Some of the largest and most popular public institutions in Denver could see significant upgrades depending upon the result of a bond to be decided in today’s election by local voters.
Earlier this year Mayor Michael Hancock proposed a bond package carrying a $450 million price tag that was divided into five questions.
One of those questions, appearing on the ballot as Question 2A would, if passed, commit $104 million for upgrade projects at the Denver Zoo, the city’s Botanic Gardens, the Mary Bonfils Stanton Theater, the Buell Theater, and the Museum of Science & Nature.
Funding will also go for the construction of two facilities belonging to the Denver Public Library. Those new libraries would be built in what are described as the historically underserved communities of Globeville and Westwood neighborhoods.
Other library work will see the building of new community spaces, technology labs, and children’s learning areas.
The bond will additionally fund the long-planned expansion of the system’s Hampden Branch Library, located at 9755 E. Girard Avenue on the southeast side of the city.
Improvements to the Youth Empowerment Center building at 1240 W. Bayaud Avenue, as well as general upgrades to city buildings to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, will additionally be funded by the bond.
The proposal has won the support of the Associated General Contractors of Colorado and the Downtown Denver Partnership, among other groups.
By Garry Boulard