Youngfield Street Beautification

Project Update - February 2024

Design rendering of project-wide fencing

Thank you to everyone who participated in this project thus far! Currently, we are finalizing the design for improvements. We are also exploring implementation strategies including a phased approach, where we build key components this year and continue to make improvements along the corridor as time and resources allow. Stay tuned for updates as they become available!

Project Purpose and Goals

The Youngfield Street Beautification project will identify and implement aesthetic improvements along Youngfield Street between 30th and 40th Avenues, focusing on the area between Youngfield Street and I-70. Aesthetic improvements will offer a welcoming gateway to the City of Wheat Ridge, beautify the corridor, and create spaces that will not only reflect our community values but will also instill pride in our city.

Design rendering of monument sign using Plains to Peaks themeProject Goals:

• Understand existing conditions including constructible areas, utility locations and corridors, soil conditions, and where improvements are allowed through the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
• Involve members of the public and neighboring stakeholders to assist with choosing a design theme to convey community values and identifying desired aesthetic improvements.
• Coordinate with the ongoing 32nd Avenue Multimodal Improvements project.
• Prepare preliminary and final design plans.
• Obtain necessary environmental clearances, permits, and interagency agreements.
• Construct aesthetic improvements.

Improvements being considered include enhanced signage, sustainable landscaping, decorative fencing, lighting, and public art.

Elements Outside this Project:
This project is funded by the City of Wheat Ridge’s Urban Renewal Bond. This funding is reserved for specific purposes, including aesthetic improvements. Due to these constraints, this project will not include transportation improvements along Youngfield Street at this time. The city may pursue projects in the future to improve sidewalks and bicycle facilities.

Project Area

The project is focused along Youngfield Street between 30th and 40th Avenues, aimed at improving the area on the west side of Youngfield Street, between Youngfield Street and I-70. There are five anticipated areas of improvement along Youngfield Street, including at the eastbound I-70 off ramp, 32nd Avenue, eastbound I-70 on ramp, north of the on ramp, and at 40th Avenue.

Design Themes

The city is currently working to identify themes for the design of aesthetic improvements. Design themes represent different ideas that could influence placemaking, style, and experience on Youngfield Street. Insights from public comments on the themes received in March and April 2023 will be integrated into the design concepts.

• Design Theme 1: Sowing Happiness – Celebrating Wheat Ridge’s legacy of farming, growth, and colorful community
• Design Theme 2: Expression in Motion – A creative expression of color, feeling, energy, and fun design that draws attention to the area
• Design Theme 3: Community Patchwork – A collection of unique stories about different people, places, and special parts of Wheat Ridge
• Design Theme 4: Plains to Peaks – A story about the mountains, plains, and Wheat Ridge’s unique place between them