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Dairy Block
Alley

Denver, Colorado

Industry
  • Mixed-Use
  • Public Art
Region
  • Mountain West
Scope
  • Art Curation, Art Activation
Client
  • McWhinney
Highlights:
  • Winner of the ULI 2021 Americas Award for Excellence

  • 10 site-specific, multimedia public art commissions are featured in the length of one city block

  • Denver’s first activated pedestrian alley

  • Partnerships with the Colorado Crush Mural Festival and Lighthouse Writers Workshop’s WriteDenver Program helped recruit local artists and engage the surrounding community in the art collection

  • 30-foot tall “Spilt Milk” sculpture serves as a landmark installation, welcoming visitors into the alley

Press/Media
  • March 25, 2019, “Art is Part of the Experience at the Dairy Block” - ColoradoBiz Magazine

  • March 12, 2019, CBCA Business for the Arts Awards, Impact Award for the Dairy Block

  • October 2018, “Art All Around: Dairy Block, Denver’s Mayor’s Design Awards” Mayor’s Design Awards 2018

  • Mayor’s Design Awards 2018 303 Magazine

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The Story

A unique micro-district in the heart of Denver’s historic Lower Downtown District, Dairy Block continues the tradition of industry and craftsmanship of its historic past, while presenting its visitors with contemporary, immersive experiences. Once home to Windsor Dairy, which was brought to prominence by business man H. Brown Cannon, the Dairy Block site was originally part of a landmark 1920 real estate deal. We were inspired to tell the story of Dairy Block’s past while highlighting its promising future and creating meaningful connection points to the nearby Dairy Block Offices and Maven Hotel.

We specifically chose to develop the signature experience of Dairy Block’s art program in a visible, but unexpected, location – the alley that cuts straight through the middle of the Block. The first of its kind, this activated alley invites pedestrians and passersby to explore the alley and discover ten works by local artists. Featuring murals, sculpture, neon work, and an interactive lighted walkway, the art program demonstrates exceptional use of public space and immersive art with impact to engage surrounding retail and entertainment, creating a lively and unforgettable urban experience. Learn more about the art program here

Experience the Dairy Block

Spilt Milk by Airworks Studio

Musical Churns by Nikki Pike

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Similar Projects

Check back for additional projects being added soon!

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- James Prendeville, General Manager, Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Austin

“NINE dot ARTS continues to exceed my expectations. As curators, their ability to identify and source artworks that are immersive and experiential has helped make our property a unique destination.”

- Chad Mcwhinney, CEO and Co-founder, Mcwhinney

NINE dot ARTS did an amazing job finding pieces that tell a story and communicate who we are as a philanthropic organization. The art in our office is a source of joy and pride, and is an essential part of the character of a space that is used by many, many community organizations.”

- Thomas A. Gougeon, President, Gates Family Foundation

“The NINE dot ARTS discovery process made creating a custom art collection, a seemingly daunting task, simple and fun. They truly understood our business and how to visually express what we do in unique and meaningful ways. Their knowledge of the art industry combined with their experience and countless local and national connections are extremely impressive.”

- Jenna Samek, Director Corporate Communications, Fourpoint Energy

“NINE dot ARTS was great to work with and made the art selection fun while capturing our story. They captured not only our image, culture and diversity but also those things that are outside the box that make the project feel right.

- Gary Branch, Director of Construction, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children

Our ability to create authentic experiences for our guests is a key differentiator against our competition, and the art program that NINE dot ARTS created is a prime example. Much of the art comes from current Boston University (BU) students and alumni, which really connects with our guests. As a result, we continue to grow our share of business from BU.”

- Adam Sperling, General Manager, Hotel Commonwealth

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