by dvmosomy | Tuesday, August 26, 2025 |
I-70 Mountain Corridor Aesthetic Guidance: THK defined the design vocabulary for all improvements along the I-70 Mountain Corridor in the Aesthetic Guidance. The document defines a vision for the corridor as a whole and creates a tool box of design solutions for use in specific areas to achieve the overall vision
The aesthetic guidelines address four Design Segments along the corridor including the Front Range Foothills, Mountain Mineral Belt, Crest of the Rockies and Western Slope Canyons and Valleys. Because of this, an extensive public involvement process was used and unique graphics were created to aid in public understanding.
In 2015, the Guidelines were updated to reflect lessons learned after utilizing the document on several projects.
The I-70 Mountain Corridor Aesthetic Guidance is being successfully used on Twin Tunnels Expansion and Old Game Check Station Trailhead and Peak Period Shoulder Lane Expansion.
I-70 Mountain Corridor Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS): THK also assisted in defining the Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS), adopted by CDOT in 2004, to assist designers and CDOT to preserve, protect and enhance the I-70 Mountain Corridor for all future planning, designing and construction in the corridor.
An extensive public involvement process including input from residents, businesses, stakeholders, municipal and county staff, CDOT, and State and Federal agencies was used and unique graphics were created so the public could understand a very complex visual environment. The initial effort emphasized the Visual Context of the corridor. A Functional Context plan was then developed to help the public understand how I-70 functions with respect to land use patterns, cultural resources and recreational uses.
In 2014, THK assisted Clear Creek County (CCC) to define the CSS process for the I-70 Mountain Corridor within the CCC by facilitating the Clear Creek County Vision for the I-70 Mountain Corridor Workshop.
by admin1 | Tuesday, August 26, 2025 |
The city is leading design and construction work on a pedestrian bridge over Parker Road near Interstate 225 to connect the RTD Nine Mile Station with homes and businesses on the north side of Parker Road. The bridge will provide improved regional multi-modal connectivity, enable people to cross safely over Parker Road and improve traffic flow along this major metro-area corridor. Initial federal funding awarded in 2019 has enabled this long-desired project to move forward. Community members provided input into the enhancements and the results integrate the color palette and environment of the prairie with Aurora’s diverse populations represented through several languages.
by admin1 | Wednesday, August 6, 2025 |
Lincoln Station Client Location Services Related Projects Sun Kingdom Creekside Village ClientLocationServicesGalleryRelated Projects I-70 Mountain Corridor Aesthetic Guidance and Context Sensitive Solutions I-70 Mountain Corridor Aesthetic Guidance: THK defined the...
by dvmosomy | Wednesday, May 7, 2025 |
Vallagio at Inverness is a transit-oriented, mixed use, high-end residential development in Arapahoe County. The neighborhood includes triplex homes, townhomes, and apartments. High impact landscaping is focused at main entries and key points within the site. Each lot fosters a sense of individualism, without straying from the overall site aesthetics. The design emphasizes easy pedestrian access to nearby employment, shopping, dining, light rail station and the Inverness Golf Course. Vallagio has been voted HBA’s Neighborhood of the Year and Denver Regional Council of Governments 2011 Live, Work and Play People’s Choice Award.
Malbec at Vallagio
Water Quality — Implemented stormwater features improve drainage and overall water quality within a high density urban landscape setting
Accessibility — A variety of smaller, more intimate spaces and amenities provide a range of activities within the pool and clubhouse
Vallagio III Malbec, is a transit-oriented, multi-family residential development in Centennial, Colorado. The site is focused around a clubhouse amenity area that features a fountain swimming pool, a fire-pit and a barbecue area. The fountain was designed as a statement piece to be visible from the clubhouse entry corridor, with strong landscape focal points placed in key visual areas to create high impact street and on-site appeal. Strategically placed pavers promote pedestrian circulation at entryways and outlying sidewalks while maintaining the overall vehicular traffic flow.
Vallagio Amberly Heights
Outdoor Gathering — Multiple intimate informal gathering spaces within the larger clubhouse and event space setting
Water Quality — A variety of stormwater basins have been designated throughout the site in order to improve water quality within the surrounding urban context
Amberley Heights at Vallagio is a 96-unit luxury condo community within the Vallagio transit-oriented community in Denver’s southeast metro area. At the west end of the site two four-story mid-rise condominium structures create street presence, with an additional drop off zone placed between each building’s entry lobby. The building layout shapes a variety of unique outdoor spaces with a primary amenity area framed by the condominium buildings and townhomes to the east. The amenity area is organized around a community clubhouse and informal event lawn while the central amenity area is surrounded by a variety of smaller, more intimate landscape spaces where residents can gather and interact. Shade structures are placed to form “gateway” entries into the central amenity area. Plantings and open trellis’ further define the edges of the space, with a fireplace and patio placed as a central outdoor gathering area for residents and guests.
Vallagio Capstone
Activity— A variety of smaller intimate spaces and amenities provide a range of activities within the overall pool and clubhouse setting
Accessibility— Strong pedestrian connectivity to transit station, retail/restaurants and the surrounding neighborhood
Visual Impact — Significant plantings within the central parking area enhances aesthetic and defines pedestrian corridors
The Vallagio luxury condominium rentals are the latest addition to the Vallagio at Inverness — Denver’s Neighborhood of the Year and premier “live, work, play” transit-oriented development. A pedestrian esplanade located in the heart of the neighborhood defines the connection to all shops and restaurants on Main Street as well as the Dry Creek Rail bridge. Signature architecture highlights the community clubhouse with a resort style pool and spa, wellness center and additional amenities. 272 condo units, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units, sit on 6.8 acres at a density of 40 units per acre.
by admin1 | Friday, April 18, 2025 |
The recently completed Larry L. Levin Park at RidgeGate is already creating memorable connections for the surrounding high density, multi-use, multi-family transit oriented developments. Connectivity is the overriding design intent of Larry L. Levin Park. A variety of mobility options will be supported with vehicular and bicycle parking, ample pedestrian access, and multiple transit options that serve the surrounding area. With a variety of recreation opportunities for all ages, the park provides surrounding businesses, residences, and commuters with a meeting place for recreation, play, and conversation. Street furnishing and plantings are used to create an inviting sense of community in a pedestrian scaled environment for visitors using the RidgeGate Light Rail Station and the surrounding area.
The landscaping has been arranged for clear lines of site, access, and openness with prominent lighting in all areas to promote a sense of safety and wellbeing at any time of day or night. The surrounding businesses and residences provide eyes-on-the street and the sense of a safe community.
Environmental and maintenance design considerations have been implemented throughout the site. Drought, salt, and pet tolerant plantings have been selected for the streetscape and interior planting beds to reduce water usage and increase viability. The lawn area is a drought tolerant fescue blend with reduced water needs that can better handle typical Colorado seasonal changes. The dog park ground coating is pea gravel to reduce material replenishment needs and allow for rinsing as needed. Shade structures are constructed of nonorganic materials to promote longevity. The playground has natural form stone faux finished features to encourage play and connect users to features not typically found in urban areas. The combination of these design elements creates a space that will stand the test of time and trends.
