Livable Cities Studio

Join us on March 31, 2025, at the APA National Planning Conference for the Equitably Addressing Resiliency and Connectivity in Denver Neighborhoods mobile workshop. This workshop explores a transformative project in Denver’s Montclair Basin, a historically disinvested area facing major infrastructure and flooding challenges. Through a regional stormwater management approach, the project enhances water quality, reduces flooding, and reconnects divided neighborhoods. The workshop, led by Meredith Wenskoski, President of Livable Cities Studio; Chelsea Gieryic, AICP of Livable Cities Studio; Cady Dawson, AICP and Patrick Stein from Felsburg Holt & Ullevig; and Cinceré Eades from Denver Parks & Recreation, will discuss how community-driven solutions and multi-disciplinary collaboration tackled complex climate challenges. You’ll gain valuable insights on how the project used local government leadership, creative stormwater management, and community-first approaches to generate lasting environmental, public health, and social benefits. Discover how this initiative is reshaping Denver’s urban landscape through creative stormwater management, local leadership, and community-first strategies. Don’t miss it! For more details, visit the link here: https://lnkd.in/evdbpMD6 #NPC2025 #SustainableUrbanPlanning #GreenInfrastructure #CommunityDevelopment #LivableCities #Denver

We are thrilled to co-lead a mobile workshop at the APA National Planning Conference, Sun Valley Reimagined – A Public Housing Transformation. This tour will provide an in-depth look at the revitalization of Sun Valley—historically one of Denver’s most under-resourced communities—and its transformation into a model for affordable, mixed-income living. Meredith Wenskoski, President of Livable Cities Studio, and Erin Clark, Chief Real Estate Investment Officer at the Denver Housing Authority, will lead the discussion on this ambitious redevelopment effort, highlighting the neighborhood’s evolution and the strategies behind its revitalization. In 2010, the City of Denver and the Denver Housing Authority partnered to reimagine the future of Sun Valley, securing key grants from the HUD-DOT Challenge and Tiger II to shape a vision for development along Denver’s portion of RTD’s West Line—specifically for the Sun Valley community. This collaborative effort led to a comprehensive revitalization strategy that integrates ongoing community involvement, strategic planning, and strong partnerships. The discussion will explore how these key stakeholders worked together to sustain momentum, secure additional HUD Choice Neighborhoods funding, and break down silos—ensuring the long-term success of the community vision plan. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how thoughtful urban planning can foster affordability, integrate essential services, and create economic opportunities. We are excited to co-lead this conversation, as Sun Valley’s transformation stands as a powerful example of how cities can redefine historically under-resourced neighborhoods through collaboration and sustained investment—setting a precedent for future urban development. For more details, visit the link here: https://lnkd.in/eTqQ9R6s #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #CommunityDevelopment #UrbanRevitalization #CityPlanning #LivableCities #Denver

Livable Cities Studio is proud to have led the development of Root & Renew, Littleton’s visionary plan for parks, open spaces, and trails! Officially adopted in March 2025, this community-driven roadmap ensures future investments reflect evolving recreation trends and meet the needs of all residents equitably. Using a data-driven approach, we analyzed Littleton’s four city council districts to identify service gaps and prioritize historically underserved areas. Through an extensive outreach process with over 950 community touchpoints—including surveys, pop-ups, and interactive tools like StoryMap—Root & Renew reflects the voices of Littleton’s residents. Structured around four key themes—Parks & Open Space, Activities & Trends, Resiliency & Nature, and Community & Culture—this plan sets the stage for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable outdoor future. Huge thanks to the City of Littleton and its engaged community for shaping this vision!

The APA National Planning Conference is coming to Denver!??? ?? Join us on Saturday, March 29 for the Union Station: From Railyard to Transit-Oriented Neighborhood workshop. We’re thrilled that Todd Wenskoski, Principal at Livable Cities Studio, will be sharing his expert insights at this event, along with Jonathan Webster, AICP, from the City and County of Denver and William Sirois from RTD. This tour will explore the challenges of large urban mega-projects and the essential partnerships and funding solutions needed to build infrastructure improvements at the scale of a new city neighborhood. Discover how transit-oriented developments (TOD) can drive successful development and create equitable, affordable communities, maximizing ridership benefits while fostering balanced, inclusive neighborhoods. Learning about TOD and affordable housing is essential for shaping the future of our cities. As urban areas continue to grow, understanding how strong partnerships and innovative funding solutions can drive the development of accessible, inclusive neighborhoods is crucial. This event provides a unique opportunity to explore how TOD can ensure affordable housing remains central to creating equitable communities where everyone can thrive. Don’t miss the chance to learn from leaders in the field about the strategies and partnerships that help create thriving cities that are accessible for all. For more details, visit the link here: https://lnkd.in/ewR8UVTg #NPC2025 #TransitOrientedDevelopment #TOD #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #CityPlanning #LivableCities #Denver

