Earth Day 2010 marked the debut of Denver B-cycle, Denver’s new bike-sharing program.

With Mayor John Hickenlooper’s blessings, about 500 shiny red bicycles are stationed at 40 locations throughout the downtown area.

One of those bike-rental stands is right here at Benedict Park Place. Check it out on the corner of Park Avenue West and Tremont Place!

Bike sharing is just starting to catch on in the U.S., although it’s very popular in Europe, especially Paris, where there are over 200,000 bikes and 1,500 stations.  Washington, D.C. recently launched a similar program.

“The goal is to offer residents and visitors an alternative form of transportation that prevents air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, is good exercise and helps people save money that would otherwise be used on gas and parking,” said Brent C. Tongco on behalf of the city of Denver.

With so many stations concentrated in the downtown area, riders can pick up and drop off bikes quickly and easily.  Frequent exchanges keep rental costs to a minimum.  For example, you could bike to the Denver Art Museum, turn in the bike, tour the museum, pick up another bike and pedal over to the Colorado Convention Center where another station is conveniently located.

Riders need to purchase a membership before renting a bike.  Annual, monthly, weekly and daily passes are available.  The first 30 minutes of use are FREE.  Usage fees apply after 30 minutes, a plan that encourages renters to take short rides and turn in bikes at each destination.

You can find fee schedules, station maps and additional information at Denver B-cycle.

Save gas, stay green and pedal home to Benedict Park Place!

Mayor John Hickenlooper, Congressman Ed Perlmutter and Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, toured the completed areas of Benedict Park Place and ceremoniously launched construction of Phase 4B, the final chapter.

The final phase includes 89 additional units that provide up-scale living in the downtown Denver area close to jobs, schools, shopping and rapid-transit options.  Green and sustainable construction techniques are a hallmark of Benedict Park Place, and the final phase will encompass major renewable energy elements.

A 100 kw Solar Photovoltaic System will generate electricity and a 42 bore wells geothermal system will assist with heating and cooling energy needs. Together, these two components are expected to reduce utility costs by about 50% on a yearly basis.

Additionally, Park Avenue Redevelopment, with funding from HUD Recovery Act, provided special training in green-construction products and practices for this project, while creating approximately 50 new construction jobs for Denver workers.

Video: Shaun Donovan, U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, delivers a speech as Benedict Park Place launches construction of its final phase in downtown Denver.  Secretary Donovan is accompanied by Mayor John Hickenlooper and Congressman Ed Perlmutter.

Benedict Park Place is a true pioneer in sustainable community redevelopment projects.  The 15-acre site is within walking distance to downtown businesses, shops, restaurants, schools, bus and light-rail stops, a newly installed bike-share station, parks and grocery stores.

Welcome home to Benedict Park Place!

You’ll experience the best of urban living in a setting that embraces the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains – always visible and just minutes away.

Denver truly has something for everyone and Benedict Park Place gives you easy access to all of it. Transportation is a snap, even without a car, via the Light Rail, bus system and the free 16th Street Mall Shuttle (MallRide).

The Benedict Park Place neighborhood received a “Walker’s Paradise” (92 out of 100) rating from Walk Score™.

The downtown area has over 80 acres of parks and open spaces to stroll through and enjoy.  Bicyclists are welcome in and around Denver, which was rated the #1 bicycle-friendly city in the USA by Bicycle Magazine.

With over 450 shops and restaurants, downtown Denver is a mecca for fashionistas, bargain hunters, and lovers of fun and good food.  You’ll find humble hot dog stands, lively neighborhood taverns and gourmet five-star restaurants.  Denver really captures the flavor of culture and cuisines from around the world.

Sports are always happening downtown.

Benedict Park Place is only minutes from the Pepsi Center where you can enjoy professional basketball, ice hockey, concerts by major artists and other events.  Equally close are Invesco Field, home of the Denver Broncos and Coors Field where the Colorado Rockies play major league baseball.

The Denver Performing Arts Center is a complex of nine stages and theaters that make it the second largest performing arts venue in the world.  You’ll find a pleasant mix of smaller theaters and art galleries sprinkled throughout the downtown area.

Downtown is a great for students.

Denver welcomes students of all ages.  Denver Public Schools is an innovative district that manages public schools for grades K – 12.  Additionally, there are three college campuses located in or near downtown:  Metropolitan State College of Denver (Metro), University of Colorado Denver, and the University of Denver (DU).

Businesses thrive Downtown.

The success of the city of Denver largely depends on a thriving business community.  Several global corporations have Denver headquarters, including ProLogis, RE/MAX, and Western Bancorp.

In contrast, Denver supports thousands of successful entrepreneurs and is heralded by some as the “business networking capital of the world.”  We attract innovative and enterprising business professionals from around the globe.
To learn more about living and doing business in Denver, visit City and County of Denver, the official government site.

Come join the fun in Downtown.

If you dream about living in an urban, upscale space; walking to fabulous shops and restaurants; being minutes from theater, exhibits and concerts; having easy access to professional sporting events; and enjoying the diversity and culture that infuse our enchanting city vibe, then contact Benedict Park Place today.

Welcome home to Benedict Park Place.

Visit our beautiful town homes and apartments.

You’ll find out what’s hip and happening in our neighborhood and downtown Denver.

Things to See and Do in April

Spring is coming to the Rockies and April is filled with all kinds of events and attractions.

There’s the amazing Body Worlds and the Story of the Heart exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science.  In town until July, this brand-new display features over 200 specially preserved human specimens that illustrate in stunning detail how the heart sustains human life.  More information about the Denver Museum of Nature and Science

The Denver International Auto Show comes to the Colorado Convention Center April 7th through 11th.  Preview new models, some for 2011, and see what combination of style and energy efficiency is coming down the road.  Go to the Denver International Auto Show

Doors Open Denver, a two-day, behind-the-scenes celebration of some of Denver’s architectural highlights happens the week-end of April 17th – 18th.   Get the inside scoop on a selection of our city’s most spectacular buildings.  Take a tour with an expert or sign up for a self-guided urban adventure.  Admission is free.

April marks the end of the regular season for the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center.

As professional basketball starts to wind down, major league baseball is just getting started.  The Colorado Rockies home opener against the San Diego Padres is scheduled for the afternoon of April 9th at Coors Field.  Are you going to the home opener?

Denver is home to an enchanting variety of performing arts stages, venues and exhibits.

April theater offerings include Cinderella, Opus, and Momma Hated Diesels.

On the music scene, look for Blaine Larsen and B.B. King.

Dance aficionados can catch the Seven Falls Indian Dancers, Denver Dance Starz and Starpower.

For more information, check out the Denver 365 Year-Round Events Guide and the Down Denver Partnership Happenings page.

Colorado Fun Fact

Did you know Colorado has a state fossil?

Yes it does.  Our state claims the Stegosaurus, a large herbivore with distinctive plates running down its spine as its pre-historic mascot.

Eco-Tip for April

Unplug your cell phone charger!

Did you know only about 5% of the energy drawn from your cell phone charger cord actually charges your phone?  The other 95% simply heats the charger when it’s left plugged in to the wall.  Treehugger.com has more information.

Resources

Need to know more about living and doing business in Denver?

You’ll find tons of useful information at City and County of Denver, the official government site.

The Denver 365 Year-Round Events Guide is another good way to find things to do in Downtown Denver.

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