Goal 11: Accessible and Vibrant Arts and Culture

Project description

The 40 West ArtLine is a 4-mile public art and creative placemaking experience that connects parks, transit, local businesses, and neighborhoods in the 40 West Arts Creative District. This project reflects the community’s vision to enhance the 40 West Arts District as a creative placemaking amenity that supports a resilient, equitable, and vibrant neighborhood with abundant cultural and transportation opportunities.

How it advances Goal 11

The 40 West ArtLine advances Goal 13 by strengthening Lakewood’s activity hubs. The ArtLine connects parks, transit, businesses, and neighborhoods through a 4-mile walking and biking arts route. It supports private development and vibrant public spaces that align with the city’s Community Hubs vision. Public art and creative placemaking activate streets and plazas, fostering social connection and a strong sense of place. Ongoing community driven planning ensures the ArtLine remains inclusive, equitable, and aligned with long-term development goals.

Project description

Lakewood’s Design Review Commission actively works to ensure new development fits the community’s architectural character. By combining city planning expertise with local design insight, the panel carefully evaluates building plans—scrutinizing details like materials, landscaping, and overall aesthetics—to keep the neighborhood looking cohesive and appealing.

How it advances Goal 11

The Design Review Commission supports Goal 13 by ensuring new development within Activity Hubs reflects Lakewood’s unique identity and community values. By enforcing design standards and streetscape enhancement, the Commission fosters a cohesive, high-quality environment that attracts residents and businesses alike. This focus on aesthetic excellence and architectural character transforms mixed-use zones into vibrant, "inspiring" destinations, directly driving the economic vitality and community engagement necessary for a thriving local economy.

Current status

This was the inaugural year for the Design Review Commission’s development review process. Following the creation and adoption of the Standards and Guidelines, this year saw the first development applications navigate the DRC’s process, the inception of a second set of design standards along W Colfax, and the creation of an ad hoc DRC referral process for individual projects.