The environmental characterization provided by the EPA Brownfields program would alone be considered a successful tool in promoting redevelopment , however a segment of the funds can also be used for remediation plans , which often contemplate the public realm adjacent to brownfield sites . Jump starting revitalization discussions is greatly aided by the emerging availability of digital visualizations . Typical commercial development depends on a series of risk analysis considerations . For investors , using text to describe a common concept like a retail strip center proposed adjacent to a Walmart is a comfortable development pattern that developers frequently encounter . Yet the idea of pioneering hulking industrial sites into vibrant mixed-use districts can be daunting , particularly given exterior appearance of early stage redevelopment initiatives . If these types of revitalizations were simple to cash flow , every reasonably vibrant community would be experiencing similar transformations . Yet the risk inherent when proposing an INDentrification project is enough to send a typical financier scrambling for the exits . The same concept applies to taxpayers who ask community visionaries to " Show me the money ." That ' s exactly what the EPA Brownfield program ’ s assistance can provide in terms of planning work that can give projects a much-needed boost .
Placemaking designs are the low-hanging fruit for revivalists to demonstrate the energy and excitement embodied in industrial renovations . With the assistance of the EPA Area Wide Brownfield Grant , the City of Cheyenne was able provide a glimpse of potential in an underutilized rail spur connecting the Burlington Northern to the Union Pacific yard . About 100-mile due north of Denver ’ s RINO district , this community ’ s downtown core has struggled with revitalization costs associated with large historic commercial buildings . As part of Cheyenne ’ s broader West Edge District revitalization , this central infrastructure enhancement has blurred the lines , inextricably linking placemaking and infrastructure development . The creative industries interested in locating businesses in the area are making their decisions based on new era infrastructure requirements . Without architectural authenticity , quality food and beverage purveyors , along with outdoor recreation amenities , these growing companies can ' t attract a quality workforce whose values demand work-life balance , shunning cubical farms for red brick and old growth oak beams .
Merging an enlightened perspective on infrastructure , the Cheyenne Spur first used static drawings to illustrate the potential to create a linear parkway alongside the track that sees a handful of trains over the course of 24 hours . Imagining the types of businesses that could occupy the vacant spaces abutting the tracks , these illustrations sparked enthusiasm to add an urban-flavored business park to a community interested in attracting technology and a workforce interested in lifestyle amenities . Without walkable streets , access to coffee shops , breweries , and restaurants , these up and coming districts are unlikely to attract the businesses whose workforce are demanding quality spaces to balance their work life . Yet entrepreneurs are willing to take a chance on the potential of a gem waiting to be polished .
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