In the heart of Original Downtown Aurora, amid the historic buildings and multicultural businesses, an Arts District is beginning to take shape.
By building on the area's strengths - diversity, creativity, and civic and cultural pride - this area is bringing a new and vital element to the revitalization of the city's historic commercial corridor by offering a unique destination where people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy exciting visual and performing arts, ethnic restaurants, retail shops and quality, affordable housing.
Located only 15 minutes from Downtown Denver, it is home to the Aurora Fox Arts Center, Downtown Aurora Visual Arts (DAVA), a non-profit community arts center dedicated to youth art programs; Fletcher Plaza, an open-air events venue; East End Applied Arts; The Other Side Arts (TOSA), Red Delicious Press; furniture maker Emmett Malone; and the private gallery and studios at Sunrise Artworks.
Aurora's Opportunity Triangle Strategically situated only minutes from the unprecedented redevelopment projects at Fitzsimons, Stapleton and Lowry, the Arts District is in the center of an 'opportunity triangle' for redevelopment and emerging markets.
Community and Commitment The commitment of the city and the community to this civic and cultural 'heart' of Original Downtown Aurora is evident in the current and planned redevelopment projects.
				Martin Luther King Jr. Library/Municipal Services Center - Opened in 2004, this $10.3 million voter-approved building sits on the south side of Colfax at Emporia. The project also included the expansion of the Aurora Fox Arts Center and Fletcher Plaza, which is the site of the Asian Film Festival, public and community art displays, outdoor films and distinctive community events.
Florence Square Residential/Retail Project - The cornerstone of the District is the new privately owned Florence Square residential and retail project on the north side of Colfax at Emporia. Nearly complete, the project currently offers affordable housing units; artist live/work spaces; an 'artists walk' designed to host small art shows and events; and nearly 20,000 square feet of retail storefront space along Colfax.
Renovation of the Young Building (Colfax Avenue and Dayton Street) was recently completed with help from the Storefront Renovation Grant fund.		Partnership As a central part of Aurora's efforts to revitalize Original Downtown Aurora, the city's Urban Renewal Division works in partnership with property owners, developers, investors, stakeholders, and the community to plan, promote, and coordinate development and redevelopment projects. In addition, the city has created loan and grand fund programs to help owners and businesses update their building. Specific qualification criteria apply to each program. Follow these links for more information on the commercial Loan and Grant programs.
For assistance with business planning, marketing, financing, and e-commerce topics, contact the Aurora Business Development Center.
Click here for a map of the Arts District!
Arts District ArtWatch
Welcome to the Arts District ArtWatch, a newsletter for those interested in the Original Downtown Aurora Arts District. The City of Aurora Urban Renewal Division has initiated this e-bulletin to promote building and space available for artists as well as events and activities of interest to artists. We plan to send out this information, via e-mail, periodically. If you would like to be on the mailing list, please send an e-mail to jjarrett@auroragov.org.
ArtWatch - June 21, 2006			ArtWatch - January 19, 2006
ArtWatch - May 23, 2006			ArtWatch - January 6, 2006
ArtWatch - March 16, 2006			ArtWatch - November 10, 2005
ArtWatch - February 22, 2006			ArtWatch - October 24, 2005
For more information about the Arts District, please contact project manager Kay Miller at 303-739-7130 or kcmiller@auroragov.org.