Highland Square was the first inner-city commercial retail district designated by the City of Denver as a Neighborhood Business Revitalization (NBR) District, a program created to rejuvenate neighborhood business areas and counter the loss of sales tax revenue to large suburban malls.

The project focused on revitalizing a historic crossroads shopping district at 32nd Avenue and Lowell Boulevard. Principal-in-Charge Ron Abo led the engagement process with local merchants through weekly collaborative meetings to develop façade design standards that would restore the district’s character while remaining affordable.

The transformation dramatically improved the district’s visual identity and economic vitality. Today, Highland Square is recognized as one of Denver’s most vibrant neighborhoods, celebrated for its fine dining, boutique shopping, and unique local character.