New On Havana
Pictured: The old Buckingham Square sign in December of 2007 and in the same place as the old sign stands The Gardens on Havana's beautiful new sign in December of 2008. Sprouts is now open at The Gardens on Havana.
The first stores at The Gardens on Havana opened in the spring of 2009 on the site of the former Buckingham Square Mall at Mississippi & Havana. Called "GOH" by the neighbors who can't wait for opening day. This development by Miller Weingarten Realty, LLC, will be true showcase of xeriscape and roses in Colorado. The center plaza rose garden will feature water-wise shrub and climbing roses selected with the help of the Denver Rose Society. The Gardens on Havana will features a Kohl's Department Store, Dick's Sporting Goods, GNC, Noodles & Company, Qdoba, Sprouts Farmers Market, with other restaurants coming soon. Phase II of the development will include townhomes and apartments to complete this new mixed-use community. Be sure to "Go To The GOH" for unique shopping and dining experiences.
View The Gardens on Havana Brochure
In April of 2008, the team of Wodiczko & Bonder of Cambridge, Massachusetts, was selected to redesign Babi Yar Park. The park is located on the Southwest corner of Havana Street and Parker Road. Upon completion, The Mizel Museum of Judaica plans to relocate to the park. This project will transform Babi Yar Park into an international destination. Phase I, which includes an art & video walking memorial in the park, will be completed in 2010, with the final project to be completed in 5 years.
View Babi Yar Park Artist Selection Press Release
View Artist's Rendition of Babi Yar Park
Havana North Redevelopment Planned:
Pictured on the left is the Fan Fare Shopping Center when it was brand new in 1962 (from the Milo Ketchum website). The other pictures show a deteriorated Fan Fare after being vacant for 25+ years.
On July 27, 2009, the Havana BID board members and the City of Aurora Urban Renewal staff went before the Aurora Urban Renewal Authority Board requesting permission to proceed with a blight study, which is the first step towards the formation of an urban renewal area for the North end of the Havana District. The area involved is based on the intersection of 1st & Havana and includes, on the east side of Havana, the Mazda dealership and lot behind it, and all commercial properties between 1st Avenue and 4th Way. On the west side, the commercial properties included are the former Red Cross Building on the SW corner of 1st & Havana and all commercial properties fronting Havana up to the north edge of the Fan Fair Liquor Store. The AURA board approved our plans in a unanimous vote. Starting in September of 2009, a steering committee will begin meeting, a blight study will be commissioned, environmental testing will be done on the involved properties to document asbestos and other ground water or soil issues so we can then seek funding for clean up of the area. We will also form a stakeholders' committee and community/neighborhood committee to work together on a new vision for the area. Realistically, under the current economic conditions, redevelopment will not likely occur for 3-4 years, but we can begin the process of cleaning up the area and getting our plans in place to be ready to go with a project when the economy does begin to improve.
Note that the Fan Fair Shopping Center was similar to a Costco--a large department store which charged membership. It was only open a few years in the early to mid 1960's. Some time in the early 1980's, Western Electric used the building for a year or so as a traiing facility, otherwise the building has been vacant. It does contain asbestos, hence the need for the environmental evaluation, and has deteriorated over the years.
View the Havana North Feasibility Study that was completed in the Spring of 2009
The area boasts many vibrant established neighborhoods, like Village East and Park East. Park East is celebrating its 50-year anniversary of being the first Denver Metro Area Parade of Homes site back in 1958, with the homes still beautiful and well maintained today. Newer developments include East Park at Lowry which is 0.4 miles west of Havana Street and offers new homes from the high $100,000 to $1 million. The Highline Canal walking trail and bike path crosses Havana Street at Exposition and runs for 50 miles from the foothills to east of Aurora. In Expo Park, you will find a great 18-hole disc golf course.
Life on Havana Street E-News Monthly Special Coupon Offer