A Stairwell Revolution, Gubernatorial Endorsement, and a Smarter Urban Future Livable Cities Studio was proud to support the Denver Single Stair Housing Challenge, a competition designed to spark policy change and inspire more diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions throughout Colorado and beyond. Todd Wenskoski, Principal at Livable Cities Studio, had the privilege of serving on the jury, evaluating innovative designs that challenge the status quo of urban housing. Last week’s awards event, hosted by SAR+ Architects , crackled with the kind of energy usually reserved for a heated public meeting. Over 100 attendees gathered to celebrate the ingenuity of global design entries, but the evening’s highlight was the presence of Colorado’s Governor, Jared Polis. In a nod to his tech-world roots, Polis dubbed the single stair the “Smart Stair”—a bit of rebranding that was more than just rhetoric. His words underscored a crucial point: rethinking something as fundamental as a stairwell isn’t just an architectural curiosity; it’s a practical strategy in the fight for affordability and livability in Denver and beyond. For too long, zoning codes in Denver have stifled innovative housing solutions, exacerbating the region’s housing crisis. The “Missing Middle”—the gap between single-family homes and high-density developments—has left too many residents without viable housing options. Addressing this requires not just policy shifts but a reintegration of smart design thinking into regulatory frameworks. Single-stair housing offers a promising way forward, enabling more affordable, human-scaled, and sustainable urban living. A huge thanks to the tireless leadership of Sean Jursnick and the support of SAR+ Architects. This competition was more than a showcase of design; it was a call to action. Now, it’s time to turn ideas into policy and policy into the kind of built environment that truly serves its people. Check out the link below for more information https://lnkd.in/gPm3e7aS #Denver #AffordableHousing #SingleStairHousing #DesignForChange

What a fantastic time at the ASLA Colorado Anti-Winter Celebration! The event was a perfect winter gathering and chance to connect with other local landscape architects. We also want to recognize and celebrate three of our incredible team members who hold leadership positions with ASLA: Kimberly Case, PLA, ASLA, the President; Chelsea Gieryic, AICP, President Elect; and Madison Wulfkuhle, VP of Communications. Their hard work and dedication to the profession continue to make a meaningful impact on our community. It was a great evening for catching up, sharing feedback on what ASLA can do over the next year, and getting excited about the upcoming changes to the ASLA awards gathering. We can’t wait to see what’s next! #ASLAColorado #LandscapeArchitecture #WomenInLeadership

We’re excited to welcome Kimberly Case, PLA, ASLA as a Senior Associate and Landscape Architect to the Livable Cities team! ?? Kim holds a B.A. of Science in Landscape Architecture from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Kim is passionate about creating positive, community-driven experiences through stimulating design, believing that the most successful spaces come from collaboration and engagement with the people who occupy them. With a strong background in design and project management, she approaches every project with a collaborative spirit and a focus on meaningful engagement. Outside of work, Kim enjoys exploring the outdoors through camping and fly fishing. She loves discovering hidden gems and visiting her favorite spots around Denver and beyond. We’re thrilled to welcome Kim to our team and look forward to the incredible impact she’ll make!

Livable Cities is #hiring! We are looking for an experienced Landscape Architect who loves mission-driven work with a focus on people, diversity, and the environment. https://lnkd.in/eMHA8k_3

Our team stepped out of the office last Friday for our annual winter retreat! We took the Winter Park Express to Winter Park Resort and spent the day on the slopes, enjoying great company and the stunning views.????????

Englewood is set to see major upgrades along Hampden Avenue, focused on enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians. Livable Cities is excited to be working with the City of Englewood Colorado, Felsburg Holt & Ullevig, BCER , Englewood Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on this project, which reflects a shared commitment to creating a more pedestrian-friendly, vibrant, and sustainable community. Planned improvements include comfortable seating areas, artistic shade structures, water quality planters, better crosswalks, and enhanced lighting—all designed to prioritize pedestrians and transform the area into a more welcoming space. The percentage of a city’s land area dedicated to streets and roads typically ranges from 20% to 30% in many urban areas worldwide. Join us in the effort to redesign our city streets for pedestrians and human comfort, fostering stronger connections within the community. Stay tuned for updates as the city moves forward to implementation this year!?