Saturday - Rise early and witness the breathtaking sunrise at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where the natural rock formations and glowing morning light create an unforgettable start to your day. Then, take a scenic drive to Colorado Springs to explore the hidden gem that is AdAmAn Alley — a vibrant urban space filled with public art and a rich sense of community.
Sunday - Head north to the creative hub of Fort Collins, where downtown streets come alive with the colorful and imaginative Transformer murals. Stroll through this charming city, soaking in its artsy atmosphere, boutique shops, and cozy cafes as you wrap up a weekend full of inspiration and placemaking magic.
Denver
The Populus Hotel in Denver is a striking example of placemaking through sustainability, design, and urban integration. Touted as the first carbon-positive hotel in the United States, Populus is more than just a place to stay—it’s a thoughtfully designed destination that enhances the cultural, environmental, and social fabric of downtown Denver. Placemaking Elements at Populus: Sustainable Identity – The hotel goes beyond carbon neutrality by investing in reforestation and ecological restoration, turning sustainability into a core aspect of its public image and experience. This environmental commitment reflects growing public values …
Morrison
Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a renowned and iconic outdoor concert venue located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Morrison, Colorado, USA. It is a symbol of Colorado's natural beauty and beloved cultural landmark.
3) AdAmAn Alley
Colorado Springs
AdAmAn Alley is a dynamic urban placemaking project in downtown Colorado Springs that transforms a previously overlooked alley into a vibrant public space that celebrates local history, art, and community identity. Named after the historic AdAmAn Club—a group of mountaineers who climb Pikes Peak every New Year’s Eve to set off fireworks—this space now serves as a living tribute to one of the region’s most unique traditions.
Fort Collins
The Transformer Cabinet Murals project in Fort Collins is a creative placemaking initiative that transforms ordinary electrical utility boxes into vibrant works of public art. Launched by Art in Public Places (APP) in 2004, this ongoing program beautifies city infrastructure while promoting local artists and community identity. Key Features of the Project - Turning Utilities into Canvases More than 375 transformer cabinets across Fort Collins have been hand-painted with colorful, site-specific designs, turning eyesores into artistic landmarks. - Local Artist Engagement Each mural is designed and painted by local artists, …
Note: Each numbered pin on the map correspond to a placemaking project that is in the list of Planned Projects to Visit in this journey.