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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