WS-A - WORK STUDY - WELLNESS DISTRICT

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ATTACHMENT Case 2: Wellness District Mariposa Healthy Living Initiative Municipality: Denver, Colorado 1. Background and Summary Built in 1953, the Lincoln Park public housing district of the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) reflected the outdated strategy of concentrating low- income housing in obscure locations that are generally isolated from amenities, services, and economic opportunities. As a result, the neighborhood has been challenged by poverty levels triple to those of the city as a whole. Ninety -four percent of residents have incomes that are 0 -30% of the Area Median Income (AMI).' Many also suffer from poor health outcomes: 38% of residents experience chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and heart problems, while 55% are considered overweight or obese.' Further, 40% of residents have less than a high school diploma and only 1% have a college degree. In response, the Denver Housing Authority (DHA) decided to redevelop the neighborhood in ways that will enhance the health outcomes and quality of life for residents. DHA initiated the Mariposa Healthy Living Initiative in 2009 to establish physical, mental and community health outcomes as primary measures of redevelopment success. The South Lincoln Homes public housing project has been rebranded as Mariposa. The redevelopment is being implemented in eight stages with completion expected in 2018 focusing specifically on facilities and design for physical activity, pedestrian and bike infrastructure, traffic safety, and access to health care.10 2. Project Description 2.1. Partners & Actors The Mariposa development is owned and managed by the Denver Housing Authority (DHA). Mithun, the architecture, planning and design firm, led the master planning process. The landscape architects, Wenk and Associates have developed an open space and parks system for the neighborhood that integrates sustainable principles with stormwater management principles. 2.2 Strategy and Approach The redevelopment of Mariposas 17.5 -acre site will add a mix of uses and nearly triple the existing density, with 900 new mixed- income homes (1/3 public, 1/3 workforce, 1/3 market rate). Significant investments are also being made in open space, infrastructure, and public realm improvements. All homes will be within a convenient walking distance to the neighborhood's light rail station, retail and services, and a large city park. The coordination of eight distinct construction and demolition phases has allowed residents to remain in the neighborhood during the development process." Fundamental to the development is the Mariposa Healthy Living Initiative.Tbe Initiative recognizes the built environment as a determinant of health outcomes for local residents.12 Its activities include the development of indicators to track and measure health and wellness performance and the Mariposa Healthy Living Toolkit, which provides a comprehensive guide for practitioners to incorporate health into design, redevelopment and construction.13 The Next Practice ws- b -48