SUN VALLEY EcoDistrict

EPA/HUD/DHA

March 8, 2016

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Study AreaSun Valley Neighborhood

Sun Valley EcoDistrict (SVED) OverviewLand Facts: Sun Valley Homes – 33 Acres

Other Owned Land – 3 AcresProposed Acquisitions – 9 AcresOverall Study Area – 110 AcresProposed TIF Boundary – 125 AcresProposed SVED/ImpDis Boundary – 75 Acres

Org Structure: Colorado Nonprofit Corporation (501c3 status pending)Sun Valley Energy CompanySun Valley Land Holding CompanySun Valley Improvement DistrictSun Valley Investment Fund

Role: Master Developer (Land, Infrastructure, Hubs, District Solutions)Scope of Work: Land Acquisitions

Land Parcelization and Land SalesHousing Plan with Resident Empowerment and Next Step PlanInfrastructure DevelopmentPark and Open Space DevelopmentDistrict Energy DevelopmentHUB Development

Food HUBInternational Food MarketYouth HUBShared OfficeEnergy Company

Macro Financing/FundraisingTimeline: 2016 – 2025 (2016 – 2021 and 2022 – 2025)

Station Area Plan (SAP)

The Sun Valley neighborhood has been the focus of redevelopment planning efforts for many years. Previous work done by the City and County of Denver and many others, both independently and in partnership, has been the foundation upon which DHA has built this Transformation Plan and continued revitalization efforts.

Throughout 2011, 2012 and 2013, the city of Denver in partnership with DHA conducted a full Station Area Plan for the Decatur Federal light rail station in Sun Valley. The SAP studied Sun Valley’s existing assets and amenities that will facilitate future development while also designing potential transit oriented development in the neighborhood. During this process, over 50 meetings were held that engaged 2,500 stakeholders and community members. The plan was finished and adopted by Denver City Council in April of 2013.

At the conclusion of the Station Area Planning process, The Mayor’s office and Director of Community Planning and Development created an Implementing Partnership made of major Sun Valley property owners and stakeholders, including: DHA, the City, RTD, Xcel, and the Metropolitan Football Stadium District. This partnership and continued collaboration will be essential to progress and taking next steps towards implementation of an integrated Sun Valley plan.

DECATUR‐FEDERALSUN VALLEY NEIGHBORHOOD

STATIONAREAPLAN

Choice Neighborhood (CNI)Following the completion of both the Station Area Plan, and the General Development Plan, DHA took the next step to apply for the Choice Neighborhoods Initiative Planning Grant. Awarded in 2013, the CNI grant has allowed for design and revitalization plans for the Sun Valley Neighborhood to advance and develop further into a Transformation Plan. DHA was able to start far from ground zero, benefiting from the extensive efforts, community engagement and public outreach already established through the SAP and GDP planning processes. With such a sound foundation, the Transformation Plan incorporates elements of both past efforts and current ones made possible by the CNI planning grant.

Additional Planning

General Development Plan (GDP)An approved GDP provides a master plan for coordinating development, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory decisions as development proceeds within the subject area. GDPs entail a higher level of design than an area plan, and they identify, at an early stage, the development’s relationship with public infrastructure improvements such as major multi-modal facilities and connections thereto, major utility facilities, and publicly accessible parks and open spaces.

A GDP was necessary for Sun Valley due to several large-scale, phased, and multi-owner developments, as well as major infrastructure network and system improvements recommended in this plan (e.g. 13th Avenue, new riverfront park, new internal circulation streets). The Sun Valley GDP was completed following the Station Area Plan, in 2013.

