LoDo District:

Who we are

The LoDo District, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Registered Neighborhood Organization representing historic Lower Downtown Denver. The Lower Downtown Historic District was officially enacted by Denver City Council in March 1988 with the intent of encouraging historic preservation and promoting economic and social vitality. The LoDo District, Inc. represents both the residential and commercial communities, and functions as a LoDo-specific chamber of commerce, visitor’s bureau, advocacy agent, and marketing entity.

Flowers Along Market Street in Downtown Denver, Colorado

LoDo District:

Supporting the community

Protecting for the historic character of the neighborhood while encouraging quality new development
Organizing networking opportunities and engagement events for LoDo businesses
Acting as an honest, experienced sounding board for developers and designers
Liaising & creating communication channels between business leaders, community members and public officials
Acting as stewards for the district at all times – tourism, press, city council, etc.

We are able to accomplish these things through the commitment and dedication of our members, working committees, and board of directors.

Committees

The LoDo District Events & Marketing Committee is a group of professionals of all ages who create fun and engaging programming for member businesses and the public. We love showing off some of the more exclusive spaces – old and new – that LoDo has to offer!

Committee Chairs: Laurie Helmick, Marty Steinberg and Veronica Bowie

The Transportation & Parking Committee is actively involved in the ongoing transportation and infrastructure projects in Lower Downtown.

Committee Chair: Jim Graebner

The LoDo District Urban Design Committee plays a prominent role in shaping the future of Lower Downtown Denver. With hundreds of years of experience in city planning, architecture, development, and historic preservation between our committee members, we are a forward-facing group with deep roots in the community and authentic connections to the spaces that make up our unique neighborhood.

LoDo Cares is a philanthropic organization co-operated by The LoDo District and the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association. Members of the lower downtown residential and business communities come together to give back to neighbors in need, support unhoused people, and run beautification projects. Our annual events and initiatives include the Barth Hotel Holiday Project and Cherry Creek Sweeps, as well as ongoing partnerships with community-based organizations. See below for more information on our partner organizations or contact us for future partnership opportunities.

JohnWetenkamp

Director of Operations

John Wetenkamp is a connector of people, places, and experiences. His professional background is in education and public service, having spent his early career working for nonprofits in Denver Public Schools and more recently running volunteer engagement for the University of Colorado at Boulder. Originally from Newbury, Massachusetts, John enjoys a slower pace of interaction and appreciates learning stories in order to connect the modern with the past. He is always seeking common ground with those he encounters, and believes that all of our stories are connected if you listen well enough. When he’s not in LoDo, you can find John giving city tours around Denver, enjoying Colorado’s many trail systems, or on the sidelines of a high school soccer or basketball game.