Cherry Creek North Design Guidelines - City and County of Denver

D ESIGN GUIDELINES 

for C H E R R Y C R E E K N O R TH HT 

U RBAN D ESIGN S T ANDARDS AND G UIDELINES 

C OMMUNITY P LANNING AND D EVELOPMENT A GENCY 

C ITY and C OUNTY of D ENVER 

S PRING 1991 

U PDATED F ALL 2000

URBAN DESIGN STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES 

CONTENTS 

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 

Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 

History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 

The Review Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 

The Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 

Goals for Cherry Creek North Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 

Guidelines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 

Street-level Continuity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 

Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 

Storefront Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 

Arcades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 

Mid-Block Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 

Sidewalk Cafés . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 

Handicapped Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 

Wall Amelioration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Building Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Height at the Sidewalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 

Plazas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

Paving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

Adjoining Walls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

Seating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

Pedestrian Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 

Telephone Booths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

Litter Receptacles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

Bicycle Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

Drinking Fountains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

Leaning Rail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 

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CHERRY CREEK NORTH 

Signs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 

Streetscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 

Street Trees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 

Pedestrian Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 

The Tree Lawn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 

Intersection Markers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 

Sidewalk Paving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 

Kiosks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 

District Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 

Newspaper Dispensers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 

Bollards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 

Fountains and Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 

Art . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30


INTRODUCTION 

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Cherry Creek North is unique. It has 

character or a feel that is different from any 

other part of Denver. The character of a 

place can be defined as the quality of the 

relationship between the place and the 

observer, whether motorist or pedestrian. 

Character is developed in the mind of the 

observer out of his/her interaction with the 

objects of the landscape: including masses 

of buildings, trees, open spaces, street 

furniture, details, materials, colors, the 

relationships between these objects, and 

the rhythms and sequences of their 

placement. 

This publication is concerned with these 

objects of the landscape as they appear in 

Cherry Creek North to create the area’s 

sense of place. If the District’s character is 

well defined, both in terms of physical 

appearance and market niche, Cherry 

Creek North will be able to compete with 

large single-entity retail developments like 

the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and 

other retail districts such as the Sixteenth 

Street Mall. 

As private properties redevelop it is 

essential that they respect and reinforce the 

District’s character and contribute to the 

way we perceive its sense of place. 

It is our hope that, as a result of the 

streetscape projects and these guidelines, in 

the years ahead the public will see the 

Cherry Creek North District as having a 

unified image, greater in impact and higher 

in quality than would otherwise have been 

achieved by a collection of individual 

projects, each with its own competing and 

disconnected image. 


Context 

The streetscape project completed in 

October of 1989 in Cherry Creek North 

represents more than a coordinated system 

of streetscape elements. It represents a joint 

venture of district property owners, retailers 

and the City to create a retail center of the 

highest quality. The District and the City 

together spent $9 million to refurbish and 

place utilities underground and to design 

and build streetscape improvements and a 

pedestrian plaza that will firmly establish 

the District’s identity and enable it to 

compete with any similar shopping district 

in the nation. 

The District’s character was defined, and 

designs were produced that embody it. 

Design elements were then placed 

throughout the district to reinforce that 

character and to set the direction for the 

future. It is recognized that the success of 

the district could also mean the erosion of 

its character if speculation and insensitive 

development were allowed unchecked. To 

protect this investment, the City now 

requires that all projects be reviewed by the 

Design Advisory Board before a building 

permit is granted. 

History 

The redevelopment of Cherry Creek 

Shopping Mall was a center of controversy 

for over 15 years until 1984 when the City, 

under newly elected Mayor Peña, 

established a comprehensive 

neighborhood planning committee. 

A steering committee of representatives 

from each neighborhood association in the 

area was formed and, with the City’s help, 

spent the next two years drafting the 

Cherry Creek Neighborhood Plan. At the


same time, the Taubman Company 

prepared, with review by the steering 

committee, a plan for the successful 

redevelopment of the shopping center. 

Recognizing the threat to the viability of 

the Cherry Creek North Stores, the 

Taubman Company funded the creation of 

a design concept for the Cherry Creek 

North streetscape project. Out of this plan 

grew the impetus to form a local 

improvement district to build the 

streetscape project. The idea was to 

renovate the shopping district at the same 

time as the shopping center was being 

built and to have both projects come 

together in one giant stroke. The 

streetscape was completed in October 

1989. In 1988 the Design Advisory Board 

was established by ordinance, and a draft 

version of the Design Guidelines was 

prepared. In 1989, the Cherry Creek North 

Design Zoning Advisory Committee was 

formed to develop new zoning regulations. 

Out of this effort the Design Advisory 

Board’s Design Guidelines were pushed 

toward their final form. 

The purpose of these guidelines is to alert 

architects and developers to community 

concerns, and to guide the Design Advisory 

Board in their review process. Any project 

proposed for Cherry Creek North whose 

cost is more than $10,000, is subject to 

design review by the Design Advisory 

Board and the City’s Planning staff. 

Before a project is issued a building permit, 

it must be reviewed by the Design Advisory 

Board and city planning staff, whose 

recommendations are sent to the Zoning 

Administrator. The Zoning administrator 

approves or denies the project. An appeal 

process of the administration’s decision is 

provided for in the ordinance. 

The Review Process 

The design review process applies to all 

zone lots within the Cherry Creek North 

zone district boundaries and will also be 

required for all Planned Unit Development 

amendment applications for zone lots 

contiguous to the Cherry Creek North 

District. 

The design review process can be initiated 

by contacting the Denver Planning and 

Community Development Office to 

schedule a pre-application meeting. Project 

designers are strongly encouraged to 

request a pre-application conference in the 

conceptual or even discussion stage of the 

design process. The pre-application process 

provides an opportunity for informal 

discussion of the specific circumstances of 

the project and how the guidelines might 

affect its development. At this meeting the 

applicant will be given details of the review 

process and submittal requirements. 