• Westline Corridor Collaborative• West Colfax Plan• St. Anthony’s Redevelopment

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Planning to Date

SUN VALLEYTransformation Plan

A Choice Neighborhood InitiativeNovember 22nd, 2015

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Community Driven ProcessThe Master Plan is a ‘community driven’ plan. The plan balances the need of residents, including youth, business owners and other stakeholders, supported by adopted policy and led by DHA, elected officials, and existing property owners. The Master Plan will guide future development to be in line with community priorities, values and the legacyof ‘resident involvement’ in Sun Valley. Many community stakeholders provided input and direction for the Master Plan between January and July 2015 including:• DHA and neighborhood residents• Local Businesses• Property owners• Neighborhood Youth• Community participants from outside of Sun Valley• Partners: service providers and operators

What We Have HeardThe community outreach and engagement was built around three types of community meetings:• Planning & Updates• Targeted Review• Partner Inclusion

DHA and consultant representatives attended all meetings and many stakeholders chose to be involved at various stages. Only partner meetings were closed to the public to maintain confidence of non-DHA held land. Ultimately, DHAbrought together all stakeholder input and plan inclusions.

Targeted OutreachTargeted outreach sought to engage stakeholders in a more familiar and intimate setting. The Local Resident Council (LRC) monthly meetings included DHA and design team representatives to provide updates, answer questions and to encourage participation in the planning process. The Sun Valley Coalition, a Registered Neighborhood Organization (RNO), provided the opportunity for DHA and the design team to conduct a work session with local youth. Early inthe planning, a youth meeting discussed the purpose and function of the master plan, presented a plan draft and sought youth input on issues such as roads, safety, open space programming and desired services and businesses. The

Anseca Mahamed, Sun Valley Youth Resident

Engagement with Individual Property Owners

Youth Meeting

Engagement with Youth at Community Meetings

“I like the idea of a big park with smaller ones inside.”

youth input was insightful and informed many areas of the plan. Youth participation continued through the community meetings.

DHA and the planning team met with the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) several times throughout the master plan process inviting questions, input on plan content and direction on the community workshop agendas.

Safety meetings were held with Denver Police to review street and block design and visibility patterns. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design principles were used in the development of the plan.

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Development with Community EngagementGrow Priority AreasFrom the start of the planning process, DHA’s goal was to guide and facilitate the community on its path to creating a Master Planfor the Sun Valley neighborhood. The Grow Priority Areasembodied in the Master Plan were created through an intentional outreach and engagement process led by DHA and the planning team. Through outreach and engagement with the residents,community stakeholders, and businesses, several key concepts emerged as important to the future of Sun Valley. Theseconcepts work together and create the Master Plan to “Grow” Sun Valley through both physical improvements and community programming.

The Master Plan is designed to celebrate and build upon the diversity, history, and culture of Sun Valley. The Master Plan supports and “Grows” the elements that converge to make Sun Valley unique – defining and celebrating Sun Valley’s identity, supporting existing residents and businesses, and welcoming newcomers to this destination.

The Grow Priority Areas represent a consolidated set of community focused aspirations organized into six categories that frame the vision for the Sun Valley Master Plan, listed below.

1. Youth & Education focus

2. Intentional Housing with many housing choices

3. Family friendly: housing, amenities, services, affordable businesses + opportunities

4. Multicultural, intergenerational and affordable are qualities to maintain

5. Better access to and within Sun Valley

6. Improved safety & pedestrian safety

7. Access to open space and active outdoor uses

8. Food as an expanded opportunity, drawand focus on plan solutions + outcomes

9. Resident based solutions, phasing &implementation

10. ‘Hubs’ for jobs & job access, art, education, entrepreneurial success

1. Education

2. Jobs

3. River and Open Space

4. Food and Health

5. Energy

6. Housing

7. Lower Colfax

8. Commercial

Community Master Plan GoalsFocus Group Feedback Grow Priority Areas

PA 1 Youth + Education

PA 2 Food

PA 3 Opportunity

PA 4 Intentional Housing

PA 5 Connections + Open Space

PA 6 Sustainable Infrastructure

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GROWGrow Priority Areas & Goals

Priority Area 1 Youth + Education

Goals

1.11.21.31.41.5

Prioritize family and youth Learning Campus for all agesExpand youth programing and youth amenities Neighborhood Learning LabShared Use Future Development Opportunities

Priority Area 2 Food

Goals

2.1 Celebrate culture

2.2 Economic Opportunity through Food2.3 Cultivate community amongst neighbors2.4 Placemaking through Food2.5 Healthy lifestyles2.6 Neighborhood Identity

