The RiNo Art District is currently seeking funding for the development of the RiNo Art Park in River North. The three-acre park will be located at 35th and Arkins Court and will become a hub for recreation, creativity, learning, dining and entertainment.
Collegiate Peaks Bank has secured $3 million in construction financing for refurbishment of the existing vacant buildings at the park that will begin this fall. The repurposed buildings will include a branch of the Denver Public Library, affordable spaces for local artists, a food incubator that will provide teaching kitchens and learning spaces for people who aspire to open a restaurant, share recipes from their culture and learn about the food business.
“Collegiate Peaks Bank has been a proud member of and contributor to the RiNo Art District since 2013, and it’s our honor and privilege to be part of this important effort,” said Liam Girard, president of Collegiate Peaks Bank. “The park will provide a place of learning and engagement to the entire community and we will do all we can to support its success.”
Tracy Weil, executive director and co-founder of the RiNo Art District said, “We are excited to have a loan in place to begin construction on what will become a destination of art and learning for the people who live and work in Five Points, Globeville, Cole and Elyria Swansea. While we’ve achieved this important goal, there is still a great deal of work to be done, especially in-regards to important our fundraising efforts.”
The RiNo Art District must fundraise an additional $3 million for construction and startup costs. The City of Denver along with Denver Parks and Recreation have committed to $750,000 on top of the funds the art district is raising to help pay for building the open plaza space and green space.
Partners currently involved with the RiNo Art Park include the Denver Public Library, RedLine, Focus Points Family Resource Center, the City and County of Denver/Denver Parks and Recreation and tenants. Tres birds workshop is the architect.
There are several opportunities for people to support the park. The art district has created a 501 c(3) non-profit called RiNo Gives Back to make sure your donations are tax deductible. Donations that can be made for sponsorship/naming opportunities include: Public plaza, public event spaces, art studios, flex/maker spaces, community mezzanine, gallery, sound studios, conference rooms, teaching kitchen, patio area, tool library/workshop, performing arts building, stage, beam and art tiles sponsors. Contact Marian Pulford, development director at marian@rinoartdistrict.org