There are two review procedures, 

depending on the estimated cost of the 

project. They are as follows: 

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4 

■ Process when Exterior 

Improvements Exceed $50,000 

If the estimated cost of the exterior 

improvements (as given on the building 

permit application) is over $50,000, the 

applicant then prepares an application for 

approval of the design plan and files it 

with the Zoning Department. It is 

forwarded to the Planning and 

Community Development Office and the 

Design Advisory Board (DAB), and a 

presentation by the applicant to the DAB 

and the city planning staff will be 

scheduled to occur within 25 days of 

submittal unless extended. Following the 

presentation, the DAB will send its written 

recommendation to the Zoning 

Administration. The applicant may appeal 

to the planning board the DAB’s 

recommendations, which shall evaluate 

everyone’s comments and forward a final 

recommendation to the Zoning 

Administrator. The administrator may 

approve the project with conditions based 

on the DAB’s and planning Board’s 

comments; but the administrator must 

deny a project if that is recommended by 

the Planning Board. Appeal of the Zoning 

Administrator’s decision may be made to 

the Board of Adjustments. 

■ Process when Exterior 

Improvements are $50,000 or Less 

Exterior improvements which cost less than 

$10,000 are exempt from design review 

process in the Cherry Creek North zone 

district. 

If the estimated cost of the exterior 

improvements (as given on the building 

permit application) is from $10,000 up to 

$50,000 the applicant shall arrange for a 

pre-application conference with the 

planning staff and file an application with 

the Zoning Administration. The planning 


staff will discuss the project with the 

Design Advisory Board (DAB) and will 

submit recommendation to the Zoning 

Administrator, who may deny or approve 

the application. A formal presentation to 

the DAB is not required. Appeal of the 

Zoning Administrator’s decision is made to 

the Board of Adjustments. 

The Guidelines 

The guidelines contained in this document 

are to assist in meeting the goals of the 

District. They are intended to aid designers 

in understanding the goals and objectives 

of the District and the Design Advisory 

Board. 

The guidelines are not intended as 

inflexible rules or standards. Exceptions to 

them may be granted if more appropriate 

solutions consistent with the intent of the 

guidelines can be found. The Design 

Advisory Board, while interested in seeing 

that project designers understand and 

respond to their goals for the District, is 

also interested in encouraging creative 

solutions to design problems. The main 

intent of these guidelines is to present a 

comprehensive look at the Design Advisory 

Board’s concerns for the District. The Board 

may also address itself to aspects of a 

projects design which are not covered by 

the guidelines. 

The guidelines are presented in a simple 

format: they are grouped according to 

subject, i.e. building, plaza, parking, signs, 

or streetscape. For each there is a statement 

of intent followed by guidelines. 

Photographs and illustrations are included 

to further expand the guideline and in 

some cases to illustrate a good or bad 

example drawn from the district.


R-0 PUD R-3-X 

PUD 

O-1 

University Blvd. 

B-3 

Josephine St. 

Columbine St. 

B-1 PUD 

Clayton St. 

PUD 

Detroit St. 

B-3 

0 100' 200' 400' 600' 

Alameda Ave. 

captioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaptioncaption 

Cherry Creek North Zone District 

Fillmore St. 

Milwaukee St. 

P-1 

PUD 

CMU PUD PUD 

N 

St. Paul St. 

PUD 

PUD 

Steele St. 

PUD 

5 

R-2 

Adams St. 

R-2 

P-1 

R-2 

B-2 

PUD 

R-3 B-A 

B-1 

P-1 

Cook St. 

6th Ave. 

5th Ave. 

Madison St. 

4th Ave. 

3rd Ave. 

2nd Ave. 

1st Ave. 

Ellsworth Ave. 

Bayaud Ave. 

Cedar Ave.

6 

The guidelines generally address activities 

and relationships and how to create a 

setting that supports them. It is recognized 

that there are many ways to meet any one 

of the guidelines. This is why we have 

included a statement of intent for each set 

of guidelines. If the guidelines don’t 

address a design issue’s particular 

circumstances, the applicant should 

consult the “intent” paragraph for 

guidance. 

Goals for Cherry Creek 

North Design 

The basic goals of the Cherry Creek North 

District Design guidelines are to promote 

development that is in keeping with the 

existing character, scale, and ambience of 

the District; to encourage the architectural 

design solutions that are interesting and 

attractive; and to promote pedestrian and 

shopping activities, particularly at street 

level. 

Building designs are sought that are easy to 

read in terms of understanding the 

activities they house and also temper the 

climate in favor of the pedestrian. These 

guidelines seek to maximize the streetside 

conditions that promote window 

shopping, exploration, and strolls for the 

pleasure of it; and they seek to minimize 

the gap in the shopping experience caused 

by parking lots, parking structures, office 

buildings, vacant land, and blank walls. 

Cherry Creek North should be a place 

where the pedestrian feels welcomed and 

comfortable. It is a retail / restaurant / 

entertainment experience first and 

foremost. 


These goals are reflected in the guidelines 

on buildings, parking, plazas, signs, and 

streetscape that follow. 

The objectives of these guidelines are to: 

◗ Promote continuity of retail uses along 

streets in the district. 

◗ Encourage new infill development that 

will generate pedestrian activity. 

◗ Encourage a variety of architectural 

styles. 

◗ Encourage relatively small scale of 

development. 

◗ Encourage landscaping and other 

architectural devices to screen parking 

uses next to pedestrian paths. 

◗ Encourage development in keeping 

with the architectural style, 

arrangement, texture, and materials 

used on existing structures in the area. 

◗ Encourage signs that fit the character of 

the district and do not detract or 

overpower the architecture. 

◗ Provide for a pleasant, rich, and diverse 

pedestrian experience.


GUIDELINES 

7

Buildings 

Retail Continuity at the Street Level 

8 

Scale 

INTENT 

◗ 


To encourage Cherry Creek North to become a place of 

concentrated pedestrian activity and interaction. One thing 

that makes the area interesting is the amount of activity on 

the street. If the streets are to have life, buildings must be 

oriented to the street. Ground floor uses and activities in new 

developments should be integrated with existing retail uses 

and activities along the street front. 

To create buildings and spaces that are pedestrian in scale and 

that impart feelings of adequacy and comfort rather than 

intimidation; to encourage designs for buildings and spaces 

that contain an abundance of visual clues as to size. 

Definition 

Scale is the term used to describe the perception of a 

building’s (or space’s) size in relation to a human. As we look 

at a building, we tend to want to know how big it is relative to 

ourselves. So we look for clues that might tell us. The most 

obvious clues are doors and windows. Other clues may be the 

size of a brick, a handrail, a step, a pattern of texture. Facades 

than contain a hierarchy of subdivisions, patterns, objects and 

textures tend to give us the feeling that we can grasp the 

building’s size and thus establish a relationship between the 

building and ourselves. 