Priority Area 3 Opportunity

Goals

2.1 Create a nexus of culture and food

2.2 Invest in local and new businesses2.3 Develop strong community partnerships2.4 Attract and leverage investments2.5 Increase jobs in the neighborhood2.6 Increase commercial space in neighborhood2.7 Attract entrepreneurs by providing maker spaces2.8 Include an integrated job training facility

Priority Area 4 Intentional Housing

Goals

4.1 Replace all DHA public housing one-for-one

4.2 Provide public, workforce affordable, and market rate housing to create amixed-income community

4.3 Improve livability through access to desired amenities/services4.4 Provide housing choices to satisfy current residents and attract new residents4.5 Incorporate opportunities for Ownership

Priority Area 5 Connections + Open Space

Goals

5.1 Provide social and outdoor spaces and encourage outdoor activities for all ages

5.2 Create safe streets that invite walking5.3 Improve connections to Sun Valley from the surrounding city5.4 Provide connections to transit

Priority Area 6 Sustainable Infrastructure

Goals

6.1 Invest in district energy and water infrastructure and become a model for the City

6.2 Implement solutions to reduce water consumption and to capture solar andgeothermal power and to build innovative stormwater solutions

6.3 Create an interactive briefing center to educate the community aboutsustainability, infrastructure and district systems

6.4 Pursue becoming an ‘EcoDistrict’ and allow for a holistic approach to resourcemanagement

Physical ImprovementsIllustrative PlanWithin the Master Plan Boundary, there are twenty-five parcels of developable land, many of which are currently occupied. Between these parcels are the streetscapes outlined for redevelopment. A traditional street grid will improve multimodal access and friendly site development. Enhanced streetscapes will create a pedestrian friendly environment and safe access to family institutions, such as Fairview Elementary School. Decatur will continue to be the local spine of Sun Valley, but will be transformed with new measures for traffic calming and safe pedestrian crossings. 13th Avenue will be realigned to connect to adjacent neighborhoods and downtown Denver and will be redeveloped as a commercial corridor for the neighborhood. 10th Avenue will be developed as an inter-neighborhood spine, connecting the neighborhoods to the west, across Decatur and on to the Riverfront Park. The easternmost blocks of both 9 1/2 Avenue and of 10th Avenue will be developed into pedestrian-primary “woonerfs.” The north-south streets of Clay Way and Bryant Street will be developed as pedestrian friendly streets. Riverfront Drive will provide frontage and access to the new8-acre Riverfront Park. Highlights of the plan include:

A. Urban Farm / Food Cluster with commercial opportunity

B. Realigned 13th Avenue as outlined in the Station Area PlanC. 13th Ave Commercial CorridorD. Pedestrian / Bike connection to Decatur / Federal StationE. Infrastructure Hub / Educational InstallationF. Pedestrian / Bike Bridge / Wetland OverlookG. Pedestrian Friendly WoonerfH. Business Incubator / Maker Space StreetJ. New ParkK. Learning Campus / Job Training Facility / Expanded Existing FacilitiesL. Regional Trail ConnectionM. Community Gardens above Structured Parking (at grade at P-7)

N. Soccer Field / Fitness Trail / Public Plaza / Other Park Amenities

P Community Orchard

Master Plan Boundary Radius to Train Station

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YOUTH + EDUCATIONGROW PRIORITY AREA 1

Prioritize family and youthThe Master Plan prioritizes the current and future youth and families of Sun Valley and recognizes them for the major role they play in the community. Currently, over 50% of the population is under the age of 18. By increasing educational opportunities, economic resources and neighborhood safety, Sun Valley youth willbe better prepared for adulthood, have greater economic mobility and be more likely to stay or return to Sun Valley, stimulating the economy and maintaining cultural traditions and community vitality for generations to come.

