MISSION
To create a replicable, scalable, exportable and economically viable framework
for the resource efficient regeneration of existing cities.VISION
Regenerative and resilient cities that are culturally thriving,
energy and resource hyper-efficient, and economically sustainable.
After studying the opportunity space around urban revitalization projects, it became clear to our team that very few organizations in this country or worldwide are working to prove the value of retrofitting existing urban environments in large, defined segments. There are many examples of world class organizations and individuals working on the retrofit of individual buildings. There are many terrific examples of ground up communities being designed and built to accomplish goals similar to those of Living City Block. However, there are many opportunities to retrofit entire sections of existing urban environments, while capitalizing on economies of scale and experience. Living City Block LoDo will be the first full implementation project of its kind in the U.S.
Despite profound advances in technology and general understanding around the value and implementation of energy efficiency in individual buildings, very little has been done to bring those efficiencies from the model of the single building into the fabric of an existing cohesive urban environment. The goal of Living City Block is to establish a new urban paradigm by transforming an existing historic, multiple-owner, mixed-use city block into a culturally thriving, energy and resource hyper-efficient, economically sustainable city block – to prove this is a replicable, desirable, profitable approach to securing a new energy economy and environmental equilibrium.
Over a period of 4 to 6 years, Living City Block will construct a ‘three-legged stool’ proof of concept which incorporates 1) a business and financing case for deep energy retrofits at a block scale, 2) enhanced economic development through market stimulation, higher sales and lease rates, better retail and corporate recruitment, and actual job creation, and 3) proving and quantifying that this creates better community in which people chose to work, play and live.
