Stapleton, being developed by Forest City Stapleton Inc., is the nation's largest infill development. "This new community recycles abandoned urban land and features many 'green building' techniques, while creating a complete new urban neighborhood with schools, parks, shopping, transit, and homes in all price ranges," says Will Toor, chair of DRCOG. "It has become a national and international example of urban redevelopment."

"This suggests that Stapleton's plans for smart growth are succeeding," says Hank Baker, senior vice president for Forest City Stapleton, Inc. Since breaking ground in 2001, Stapleton has won numerous awards for smart growth. In 2001, the statewide Public Interest Research Group named the community to its "Smart Growth Hall of Fame." In 2002, the King of Sweden recognized the community with the Stockholm Partnerships for Sustainable Cities Award. In January 2005, Stapleton won a "Best of American Living Award" for "Best Smart Growth Community" from Professional Builder magazine and the National Association of Homebuilders.

The DRCOG award will be presented on April 13, when DRCOG celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Within 15 years, Stapleton's redevelopment of 4,700 acres, or 7.5 square miles, will grow to include 12,000 homes and apartments, 3 million sf of retail, 10 million sf of office, research and industrial space, and 1,100 acres of regional parks and open space. Stapleton will be home to 30,000 residents and 35,000 workers when completed. Nearly 4,000 residents have moved into Stapleton's 1,500 households.