A Learning Campus for all agesAlready in Sun Valley, education and community organizations are in the heart of the neighborhood: Sun Valley Youth Center, Rude Community Center, Paco Sanchez park, and of course Fairview Elementary School. DHA will work with current education providers, DPS, and many non-profit partners on partnerships to further educational opportunities, solidify higher education partners who can assist with tracking and evaluation of programmatic growth, and support access to educational outlets at all age levels. This Learning Campus will create a hub for youth, education, and job training, and could include a web portal, possible “ombudsman”, or even a community bulletin board to help families navigate the range of opportunities.

Expand youth programing and youth amenitiesThe Master Plan recommends expanding the youth indoor and outdoor facilities for year around activity including the existing facilities of Sun Valley Youth Center. Outdoor amenities created along Riverfront Park and the regional bike trail offer a number of different venues for outdoor programs.

Youth + Education | Goals

Neighborhood Learning LabAll new development and programs are a learning opportunity. Sun Valley can be a model community known as the place for innovation and testing new ideas. AInfrastructure Hub will be an education tool to highlight innovative District Infrastructure strategies used at Sun Valley. DHA and their partners should aggressively incorporate new facilities and programs as part of an educational curriculum for a “hands-on” learning and living in the neighborhood – from greentechnologies like geothermal, solar, or the blackwater treatment wetlands – to ethnicand cultural foods – to complete streets and bicycles. This focus will attract start-upsand businesses, providing further educational and employment opportunities.

Shared Use Future Development OpportunitiesThe new street and block grid will open up a few parcels that are near to Fairview School and the Sun Valley Youth Center. While this Master Plan does not include specific recommendations, a few sites may be suitable, over time, for reconfiguration or creative redevelopment aligned with the “Learning Campus”.These sites should be studied for viability of various partnership or shared use models of development, to more fully utilize the land with higher density, mixed-use buildings and even shared parking structures. Locations that should be evaluated aspotential opportunity sites include: a new parcel east of Fairview, along the new “Riverfront Street”, the Fairview School parking lot along Decatur Street, and the Sun Valley Youth Center property.

FOODGROW PRIORITY AREA 2

Celebrate cultureSun Valley is uniquely positioned in its cultural diversity. The Master Plan celebrates and supports the existing and evolving cultural landscape through economic opportunities related to food. Through the development of the Food Cluster and incubator restaurant start up support and event spaces, Sun Valley will be able to become a destination grounded in food and culture.

Economic Opportunity through FoodFood-related economic opportunities will abound for Sun Valley residents as a result of expanded local food production and education. Small business andproduct development training programs will help residents turn their recipes into commercial-ready products and food based businesses. A 15,000 sf commercial food processing center shared by small and mid-sized food enterprises will offer affordable space grow their businesses. A new Sun Valley farmers/makers market will provide a supportive environment for local vendors to sell their goods and a friendly, convenient place for residents to shop. A 15,000 sf restaurant incubator can help entrepreneurs test their restaurant concepts using seasonal produce sourced from the adjacent urban farm.

Cultivate community amongst neighborsGardening and sharing food improve health, build social cohesion and facilitate cross-cultural understanding.1,2 Sun Valley currently boasts a healthy food culture evident through the Sun Valley Youth Center and its community garden, as well asthe DPS food garden, which supplies food to the Fairview Elementary School students. By providing economic and social opportunities through food, Sun Valleywill grow into a strong community, culturally as well as economically. Itwill be considered a friendly place to live, where neighbors connect frequently bysharing freshly harvested veggies, recipes, and stories. Food and agriculture areunderstood across cultures and therefore can help build trust and community.

Food | Goals

1Teig, Ellen, et al. “Collective efficacy in Denver, Colorado: Strengthening neighborhoods and health through community gardens.” Health & Place 15.4 (2009): 1115-1122.2Wakefield, Sarah, et al. “Growing urban health: community gardening in South-East Toronto.” Health promotion international 22.2 (2007): 92-101.

Placemaking through FoodIn Sun Valley, food is a major economic and placemaking opportunity for neighborhood redevelopment. The Master Plan expands on Sun Valley’s food history in many ways, from resident community gardens, to an Urban Farm/Food Production and Processing facility, to a Market/Events structure to host programs+ events, and start-up international food and craft enterprises. The Master Plan includes many of these items in a “Food Cluster” on 13th and Decatur.