At one end of the range of scales is monumental, which 

deprives the observer of the ability to gauge size (by oversizing 

even familiar objects), with the intention of imparting 

feelings of inadequacy and intimidation in the observer. 

Near the other end is pedestrian, which gives the observer an 

abundance of clues as to size, with the intention of giving the 

observer the sense that he/she can grasp the building’s size, 

and is able to judge how he/she relates to it in terms of size. 

We tend to feel more comfortable when we feel as though we 

know how we fit into our surroundings. 

Scale is one of the elements or aspects that contributes to our 

perception of a place’s character. 

In Cherry Creek North the scales of existing buildings vary, 

but the area along 3rd Avenue, which is most closely identified 

with Cherry Creek North’s image, is small, human and 

pedestrian in scale. It is the area that seems to feel most 

comfortable.


GUIDELINES 

◗ Though lacking in handicaped access, a good This plaza, mid-block between Filmore Plaza and 

◗ When planning new buildings or redevelopment projects, develop 

the ground level with as much street oriented retail and service space 

as possible. At least 75% of new building fronts shall be occupied by 

retail use (including restaurants). Offices, clubs, and banks, among 

other uses, are permitted only within the remaining building front. 

◗ Develop the ground level of buildings to provide visual interest to 

pedestrians. This means either outdoor dining areas or retail display 

windows or service-oriented activities that can be viewed through 

storefront glazing. If the building face at the sidewalk edge cannot 

be glazed, then the blank wall should be treated in an interesting 

way with decorative architectural finishes, screens, display cases, 

sculpture, murals, or plant materials. 

◗ Design buildings to be small-scale, and pedestrian-oriented at the 

street level. 

◗ Use structural bays, expressed columns, window mullions, etc to give 

the ground floor level human scale. 

◗ Design small-scale buildings that add to the variety of architectural 

styles found in the District. 

◗ A wide variety of architectural styles and treatments are encouraged 

in the area as it adds to the enjoyment of the district. This does not 

mean, however, to encourage designs that are outlandish or 

incongruent with the character of the district. 

◗ Design large buildings so that they appear small in scale. Avoid 

massive, monolithic facades. 

◗ In general, all retail shops at street level should have direct access to 

and from the sidewalk. Avoid designs that call for shoppers to enter 

internal malls or lobbies before entering shops, unless to serve 

upper level shops. 

◗ Avoid split-level entrance schemes where shops are entered via steps 

or stairs to a below grade or above grade retail level. Split-level 

entrances tend to reduce pedestrian activity on the street and create 

barriers between shoppers on the sidewalk and the display windows. 

Split level entrance schemes create a character very different from 

that which is created by having shop entrances that open directly 

onto the sidewalk. 

◗ Limit the height of building facades at the sidewalk edge to two 

stories. Floors above the second floor should be set back so that they 

cannot be seen from the sidewalk in front of the building. 

◗ The length of a north or south façade shall not exceed 125 feet 

without interruption. Thus, if a project extends from a north-south 

street and has frontage on an east-west street, its mass will be broken 

at the usual street to alley dimension and will reflect the historic 

development pattern. 

◗ If a project’s site is larger than one block, interrupt the building’s 

facades where streets would have been had they been extended 

through the site on the street grid. 

storefront example: clear visibility and signage Milwaukee on the south side of 2nd Avenue, breaks the 

well integrated into the storefront design. building’s mass at ground level, preventing the block’s 

scale from becoming too large. 

9

Buildings 

10 

Storefront Design 

Arcades 

Mid-Block Connections 

INTENT 

◗ 


To encourage well-designed, legible storefront design that is 

tasteful, complementary to the district, and provides a 

continuous shopping environment along the street edge. 

To encourage arcades to be placed where they will encourage 

the flow of pedestrian movement and where they will serve to 

enhance the visual continuity of the corridor. Arcades soften 

and temper the environment at the sidewalk and create a 

more pleasant shopping experience. They are especially good 

where a building fronts a large outdoor space such as a plaza. 

They serve as a transition space between the plaza and the 

space inside the building. 

To provide clear, interesting, and accessible routes for 

pedestrians to traverse blocks at or near mid-block.


GUIDELINES 

◗ ◗ 

◗ Provide for good visibility into storefront windows. 

◗ Use awnings or canopies to reduce glare and reflections on storefront 

glass and at the same time shade and protect the pedestrian standing 

near the storefront. 

◗ Awnings or canopies shall not be supported by posts in the sidewalk. 

Awnings and canopies shall be cantilevered from the building face 

so as to keep the sidewalk as clear and unobstructed as possible. 

Care should be taken to preserve views down the street. 

◗ Balconies shall not extend into the right-of-way over the sidewalk. 

◗ Building facades should generally align in plan to create a 

continuous façade. This produces a comfortable sense of enclosure 

◗ Arcades are encouraged where they occupy an entire block or adjoin 

a plaza. Where an adjoining, existing building provides for an 

arcade, new buildings should continue the arcade. 

Only when a development covers an entire block or a half-block 

from numbered street to numbered street is a mid-block pedestrian 

connection encouraged. 

for the pedestrian and a continuous storefront that attracts and 

encourages the pedestrian to continue along the street. 

◗ If the façade wall is to be set back from the property line to create 

courtyards or arcades, use other elements, such as columns, planters, 

changes in paving materials, or railings, to define the edge of the 

sidewalk. 

◗ Give special attention to the design of buildings located at street 

intersections. Corner buildings serve special functions as they are 

generally more visible than interior lots, serve as landmarks and 

provide a sense of enclosure to the intersection. 

◗ Mid-block connections should be interesting as spaces in and of 

themselves rather than merely hallways to, say, parking or service 

loading. 

◗ Mid-block connections should be handicapped accessible and well 

lighted. 

11

Buildings 

12 

Sidewalk Cafes 

Handicapped Access 

INTENT 

◗ 


To promote the outdoor use of the district and provide 

opportunities for one of our favorite activities, people 

watching, along with a setting in which to relax and reflect 

with a cup of espresso and a newspaper. This is one of the 

experiences that defines the Cherry Creek North ambience. 

