DILLON — With help from University of Colorado grad students, Dillon officials are creating a new look for its town center. This is part of Dillon's plan for revitalization of its old retail sector in conjunction with its urban renewal authority efforts. Student work is being funded from a Live Well Colorado grant and the University of Colorado Denver.

According to town planner Beverly Kaiser, architecture and planning grad students began their redesign project Thursday — it will likely be complete in August. Up to three students will be assisting town staff and council members to produce a new image and design for the town to be used as developers approach the town with construction ideas.

“It will be really great to have a fresh outside look for the situation,” Kaiser said. “It's very cool and exciting, but it's also very challenging. ... It's more difficult to work around existing buildings and an existing situation. And existing problems like parking aren't just going to go away.”

Kaiser also noted that she didn't want to influence student work with her own ideas Thursday, as she wants to see what they'll come up with on their own.

Town to create form-based code

Once the design is complete, Dillon's planner said she'll likely implement the students' work into a “form-based” code, or a type of zoning code that defines where buildings are placed. It provides standards for street designs, street furniture, signs and building fronts. A form-based code is useful for towns wanting a more compact, vital, dense and walkable community, Kaiser added. As redevelopment occurs, new buildings must conform to set standards so the town gets what it wants.

Students have been given background reports about the Town of Dillon, and Kaiser said they're in the process of studying all the material. Next steps include conducting site visits, working with council members and town presentations. In the end, the grad students will create a document for Dillon containing “all design elements for building form, building facade and streetscape furniture.” They'll also produce “design sketch scenarios, illustrations, recommended design standards and important view corridors.”

“A series of workshops will be held to come up with an identity and design idea, and we must assure existing businesses that they won't be hurt,” Kaiser said. “With the existing situation, there's a great need for flexibility.”

Caitlin Row can be reached at (970) 668-4633 or at crow@summitdaily.com.