Neighborhood IdentityAlready Sun Valley boasts a successful community garden and a focus on food -through its cultivation and preparation, food grounds residents in their cultures and traditions. Building on this existing food focus, Sun Valley will create an identity for itself as a food destination for the region, creating economic opportunity forresidents and continue to foster the unique mix of cultures and traditions present in Sun Valley today. As this international food culture flourishes, people will visit Sun Valley from all over Denver to attend lively neighborhood festivals that celebrate ethnic food, community and culture. Sun Valley will be known as “the place” in Denver to buy authentic ethnic foods.

Healthy lifestylesAll over America, the link between poverty and access to healthy food is evident. Byproviding economic opportunity around food production and preparation, Sun Valleywill gain knowledge around health and nutrition and have better access to healthy foods. The Master Plan envisions Sun Valley transforming into a place where eating fresh, healthy food is a convenient, affordable and cherished part of every day life. With over 85,000 square feet of new community and rooftop gardens- including 460 new garden plots - and expanded food education programming, DHAresidents will learn how to grow, cook and preserve their own food.

OPPORTUNITYGROW PRIORITY AREA 3

Create a nexus of culture and foodThe Master Plan creates economic opportunities around food through a 3 acre food production zone, a market, a commercial kitchen and support for local, restaurants and start up businesses grown out of the culture and community already in the neighborhood. By bringing together outside and inside energies, the master plan creates jobs, resources for startups and local businesses, and an identity for Sun Valley as a regional destination for food and culture.

Invest in local and new businessThe Master Plan creates support for local and new businesses by leveraging partnerships, creating incentive programs, increasing employment opportunities in the neighborhood and bringing in a Job Training Center and educational opportunities.Along 13th Avenue, space is reserved for startup businesses, creating a corridor of commercial space grounding the identity of the neighborhood in the local culture and entrepreneurial spirit of Sun Valley residents.

Develop strong community partnershipsDHA prioritizes developing strong community partnerships and leveraging them to invest, support and have a presence in redeveloped communities such as Sun Valley. These partnerships are essential to bringing in the financial, social and infrastructure investments needed to stimulate the economy, create jobs and provide opportunity for current residents as well as attract future residents.

Attract and leverage investmentsThe Master Plan creates a vision which DHA and Sun Valley can use to attract outside investment. By defining Sun Valley’s identity and illustrating a vision for its future, the master plan becomes a tool residents and advocates can rally behind and attract outside investment. Through outside investment, Sun Valley will be able to elevate itself into a true mixed-use, mixed-income, mixed-user, vibrant and dynamic neighborhood, full of diverse employment opportunities.

Opportunity | GoalsIncrease jobs in the neighborhoodThe Master Plan provides the infrastructure and attracts the investment needed to create jobs, job training opportunities and educational resources. By providing the vision of the Food Cluster, the Business Incubator/Maker Spaces, support for local, new businesses, and turning 13th Avenue into a commercial corridor, the Master Plan illustrates a Sun Valley of the future filled with career opportunity.

Increase commercial space in neighborhoodBy creating destinations within Sun Valley, the Master Plan provides commercial space at the Food Cluster, the ground floor Business Incubator/Maker Spaces, and the 13th Avenue commercial corridor. By increasing the residential density of the neighborhood, there will be sufficient population within proximity to support the new commercial space. By defining the neighborhood identity as a destination for food and culture, visitors will be drawn to Sun Valley. Improved infrastructure and new wayfinding will ensure the commercial space is prominent and welcoming.

Attract entrepreneurs by providing maker spaceThe Master Plan introduces a work/live residential type into the community, commonly referred to as “maker space” or “incubator space.” These units front on the ground floor and activate the street edge with artists, craftworkers, start up businessesand entrepreneurs. These residences provide a flexible option that will attract new entrepreneurs to the neighborhood. By positioning the maker space units near each other and on either side of a street, a character is created where residents can share equipment, energy and knowledge and create a destination visitors.