Please note that sidewalk cafes are subject to special zoning 

conditions, and an annual permit is required. 

Illustration of sidwalk cafe guidelines 

To encourage the redevelopment of Cherry Creek North as a 

totally accessible district. 

There exists in Cherry Creek North a number of buildings 

whose ground floors are not accessible to the handicapped. In 

some cases it is because the building was originally built 

higher than the sidewalk, probably to reduce snow drifting 

into the building from the sidewalk. In other cases it is 

because the building owner has created garden levels or built 

the retail space above a half-sunken parking garage. The 

recent streetscape project corrected these conditions where 

possible. However, it was not possible to correct all of them. It 

is hoped that future development and redevelopment of these 

sites will eventually result in an accessible district.


GUIDELINES 

◗ 

◗ Open air cafes shall be permanently unenclosed, even though they 

may have a temporary fabric roof. No kitchen equipment shall be 

installed within the open air café. A station service through which 

water or table service is provided may be joined to the café. 

◗ A clear path at least 5 feet wide for pedestrians to pass on the 

sidewalk must be maintained. 

◗ If seating is planned for the tree lawn area, the area should be paved 

with 12” X 12” flagstone pavers or buff-colored concrete to match 

the sidewalk at intersections. Railings must be located at least 2 feet 

from the street to avoid damage to cars. 

◗ Eating areas should be well defined and easy to maintain. 

Lightweight metal railings painted white are preferred. Second 

choices: railing similar to the railing on the pavilion on Fillmore 

Plaza and brass. 

◗ One of the handicap accessible routes required by the building code 

should be the same as the principal public entrance. 

◗ If there is only one accessible route into a building, it should not be 

via a rear or service entrance. 

◗ If parking for the building is located at the rear or within the 

building, there should be two accessible routes, one from the 

parking area and another via the front or public entrance. 

◗ All accessible routes shall extend from within the building to the 

handicapped parking spaces or the public sidewalk without 

interruption. 

◗ Sidewalk café areas on Fillmore Plaza or Fillmore Street shall be 

reviewed by the Design Advisory Board on a case-by-case basis. 

◗ The width of an outdoor eating area should be no more than the 

width of the deli or café in front of which is located. In any case the 

width should not exceed 25 feet. 

◗ Sidewalk café is the only use that is recommended to encroach onto 

the tree lawn and only if the restaurant or café or deli to which it is 

accessory is also at street level. 

◗ On Fillmore Street between 2nd Avenue and 3rd Avenue, sidewalk 

cafes should not be placed on the tree lawn but should be placed 

adjacent to the storefront which they serve. 

◗ On Fillmore Plaza, between 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, space in the 

public right-of way for sidewalk cafes is limited and so should be 

located in the areas where buildings are set back from the right-ofway 

line. 

This inaccessible entrance, a result of zoning 

regulations’ definition of gross floor area, allows 

garden-level space development in addition to what 

is allowed by the maximum allowable floor area ratio. 

13

Buildings 

Street Wall Amelioration 

Building Materials, 

Textures, Patterns, Colors 

Building Height at the Sidewalk 

14 

INTENT 

◗ 


To enliven the sidewalk for pedestrians by preventing dull, 

alienating, blank walls along the ground level of new 

developments. This is particularly important in Cherry Creek 

North where the scale and character of the architecture along 

the sidewalk contributes so much to the character of the 

district. 

To reinforce the district’s character and image by using 

materials, textures, patterns, and colors similar to those that 

are predominant in the area. 

To preserve the small scale appearance of the typical street in 

Cherry Creek North.


GUIDELINES 

◗ ◗ 

◗ Fifty percent of all walls between 5 and 10 feet in height should be 

transparent (i.e. doors and windows). Transparent is defined as an 

opening within the wall a minimum of 2 feet in width. 

◗ Use materials that are supportive of the district’s character in terms of 

color, scale, and texture. Avoid the use of highly reflective wall 

materials that will generate glare and heat, especially at the sidewalk 

level. Also use patterns that provide scale and interest and relate to 

existing patterns in the district. 

◗ Use architectural features wherever possible to tie the district together 

and build on existing strengths. For example, new development 

along the edges of Fillmore Plaza should relate to the design of the 

plaza. This can be done by incorporating architectural and landscape 

features that complement and support the plaza and create interplay 

between the Plaza’s and the building’s designs. The shopping 

experience and the enjoyment of the Plaza can both be enhanced by 

this integration. 

Limit the Height of the building at the street face to 25 feet, 

maximum. If the building is to be taller, step the upper floors back 

from the front setback, keeping within 45 degree inclined bulk 

plane starting from a point 27 feet above the sidewalk at the front 

setback line. 

◗ Any wall facing the street without doors and windows that is 50 feet 

long or more should be covered with either ivy, greenery, a mosaic 

or bas-relief reviewed by the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory 

Board and the Cherry Creek North Foundation. 

◗ At the edges of the district, relate to and be sensitive to the adjoining 

residential neighborhood by choosing similar materials, shapes, etc. 

◗ Treat all publicly visible facades of a building equally in terms of 

materials, color, and design details. The building should have a 

finished appearance on all publicly visible sides. 

◗ Exterior doors (store entrances) should be at least 30% transparent. 

Illustration of bulk plane and front-yard setback. 

15

Parking 

16 

Parking 

INTENT 

◗ 


To provide continuity of retail frontage along the sidewalk; to 

define pedestrian space vs. auto parking space; to define street 

space especially at intersections; and to create lively and 

interesting facades for the enjoyment of pedestrians.


GUIDELINES 

◗ Because of the way the design of the parking levels are 

◗ Parking lots should not be placed at the sidewalk edge because it 

breaks the continuity of retail on the street, particularly if a parking 

lot is placed on a corner lot. 

◗ Buildings on corner lots should be designed to serve special 

functions: they enclose the intersection and anchor the ends of 

blocks, serve as landmarks, and are more visible than interior lots, 

and therefore contribute more to the character of the area. 

◗ Where parking is located on a site with a building, locate the parking 

at the rear and/or to one side of the building (away from the street). 

This will minimize gaps in the continuous building wall of the 

block. 

◗ If access to parking interrupts the continuity of ground floor retail 

between multi story buildings on a block face, the upper floors 

should be continued over the access drive to at least create 

continuity of facades. 

