transit, green design, and sidewalk-friendly aesthetics, which are values Ken expresses well. It's a progressive idea. We know that not everyone in the U.S. is progressive, but the emphasis and love of "downtowns" is certainly progressive.

Aesthetics is probably one of the most important issues to us here, simply because its the most emotionally pleasing to see change and is most likely to bring a person in to a neighborhood, which is why there is a huge focus on getting rid fo parking lots.

There are people who have differing views on urban planning; some would prefer "Denver Infill" be worded "Metropolitan Growth," and some prefer no planning at all. But because of their preferences we find them around Highland's Ranch and Castle Rock rather than Downtown - I think Denverinfill does perfectly what it is trying to do.

I've tried to find comparable sites for cities like New York, Chicago or San Francisco, and even in more populous and more urban-oriented cities I haven't found anything more comprehensive than Denverinfill.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:28:00 +0000

Anon 12:59:

Actually that is not the purpose of blogs. Perhaps you were thinking a wiki?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:50:00 +0000

http://www.indenvertimes.com/2009/04/09/with-new-rules-work-on-civic-center-can-begin/

Civic Center Park info!!!!

By: The Dirt

The Dirt — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 21:26:00 +0000

@ Anon 12:59am

That's a fair point but lose the attitude. This is Ken's blog and he can do what he wants with it – even shut it down.

By: joeindt

joeindt — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 13:33:00 +0000

Try skyscraperpage.com, among the many. There are so many smart people there, and there are many people who belive they are smart. There is also the option of starting your own blog.
Personally, I like the way Ken frames things and keeps order.
I have found that people that have far more interesting information are condescending and usually the info they isn't really interesting at all, but they can just argue their topic better that anyone else.
So don't be swayed Ken, do what YOU want.

By: Ken

Ken — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 04:41:00 +0000

A fair question, Mr./Ms. Anonymous. I am working on a redo of DenverInfill that will make it a more collaborative environment, hopefully something for later in 2009. In the meantime, post your opinions as comments if you'd like.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:59:00 +0000

It would be nice if the man behind the blog postings actually posted reader input instead of hogging all of the headlines for himself - "AKA Ken". Just think, all of the people that have opinions and perhaps far more knowledge about topics are confined to just the comment section.

Why not open things up Kenny? Your trip to Indianapolis was almost interesting. Pleanty of people have been to far more interesting places and have far more interesting information to add to this blog than just you. That's the purpose of blogs, to combine all opinions, both reader and host.

Your still that figure of authority who has the power to control and edit the posts, so why not give some other people a chance?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 05:07:00 +0000

Like others, I actually like the "off the beaten path" that WS has. One of the great things about old European cities is the alley or narrow street that has the great restaurant, pub, cafe, bookstore, etc. It's a nice break from the block by block layout. There are a few other "hidden" passageways in the city that would be wonderful to revitalize in some fashion. The passage to Lime and the great little patio at Bistro Vendome is a favorite. A wonderful hidden space to me is the alley behind Capitol Grille. I think since that was built, not much is there, but it has a little plaza, and would be a gem of a spot if it was better known and more accessible. I also think the alley behind Tattered Cover has potential.

That said I agree that the Larimer side of WS could use some work, and some updates to storefronts are needed. However, despite its DURA roots, it actually works pretty well.

How many current projects would we love to have office, residential, retail and restaurants all more or less making a decent go of it (present economy excluded)...on an entire city block? This was thought out reasonably well and is fairly cohesive, don't mess with it too much!