Include an integrated job training facilityTo provide resources for adults to elevate themselves out of poverty and into economic mobility, the master plan proposes a job training facility. Positioned near other community resources such as Fairview Elementary, Sun Valley Youth Center, Rude CommunityCenter, and new commercial centers such as the Food Cluster, the 13th Avenuecommercial corridor, and the Business Incubator/Maker Space district, the job training facility will service all types of adult residents and connect them with employment opportunities. By investing in career development, Sun Valley will attract new businesses looking for an employment base. By integrating the Job Training Center with businesses, residents will get hands on, industry integrated experience and marketable skills.

INTENTIONAL HOUSINGGROW PRIORITY AREA 4

Replace all DHA public housing one-for-oneThe master plan replaces all existing DHA Sun Valley Homes unit for unit. There are currently 333 public housing units at Sun Valley Homes. The Master Plan replaces these units at the same ratio of one, two, three, four and five bedroom units. Three, four and five bedroom units will primarily be replaced within ground related townhomes. The total units provided by the Master Plan will as much as quadruple the total unit count, bringing in infrastructure improvements, economic investment, increased security and greater employment opportunities.

Provide public, workforce affordable, and market rate housing to create a mixed-income communityBy creating a mixed-use, mixed-user, mixed-income community, Sun Valley will see an increase in jobs, economic stimulation, safety, educational and career development opportunities, improvements to infrastructure and investment in the neighborhood. To achieve this, the Master Plan envisions public, workforceaffordable and market rate housing, dispersed throughout the neighborhood, and in most cases, mixed within each parcel.

Improve livability through equal access to desired amenities/servicesCreating a mixed-income income community requires careful attention to public spaces so that all residents feel they have access and ownership. Both a family with many small children and a young professional couple has a dog need require space nearby to meet their needs. Providing playgrounds, gardens, dog parks, running trails, nearby commercial zones, convenient parking, access to transit and well programed outdoor spaces all will make Sun Valley a desirable place to live and allow all residents to feel comfortable with each other in their own space and in their shared spaces.

Intentional Housing | Goals

Provide housing choices to satisfy current residents and draw in new residentsMost current residents at Sun Valley Homes live in attached single family units with ground floor access, and community feedback indicated a preference for this type of home. The Master Plan envisions a portion of this type, the goal is to providechoice, whether that is in number of bedrooms, ground related versus having a view, near the new Riverfront Park or across the street from Fairview Elementary School. Additional housing choices are provided in the form of the Business Incubator/Maker Spaces and work-live units at the ground level. By providing many options, Sun Valley will be a home for all types of residents.

Incorporate opportunities for OwnershipWhether residents are in public, workforce affordable, or market rate housing, by incorporating opportunities for ownership for all residents, Sun Valley will have less turnover and will have more economic mobility. Many current residents see home ownership as key for their own economic stability and for long term neighborhood health.

CONNECTIONS + OPEN SPACEGROW PRIORITY AREA 5

Provide social and outdoor spaces and encourage outdoor activities for all agesSun Valley is surrounded by open spaces including Weir Gulch to the south, Lakewood Gulch to the north, the South Platte River to the east. These open spaces are great amenities for the City of Denver but they do not provide the recreational opportunities desired by the Sun Valley Community. By adding a new Riverfront Park, a multi-use field, community amenity decks, community garden spaces above all structured parking, and shared courtyards between town homes, Sun Valley will have social outdoor spaces that encourage outdoor activities for all ages.

Create safe streets that invite walkingThe Sun Valley master plan increases safety in a variety of ways including encouraging more eyes on the street, reconnecting to the adjacent neighborhoods and by enhancing the public right-of-way. Sun Valley will have safe and inviting streets through improved sidewalks, additional bike lanes, and connections to programed outdoor space. In additional, an innovative street network will give pedestrians the priority. Traffic calming measures like street trees, alternating parallel parking spaces with rain gardens, and bulb-outs will encourage walking in the neighborhood.