◗ The number of curb cuts should be minimized to reduce conflicts 

between pedestrians and automobiles and increase the opportunities 

for landscaping the planting strip between the sidewalk and the 

curb. Where possible, and where cooperation exists, adjacent owners 

should share curb cuts (driveways). Where possible, and where 

cooperation exists, adjacent owners should share curb cuts 

(driveways). 

◗ Where a parking lot or parking structure is next to a public sidewalk 

or visible from the public right-of-way, a landscape buffer 5 feet 

wide or equal to the setback of the adjacent building must be 

provided. This way the front edge of a parking lot or structure will 

line up with the building facades on either side and a continuous 

integrated with the storefront level in this facade, you 

are hardly aware of the parking levels above. 

setback line is maintained down the street. Plant this area with trees 

spaced 20 feet apart and shrubs to reach a height of about 3 feet at 

maturity, planted 5 feet apart. About half of the shrubs should be 

evergreens. 

◗ Landscaping and/or low walls, screens, etc. should be used to screen 

views of cars and to soften the streetscape. (Refer to “Rules and 

Regulations for the Landscaping of Parking Areas, City and County 

of Denver, Revised May 10, 1989). 

◗ Parking structures should be designed so that they are compatible 

with buildings in the area: As a first step, the horizontal and vertical 

elements of the parking structure façade should be similar to those 

of adjacent structures. Also, the spacing and proportions of openings 

in the façade should be similar to those of windows on adjacent 

buildings. The same or similar materials and textures should be used 

on the façade of a parking structure to match adjacent buildings. 

◗ Parking structures should be designed with retail or other active uses 

at the ground floor sidewalk edge. Design buildings with belowgrade 

parking or by locating retail or personal service uses along the 

street frontage with parking behind. Parking within a parking 

structure at ground level at the street frontage is strongly 

discouraged. 

◗ The design of parking structures should be architecturally integrated 

with the design and structure of the buildings they serve. Consider 

ways of treating the façade of the parking structure portion of a 

building to make it match the façade of the rest of the building. 

Blank walls may even be covered with display cases. 

17

Plazas 

Plazas 

Landscaping 

Paving 

Treatment of Adjoining Walls 

18 

INTENT 

◗ 


To provide open spaces such as plazas and courtyards which 

give relief and interest to the streetscape. As public amenities, 

they should be designed to be easily accessible and 

comfortable for as much of the year as possible. 

To soften and humanize the plaza landscapes to introduce 

elements of nature into the urban environment; and to 

modulate the scale of outdoor spaces. 

To insure that plazas are considered distinct spaces and are 

designed as such. Pavements of varied physical texture, color, 

and pattern can be used to guide movement and define 

functional areas. The surface underfoot is a very immediate 

and personal kind of experience, both visual and tactile, 

making a major contribution to an area’s sense of place. 

To insure that the walls that enclose plazas are considered as 

part of the design and integrated into it. Even though this 

would be desirable in any case, this guideline is only intended 

for walls under the same ownership as the adjacent plaza.


GUIDELINES 

◗ ◗ 

◗ Plazas and courtyards should connect to other activities such as 

outdoor cafes, restaurants and shop entrances. 

◗ Open spaces should be oriented to take advantage of views and 

sunshine. 

◗ Seating should be designed so that it does not hold water and debris. 

Planter walls can be used for seating. Seating should, if possible, be 

shaded in the summer and receive sunshine in the winter. 

◗ Plazas on a street corner often feel too exposed and are not 

comfortable places in which to sit and enjoy the passing scenery. 

Plazas and courtyards should be made comfortable by using 

architectural and landscape elements to create a slight sense of 

enclosure and security. Sometimes all it takes is creating a slightly 

◗ Planters, including hanging planters, or planting beds with seasonal 

flowers, shrubs or ivy, or other plants, should occupy an area not 

less than 150 square feet for each 1,000 square feet of plaza space. 

The area occupied by a single permanent planter or planting bed 

shall be at least 30 square feet with a depth of soil of at least 18 

inches to guard against uprooting. Hanging planters are exempt 

from these minimum size and placement guidelines. 

◗ When grass or other ground cover is provided as an additional 

amenity, it should cover an area of at least 15 percent of the plaza 

area. 

◗ Nonskid surface materials (such as concrete pavers, brick and quarry 

tile) of varied dyes, aggregates, and textures are suggested as 

decorative paving for all plazas. The materials used for paving may 

be extended. The materials used for paving may be extended into 

the sidewalk area and perhaps the curb line to render visual 

continuity along the sidewalk and to serve as a unifying element 

Treatment of plaza walls which are the side walls of adjacent 

buildings is recommended. The walls of a building adjoining a plaza 

should be covered with ivy, greenery, art work (bas-relief or mosaic 

reviewed by the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board and the 

out-of-way niche where one can sit and enjoy a piece of art or a 

fountain and still feel a part of the street activity. 

◗ Steps in plazas should have treads at least 12 inches deep and risers 

no higher than 6.5 inches. Steps should always be accompanied by 

ramps placed nearby. 

◗ All plaza spaces shall be provided with a minimum of one tree per 

1,000 square feet of space. The tree shall be at least 3 ? to 4 inches in 

diameter. Each tree shall be planted in at least 100 cubic feet of soil 

with a depth of soil not less than 3 feet 6 inches to insure that it 

survives the urban environment. Trees may also be planted to flush 

to grade, in a planting bed with a minimum continuous area of 75 

square feet. 

binding the plaza area to the street. This can have the effect of 

making a plaza more inviting for the pedestrian to use. On Fillmore, 

between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue, plaza pavement should be buff 

colored concrete to match the sidewalk on Fillmore Street. 

Cherry Creek North Foundation), or otherwise decoratively treated. 

The wall surface should be treated up to a height of 20 feet, or the 

entire first floor, whichever is less. 

19

Plazas 

20 

Seating 

Pedestrian Lighting 

INTENT 

◗ 


To maximize opportunities for people to use plazas; to 

provide places for people to sit, in sufficient numbers with 

flexibility of placement and orientation in mind. 

To provide illumination during hours of darkness to increase 

plaza safety and usage. Lighting is important, particularly for 

mid and through block plazas where the use is restricted and 

visibility is limited.


