Stapleton Finalist for International Award

DENVER-The $4-billion redevelopment of the 4,700-acre former Stapleton International Airport was a finalist for the Stockholm Partnership’s Sustainable Cities award. More than 250 cities throughout the world entered the competition.

As a finalist, sustainable features at Stapleton will be presented at a worldwide forum in Stockholm.

Although Mayor Wellington E. Webb banned international travel because of the city’s budget crisis, he decided this was so important that he made an exception and sent chief of staff Wayne Cauthen and Deputy Mayor Stephanie Foote, to Sweden.

Forest City Enterprises, the developer chosen by the city, also sent a representative to Stockholm.

”This unique opportunity allows Denver to showcase our shared values of sustainability which is evident in every aspect of the development–from environmental responsibility to economic opportunity and social equity,” Webb says.

When completed over the next 15 to 20 years, Stapleton will include 12,000 homes and apartments; 10 million sf of office space; 3 million sf of retail; and 1,100 acres of parks and open space, which will increase the number of parks in Denver by 30%.

In addition, Forest City is recycling 6 million tons of concrete.