Connections + Open Space | Goals

Improve connections to Sun Valley from the surrounding cityCurrently, Sun Valley is cut off from the rest of the city. With major arterials on all four sides, a stadium district surrounded by parking lots to the north, rivers and gulches to the north, east and south, the connections into Sun Valley are limited. By improving 13th Avenue as the major connection to downtown, Decatur Street as the spine of the neighborhood, and 10th Avenue as the local connector, access into the site are improved both internally and externally.

Provide connections to transitThe Decatur / Federal Light Rail Station is only 1/4 mile from Fairview Elementary School but is difficult to access due to the challenges of crossing major roads and Lakewood Gulch. By adding a pedestrian and bike connection across Lakewood Gulch to reach the station, additional bike lanes and more B-cycle stations throughout the neighborhood, Sun Valley will be better connected to the Decatur/ Federal Light Rail Station and other transit networks. As Sun Valley becomes more connected as a commercial and residential center, more transit options, such as more bus lines, car share and bicycle share programs will be introduced to the neighborhood.

CONNECTIONS + OPEN SPACEGROW PRIORITY AREA 5

COMMUNITY ORCHARD

LOCAL ART INSTILLATION

COMMUNITY GARDENS

SUN VALLEY FOOD HUB

RAIN GARDENS

PUBLIC GATHERING SPACE

PICNIC SHELTERS

BIKE TRAILS & BIKE AMENITIES

PLAYGROUND

MULTI-USE FIELD

CAFE SEATING

COMMUNITY POCKET PARK

Open Space Program

What Attracted Funding?EPA Funding:

Environmental ReviewsDistrict EnergyHealth Metrics

Other Public Funding thus far:HUDDOTCity and County of Denver

Other Private Funding and Program Partners:Colorado Health FoundationUniversity of Colorado University of DenverColorado State UniversityCityCraft FoundationDenver BroncosSun Valley Youth CenterReVision InternationalXcel Energy

Funding Areas in Progress:Mental HealthPhysical HealthHealthy Food AccessOpen SpaceVarious commercial/institutional lendersPrivate FoundationsInfrastructureDistrict EnergyVarious

Sustainable InfrastructureGrow Priority Area 6Providing energy, water and stormwater services through more localized, distributed infrastructure allows a more integrated and optimized infrastructure service approach -further reinforcing high performance, green building with innovative and efficient district infrastructure systems.

Grow Priority Areas

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60 SUN VALLEY MASTER PLAN

SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTUREGROW PRIORITY AREA 6

Invest in district energy and waterinfrastructure and become a model for the CityAs Denver continues to grow, water availability continues to be constrained. Utilizingdistrict water has the potential reduce potable water use by 40% annually. Moreover, the system would eliminate wastewater flows to the public sewer system. Similar to district energy, DHA should partner with a private, 3rd party infrastructure provider to finance, develop and operate the system. Sun Valley is uniquely positioned to invest in district water and energy infrastructure and become a model community for the city.

Implement solutions to reduce waterconsumption, capture solar + geothermal power and build innovative stormwater solutionsProviding energy, water and stormwater services through more localized, distributed infrastructure allows a more integrated and optimized infrastructure service approach - further reinforcing high performance, green building with innovativeand efficient district infrastructure systems. Utilizing Geothermal district energy to provide efficient heating and cooling to buildings throughout Sun Valley has the potential to reduce annual energy use by 15-20%. Denver receives over 250 days of sunshine per year. Opportunities for over 300,000 SF of building roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar PV installations were identified for Sun Valley. Arrays of thisscale could generate approximately 30% of Sun Valley’s electricity use annually.

Sustainable Infrastructure | Goals

Create an interactive Innovation Hub to educate the community about sustainability, infrastructure and district systems.In order to educate the community of Sun Valley and Denver on the innovative systems implemented, an Innovation Hub should be constructed housing a briefing center with materials accessible for the community. This Innovation Hub will give an identity to the invisible systems that help make Sun Valley a sustainable, innovative community and an example for future development in Denver.