GUIDELINES 

◗ This planter wall serves as a seat. It is cool, informal When fixed seating is appropriate, match the 

◗ One linear foot of seating should be provided for each 30 square feet 

of plaza space. Seating without backs should have a minimum 

depth of 16 inches. Seating with backs at least 12 inches high 

should have a minimum depth of 14 inches. Seating 30 inches or 

more in depth counts double, providing there is access on both 

sides. 

◗ At least ten percent of the required seating should have backs, for the 

convenience of the disabled. 

◗ Seating higher than 3 feet and lower than 1 foot above ground level, 

as well as steps, do not count toward these guidelines. 

◗ Steps, ledges, and planter walls should be made so that they can be 

used for sitting. There is no reason that architectural features can’t be 

made to provide double-duty as sitting places. The more the features 

can be made useful for sitting, the more freedom people have to sit 

up front, in the back, to the side, in the sun, or out of it. Ledges are 

also useful as places to rearrange packages and tie one’s shoelaces. 

and the ideal height for sitting. District’s benches. 

◗ Lighting should not be designed that would create glare in nearby 

residences. A lighting intensity of 2 horizontal foot candles will 

provide adequate illumination without creating glare visible in 

adjoining residences. 

◗ Grass is a wonderfully adaptable substance. While not the most 

comfortable for sitting, it is good for napping, sunbathing, and 

picnicking. It also offers the widest possible range of seating 

arrangements. 

◗ Movable chairs should be used when it is desirable to provide 

choices; to move into the sun, out of it; to move closer to someone, 

further away from another. 

◗ When fixed seating is appropriate, match the District’s benches. The 

Districts benches are from the LF1-Plexus collection, available from: 

Kershner Associates, 3045 Umatilla, Denver, Colorado 80211, (303) 

447-5226. Finish: polyester powder coat, ivy color. Model numbers: 

38LXG22-NB, LXS-5, 38LXG11-WB 

◗ The Cherry Creek North pedestrian light should be installed in large 

plazas that are visible from the street so that they reinforce the 

district’s design and character. It is available from: Sterner Lighting 

Systems, Inc. Winstead, Minnesota 55395. (612) 473-1251. 

21

Plazas 

22 

Telephone Booths 

Litter Receptacles 

Bicycle Parking 

Drinking Fountains 

Leaning Rail 

INTENT 

◗ 

To provide convenient access to telephones. 


To insure that there are enough easily accessible trash 

containers. Generally, people are very good about putting 

their trash in containers, as long as there is room in the 

containers or enough containers to keep the District 

litter-free. First, however, there must be sufficient trash 

container capacity. 

To provide for and encourage the use of bicycles as a means of 

getting to and from the district. 

To provide drinking water in plazas or at convenient, visible, 

and accessible locations along the street. 

To provide a supporting rail for people to lean against while 

waiting for a bus, a taxi, or a friend.


GUIDELINES 

◗ ◗ 

◗ Telephones should be located off to the side of active pedestrian 

paths, visible from the street, and near gathering places such as bus 

stops or busy shopping areas. 

◗ The telephone booth pictured is the one recommended for use in 

Cherry Creek North. It is available from: King Products Limited, 

3150 Wharton Way, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, (416) 625-1111. 

◗ For each 1,000 square feet of plaza space, a litter receptacle with a 

minimum capacity of one cubic foot should be provided. Plazas 

containing outdoor eating, services or other uses should double the 

capacity of litter receptacles. If there are uses that generate lots of 

trash adjacent to the plaza, additional trash receptacles should be 

provided. 

◗ Each food vending cart on a privately owned plaza should be 

accompanied by one additional trash receptacle. 

◗ Refer to Denver Department of Public Works for the equipment 

standards for bicycle parking areas. 

◗ Fresh drinking water should be provided in each plaza. In the event 

that two drinking fountains are provided, one shall be 2 feet 6 

inches high, operated by hand and foot, and display the 

International Symbol of Access for the convenience of the disabled. 

Place leaning rails at or near bus stops, places where shoppers are 

picked up or dropped off, and places where people are likely to just 

stop, wait, and observe without necessarily wanting to sit. 

◗ Any seating for more than six people in a privately owned plaza 

should have a trash receptacle associated with it. 

◗ The use of the district’s trash receptacle should be considered. It 

matches the fixed seating and is available from: Kershner Associates, 

3045 Umatilla Street, Denver, Colorado, 80211, (303) 447-5226. 

23

Signs 

24 

Business Signs 

INTENT 

◗ 


To identify the location of a business; to promote the service 

or merchandise within; and to attract and inform customers. 

To get maximum impact and value from signs and buildings, 

they should be designed to work together and support each 

other. The building should be designed to provide a place for 

signs and the signs should be an integral and yet noticeable 

part of the building. When properly designed, the sign and 

building will work together to attract shoppers. 

Following are some simple guidelines for the design and 

placement of signs. Signs still must be approved by the 

Zoning Department and permits obtained from the Building 

Inspection Department and the Sign Code followed. 

The Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (DAB) is 

empowered by ordinance to review and make 

recommendations regarding the design and placement of 

signs. A proliferation of poorly designed signs can ruin the 

appearance of a well designed building. When an applicant 

presents a proposed building design to the DAB, it must 

include sign designs and locations. 

These guidelines are supplemental to the Denver Sign Code.


GUIDELINES 

◗ These signs — a stuffed sheep and wooden butler — are A simple and elegant sign, fitting well with the 

◗ Signs on commercial buildings should fit within existing features of 

the building’s façade. 

◗ New buildings should be designed with built-in sign bands. 

◗ Sign colors, materials, sizes and shapes, and lighting should be used 

to complement the other elements of the façade design. 

◗ Signs should not be positioned so as to obscure architectural details. 

◗ Simple, straight forward shapes that communicate clearly should be 

used. 

◗ Signs as symbols are encouraged because they are easily read and add 

to the vitality of a storefront. 

◗ Sign materials should be durable and easy to maintain. 

◗ Letter styles of signs should be legible. Simple, well-proportioned 

typefaces are good choices. 

◗ Illumination external to the sign surface with lighting directed at the 

sign is preferred over internally lit signs. Internally lit awnings are 

strongly discouraged. 

◗ Light levels should not overpower other signs on the street or the 

façade. By coordinating lighting, color, and placement of the sign 

and display windows, the entire storefront can become an effective 

sign. 

eye-catching and delightful to encouter. storefront. 

