Speer Reimagined: A New Vision for Mobility, Ecology, and Public Life

About the event: Illustrating Doors Open Denver’s 2025 theme, Architecture and Nature in Harmony, this expert panel presents a bold new vision for Speer Boulevard — transforming it from car-dominated thoroughfare into a multimodal street that reunites Downtown and Auraria with expanded parkland, restored ecological systems and vibrant urban spaces. Drawing on extensive research and creative ideas, panelists will explore how rethinking this key urban artery can expand green space, restore Cherry Creek’s biodiversity, create new development opportunities, and improve Downtown mobility and access — ultimately prioritizing people, ecology, and connectivity.

About the Speakers: Lilly Djaniants, Associate Principal at ZGF Architects. Lilly’s career includes 18 years of experience and leadership roles in Urban Design, City Planning and Architecture, working in public, private, non-profits, and academic sectors in Denver, New York City, and Yerevan. Her practice includes a concentration in master planning, area plan developments, neighborhood planning, regional planning, development of regulatory packages, as well as high-end architectural design and construction management.

Peter J. Park, Director and Owner of Peter J. Park, LLC and Associate Professor Adjunct of Urban Design.Peter is city planner and educator with over 30 years of experience in urban planning, design, and policy across public, private, and academic sectors. He is the Director/Owner of Peter J. Park, LLC, a city planning and design consulting practice, and teaches at the University of Colorado-Denver. Peter previously served as Planning Director for the cities of Milwaukee and Denver, and has led transformative initiatives in urban regeneration, including replacement of in-city highways with multimodal street networks, transit-oriented development, and zoning code reforms. Through his cross-sector experience, Peter brings a unique perspective to contemporary urban challenges—connecting policy, design, and community to create more livable, inclusive, and resilient cities through innovative planning and urban design.

David Tryba, FAIA, Lead Design Principal and Founder of Tryba Architects. David’s passion for cities directs the work of Tryba Architects. He is involved in each of the firm’s projects and excels at leading talented designers towards solutions that are in the best interest of the client, the community and the project. David’s entrepreneurial spirit directs the firm’s commitment to the development and transformation of urban neighborhoods, buildings, sites and systems into active, human-scaled and successful places. David possesses a deep understanding of the evolution of cities—past, present and future—and has completed projects across North America. His design is driven by a critical awareness of the social and economic value of place making, a fundamental belief in the integration of architecture and landscape, and a firm and resolute commitment to city building and civic craft.

Accessibility: Guests will be able to access the second floor via the elevator during the event.

Student Tickets: Student tickets must be purchased using an active student/school email address.

Agenda: 4:30pm Doors open
5pm-6pm Program
6pm-7pm Wine and Cheese Reception

Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 14 days prior to the event.

Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.

Photo provided courtesy of Tryba Architects