Develop an ‘EcoDistrict’ and allow for a holisticapproach to resource managementAdvances in more sustainable city development, most notably catalyzed by the EcoDistrict concept, focuses the need for district infrastructure systems, combined with green building and community engagement, to further accelerate sustainability in the built environment. Implementing district infrastructure systems has the potential to not only increase resource efficiency but also to generate solid financial value for the Sun Valley district, DHA and its development partners.

District InfrastructureThe redevelopment of Sun Valley will be a major catalyst for the neighborhood; and is envisioned to be a leadership community advancing quality of life, sustainability, and health for residents andvisitors alike. Innovative systems and a holistic, “EcoDistrict” approach to resources and partnerships will help Sun Valley be a vibrant and vital community for years to come.

The Master Plan is designed with “resource smart” systems at the site, building, and district level withconsideration or focus on various standards including LEED, Energy Star, and Enterprise Green Communities. Additional measures will include holistic, shared water, energy, and stormwatersolutions at the district level. These will reduce the cost of living for families and provide an advantage to businesses as well. The Master Plan goal is for Net Zero Energy, or to be Energy Independent, which means that all energy used will be produced in Sun Valley by geothermal, solar, or other renewable power sources.

All of these systems will create a sustainable neighborhood and a model for environmental solutions that can blend in to the community, and that will help Sun Valley be more resilient to pressures such as extreme storm events, severe heat, and other climate change impacts. Careful design of these systems and facilities is important to ensure they are focal points of the community, an opportunity for hands-on education and training, green jobs, and above all, they reflect the unique character andcelebrate the identity of Sun Valley. These civic elements can be a valuable benefit to the community.

To promote resilience and learning, Sun Valley should develop a ‘dashboard’ and data system to track and share progress towards goals. Individual behaviors will play a substantial role in thesuccess of the district, and having a visible and easy way to see progress helps engagement and is shown to improve performance. This dashboard could be done in partnership with the Sun Valley EcoDistrict, available online or event built physically in a major open area or gathering space.

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Solar PV Assumptions SQ FT MW/YR

Roof Area 228,750 3.84Open Space Area 87,120 1.46Total 305,000 5.31

• 5.3 Megawatt Solar PV• 31% of Electric Load

SVED/Xcel Energy Battery Pilot – battery pilot project that will provide storage of PV production for managed distribution and use

1. Waste Water Collection System2. Treatment System (“living machine”)3. Reclaimed Water Distribution4. On Site Drywells

1. Green Infrastructure: natural, at grade2. Centralized Stormwater Management 

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Measuring Success: Metrics

1. Identify priorities for Sun Valley2. Establish Healthy Metrics to address priorities3. Determine baseline4. Set targets5. Identify strategies and actions to reach target

Hardware (Master Plan)

Implementation

Monitor / update metrics

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Percent of Population Living Below Poverty Level

Sun Valley (2025)

83.2%14.3% 78.2%

improvement

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Percentage of PopulationWho Feel Safe Alone at Night in Neighborhood

47.1% Sun Valley (2015)

75.0% Sun Valley (2025)

Denver (2015) Sun Valley (2015) Sun Valley (2025)

Cost of Transportation and Housing as a Percentage of Income

improvement

35%

46%29% 30%

SV MPBaseline

City of Denver Baseline

Draft MP Target by 2025

Neighborhood School Performance*

Percent of persons age 25+ with less than 12th grade education*

Number of healthy food outlets within 1/2 mile of neighborhood*

Percent of population living belowpoverty level*

Unemployment rate, including by race*

Average annual income as a percentage of the self-sufficient

wage*

Cost of transportation and housing as a percentage of

income*

Percentage of population who feel safe alone at night in

neighborhood*

Total crime rate per 1,000 people

Average communte time in minutes (all modes: transit and

vehicular)

38.2 54.4 10%improvment

33.6% 21.10% 5%improvment

0-3 50%improvement or 90% of units have access

83.20% 14.29% 5%improvement

23.60% 4.20% 5%improvement

31% 149% 5%improvement

46% 29% 30%

47.10% 75%

267 66.4 100

36.2 27 10%improvement