◗ Signs in windows should not block views of the displays behind 

them. 

◗ Signs should be designed to help establish the building’s character by 

using cohesive, easily understood graphic themes which 

complement the overall building design. 

◗ Sign character that is expressive of the individual proprietor and 

overall community identity is encouraged. 

◗ Distinctive materials that exhibit craftsmanship and which contribute 

to individual business’ identity should be used. 

◗ If the building façade does not have display windows, then it may be 

appropriate for the retailer to use a small number of merchandise 

objects as the signage for the store. This however would require a 

variance from the Board of Adjustment/Zoning in addition to review 

by the DAB. Objects of merchandise if displayed discreetly can create 

a market atmosphere that feels welcoming and full of charm. 

◗ Signs used as symbols should be considered and are encouraged 

where display windows are not available. They are easily read and 

add to the vitality of a storefront. Permission to use merchandise as 

signage, however, first must be obtained from the Board of 

Adjustment/Zoning. 

25

Streetscape 

26 

Street Trees 

Pedestrian Lights 

The Tree Lawn 

INTENT 

◗ 


To create a rhythmic order along the street, to introduce 

natural elements into the street environment, and to enclose 

the street space by defining street edges. Street trees serve to 

focus and tie. They can also be used to screen, connect, or 

emphasize adjacent objects. In Cherry Creek North, street 

trees are used to reinforce street vistas by enframing the 

motorists view. As trees branch across the pavement they 

appear to reduce street width, bringing opposite building 

facades closer. Trees promote clean air and are amenities that 

soften and humanize the urban concrete texture. Trees planted 

in the District are to be large and hardy so they survive the 

harsh urban environment. 

To provide a visible row of lights along each street in the 

district at night, to light the sidewalk, to generally illuminate 

the area, and, in the daytime, to give the streets in Cherry 

Creek North distinction and create a sense of place for the 

District. 

To provide physical separation between auto traffic and the 

pedestrian without impeding pedestrian access from curb to 

storefront; to provide contact with nature; and visually, to 

soften the hard, unyielding surfaces of urban construction. 

The humble tree lawn considered a major thread of the urban 

design fabric in Cherry Creek North and Denver as a whole. It 

is the foundation of the District’s streetscape design and 

provides the stage and backdrop onto which the majority of 

streetscape elements are placed.


GUIDELINES 

◗ ◗ 

◗ Street trees have been planted at 25 to 30 feet intervals along all street 

frontages. Trees should be 31/2 to 4 inches in diameter and planted 

in the center of the tree lawn or in 42 inches of soil with grated 

coverages flush to grade. 

◗ Generally, all of the trees on a particular street are of a particular 

species. This was done to create as much visual continuity along a 

given street as possible while at the same time avoiding a 

monoculture within the district which could be disastrous if a 

disease or pest were to attack all the trees of that species. Selection of 

tree species should conform to those selected for each street. 

◗ This effort to have all the trees on a particular street segment be of the 

same species should be maintained. However, where a plaza fronts 

on a street, it may be desirable to plant a different within the plaza 

to distinguish it, in terms of color, size and leaf texture, from the 

street edge. Also, street corners are marked by ornamental trees to 

add color and highlights. 

◗ The line of pedestrian streets along all street frontages in the district 

must be maintained using the pedestrian light illustrated below. 

◗ The light pictured was custom designed for the District. It is available 

from Sterner Lighting Systems, Inc., Winstead, Minnesota, 55395, 

621-473-1251. 

All new construction should incorporate the typical arrangement of 

the detached sidewalk and tree lawn with trees and pedestrian lights, 

providing rhythm for you as you stroll past window displays. 

◗ The only encroachment that should be allowed onto the tree lawn is 

the sidwalk café, and this should only occur if the café or deli or 

restaurant to which it is accessory is also located at the street level. 

◗ The tree species designated for each street (both sides) in the District 

are as follows: 

❚ Autumn Purple Ash: ❚ Red Maple: 

3rd Avenue, University to Josephine 2nd Avenue, University to Josephine 

3rd Avenue, St. Paul to Steele 2nd Avenue, Detroit to Fillmore 

Josephine, 2nd to 3rd Avenue 2nd Avenue, Milwaukee to Steele 

3rd Avenue, Josephine to Columbine 

❚ Green Ash: 3rd Avenue, Clayton to Detroit 

1st Avenue, University to Steele University, 1st to 2nd Avenue 

Clayton, 2nd to 3rd Avenue Columbine, 2nd to 3rd Avenue 

Milwaukee, 2nd to 3rd Avenue 

Steele, 1st to 2nd Avenue 

St. Paul, 1st to 2nd Avenue 

❚ Shademaster Honey Locust: 

❚ Norway Maple: 2nd Avenue, Fillmore to Milwaukee 

2nd Avenue, Josephine to Detroit 3rd Avenue, Detroit to Fillmore 

3rd Avenue, Columbine to Clayton 3rd Avenue, Milwaukee to St. Paul 

3rd Avenue, Fillmore to Milwaukee Detroit, 1st to 3rd Avenue 

University, 2nd to 3rd Avenue 

Milwaukee, 1st to 2nd Avenue 

Steele, 2nd to 3rd Avenue 

St. Paul, 2nd to 3rd Avenue ❚ Red Oak and English Oak 

Fillmore, 1st to 3rd Avenue 

27

Streetscape 

28 

Intersection Markers 

Sidewalk Paving 

Kiosks 

District Directory 

INTENT 

◗ 


To provide vertical identity elements at each street corner in 

the District to accommodate a variety of sign elements, 

including stop signs, parking signs, street name signs, 

seasonal banners, the District logo, and District maps. 

Generally the sidewalk is plain, grey colored concrete except at 

the intersection, where it is buff colored. Decorative sidewalk 

paving can enhance the street environment and act as a 

transition from the scale of buildings to the more human 

scale of the street level. 

To provide structures to house newsstands, flower stands, 

takeout food stands, and information booths. A kiosk is a one 

story structure made predominantly of light materials , such 

as glass, plastic, metal or fabric. A kiosk may be a free 

standing structure, or it may be attached to a wall of an 

adjoining building. 

To provide attractive, informative, durable, accessible 

directories for pedestrians in the District.


