“Each
medallion displays a historic street name and current neighborhood
along with various pre-20th century maps that illustrate the former
streets and grid,” said Kelan Smith with Inherent Character.
“Some former street names are descriptive of a story or a place from
the past that is no longer there while other streets were re-named
deliberately to differentiate the area from Lower Downtown.”
“The
historic neighborhoods that the River North Art District occupies are
the foundation of what we are today,” said Chandler Romeo, RiNo Art
District Co-Chair. “The spirit of the Historic Signage program is to
raise awareness of these historic neighborhoods — Elyria-Swansea,
Globeville, Five Points and Cole.”
The
project was funded in part by Historic Denver as part of its Action
Fund, “a program designed to support innovative community projects that
enhance and celebrate the city’s identity, character, and heritage,”
said Shannon Stage, Historic Denver’s Preservation Coordinator. The
signs will be permanently affixed throughout the RiNo Art District as a
means to further educate on the area’s history.
“We
wanted to take the opportunity to help visitors and residents alike
understand the dynamic past of the area,” said RiNo Art District
President and Co-Founder, Tracy Weil. “I hope that people use this as a
jumping off point to learn more about their city and its vibrant
history.”
Each
sign will be installed in prominent pedestrian zones to increase
cognizance of the history behind the once industrial hub as well as
celebrate the four historic neighborhoods within the RiNo Art District
boundaries. The signs were designed by RiNo Art District and Inherent
Character and are being installed throughout the month of November.
“It's
important to respect and remember our past as we move forward as a
district,” said RiNo Art District President, Tracy Weil. “This
interpretive program in collaboration with Historic Denver honors those
who came before us and will serve as a reminder of how we got here.”