GUIDELINES 

◗ ◗ 

◗ On streets other than Fillmore, between 1st Avenue and 3rd Avenue, 

new sidewalks should be grey poured in place concrete, except that 

some detail such as brick pavers along the edges can add variety and 

complements the streetscape. 

◗ Kiosks in small plaza spaces of 200 to 400 square feet shall not 

exceed 60 square feet in area. Kiosks in spaces greater than 400 

square feet cannot exceed 100 square feet in area. To assure the 

compatibility of kiosks with existing uses in the area, approvals by 

the Denver Planning and Community Development Office and the 

Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board are required. 

◗ Kiosks shall be designed to gracefully fit in the same way you would 

want a piece of furniture in your own living room to fit in. 

Directories should be accessible to the handicapped. 

◗ The design of the directories should be compatible with the other 

streetscape elements in the district. 

◗ Directories should be constructed of materials that are durable and 

easily maintained. 

◗ Directories should incorporate a map of the District, a you are here 

indicator, and a listing of all retail uses within the District keyed to 

locations on the District map. 

◗ Directories should be located at all bus stops; on Fillmore Plaza; and 

at several locations distributed throughout the District which are 

higher activity areas or areas where decisions are made by 

pedestrians when pathways intersect or at parking lot exits. 

29

Streetscape 

30 

Newspaper Dispensers 

Bollards 

Fountains and Pools 

Art 

INTENT 

◗ 


To provide for the placement of newspaper dispensers so that 

pedestrian circulation and appearance are not compromised. 

Newspaper dispensers are necessary to make a streetscape 

serve the public. They become a problem, however, when you 

see a dozen or so, all different styles, colors and shapes lined 

up in rag-tag formation so that they all but completely block 

pedestrians trying to cross the street. 

To indicate to the pedestrian that he or she should exercise 

caution; to protect pedestrians or special features from 

automobiles; to highlight a special feature; or to simply light a 

pedestrian path. 

To provide moving water. As moving water has the property of 

alleviating noise and cooling spaces, the provision of a 

fountain or reflecting pool is an added attraction to any plaza. 

Moving water also increases the humidity, thereby increasing 

human comfort in this dry climate and soothing the human 

spirit. Water can be provided in many forms: waterfalls, 

rapids, spillways, tranquil pools, meandering streams, and 

water tunnels. But water is meant not only to be seen but also 

to be heard and touched. One of the nicest things about water 

is its feel on a hot day. Water features should be designed so 

that you can splash your hand in it or cool your feet. 

To enrich our experience of the Cherry Creek North District; 

to contribute to its sense of place by enhancing the 

connections between people and the Cherry Creek North 

environment. Public art captures and reinforces the unique 

character of place. The community reads into public art its 

own experiences, its history, its humor, even fantasy. 

Recommended here is art which engages itself directly with its 

environment, history, culture, and aspirations. 

The setting for public art should be considered as much as 

part of our experience as the experience of art itself. The 

impact of the place on the art may be as great as the art’s 

impact on the place. The two together enrich the place and 

make it memorable.


GUIDELINES 

◗ ◗ 

◗ Place newspaper dispensers as close as possible to nodes of 

pedestrian activity. 

◗ Do not locate them where they might obstruct views of traffic 

approaching an intersection. 

◗ Maintain at least 5 feet of clear width on adjacent sidewalks for 

pedestrians to pass. 

◗ Do not place them where they would block views of display 

windows and business signs. 

◗ Bollards should be placed where conflicts between automobile and 

pedestrian traffic are likely to occur, such as driveways, parking 

ramps or near crosswalks. 

◗ Using bollards to provide protection for special features, such as a 

piece of sculpture located where it is vulnerable to damage by 

automobiles should be considered. 

◗ Using bollards to outline special areas or features should be 

considered. Lighting in bollards can be aimed directly at a feature to 

highlight it at night. 

◗ Water features in general, when appropriate, are encouraged. 

Public art should be constructed using durable, natural materials 

such as stone or metal. 

◗ Art should be sited so that it complements and fits in with the 

surrounding environment. Artwork located along the street should 

be human in scale. There are a few locations in the district, however, 

where monumental pieces may be appropriate. For example, they 

should be used to define and shape space, or terminate a vista, or 

serve as the focal point of a large public space. 

◗ When considering placement of freestanding pieces of art or 

sculpture, avoid locations where it would compete with a storefront 

or obstruct a pedestrian path, create a traffic hazard, or compete 

with another sculpture so as to detract from its presence. 

◗ Mosaics, bas-relief or other three dimensional treatments should be 

used to enliven otherwise blank walls. 

◗ Where a number of them are needed in a single location, consolidate 

them into a single array of boxes stacked two high. 

◗ Where possible integrate their placement into the building design. 

◗ Additional newspaper dispensers provided in the District must match 

the dispensers previously installed, in all details, including color and 

vendor’s name. 

◗ The dispenser pictured is the standard and available from Showrack, 

Inc., PO Box 1127, Shiner, Texas, 77984, 800-527-1134. 

◗ Using bollards to provide low-level lighting to pedestrian paths 

should be considered. 

◗ The bollard design most appropriate for each location should be 

used, and how the design fits in with the streetscape should be 

considered. In the district, several different bollard designs have 

been used, according to what is needed at each location. 

◗ The bollard pictured is the standard and available from Recreation 

Plus, PO Box 31067, Aurora, Colorado, 80041-1067, 303-343-7249. 

This bollard is Timberform pipecleaner series model #2190-3, 

without chain or eye, in Federal green. 

◗ With regard to subject matter, the art should fit in with the District’s 

chosen themes: people and the arts. The District has determined that 

its art should have humanizing qualities and express the supremely 

human qualities of joy, compassion, and understanding. The District 

seeks art that provides images of social cohesiveness, that invites 

participation and interaction, and that increases a sense of 

meaningful human existence. 

◗ The art should be approachable and yet challenging. It may also 

feature: humor, water, seating, and opportunities for children to play 

on it. 

Note: the Cherry Creek North Foundation is a non-profit group with 

501C3 status, set up to encourage and assist the placement of art in the 

district. Developers are encouraged to meet with the Foundation for 

their guidance and assistance in the selection and placement of art. 

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Cherry Creek North Design Guidelines - City and County of Denver

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