DDDA Approves Funding for High Fidelity Plaza, Downtown Safety Plan

DDDA Approves Funding for High Fidelity Plaza, Downtown Safety Plan

Published on March 25, 2026

Denver - The Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA or DDA) today announced that the DDDA Board of Directors has unanimously approved funding for two projects, including the renewal of the Downtown Safety Action Plan and a catalytic office-to-residential conversion of two prominent downtown office towers, now known as High Fidelity Plaza, located at 621 and 633 17^th St in downtown Denver.

"A vibrant downtown is one where working families can afford to live and where they feel safe doing so," said Mayor Mike Johnston. "I am grateful to the Downtown Development Authority for investing in solutions that are delivering clear results for our city center."

The Downtown Safety Action Plan, first approved by the Board in 2025, created a dedicated downtown police unit; it also expanded policing resources and provides higher levels of outreach to those who need support. The $7 million grant approved today will continue to fund 10 dedicated patrol officers through the balance of 2026 as well as 2027.

The Denver Police Department reported a number of metrics indicating the effectiveness of of the Downtown Safety Action Plan to date, including:

• Decrease of 55% in motor vehicle theft,
• Increase of 64% of response rate to open drug use,
• 118 warrant arrests,
• 167% increase in response rates to shoplifting,
• Seizing of 73 illegal weapons
• 8% increase in response rates to reported property damage,
• 5% increase in response rates to crimes against persons

"The very first dollars spent by us as a renewed Downtown Development Authority were for the establishment of our Downtown Safety Action Plan," said Doug Tisdale, Board Chair of the DDDA. "We knew from our research that safety and security were the central and critical concerns of our residents. The Board knew that the DDA was uniquely situated to enhance safety and security for all. The results have been fantastic, and people throughout the Denver region have seen those dramatic results," Tisdale said. "So now they're coming back to Downtown Denver. And that's why the DDDA Board enthusiastically and unanimously renewed our commitment to the Downtown Safety Action Plan, to make Downtown fun… and safe," he concluded.

"The continued support of the DDDA has allowed us to respond more effectively to issues that matter most to our community, said Commander Kimberly Bowser. "The improvements we've seen are a direct result of sustained collaboration, increased visibility, and a shared commitment to public safety. We look forward to building on this progress and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for all who live, work, and visit downtown."

The High Fidelity Plaza project will convert 1 million square feet of existing commercial office space into a mixed-use residential development featuring over 700 apartment units, improvements to the public plaza space, and new retail and amenity space designed to activate the street level, including plans for a bodega, coffee shop, children's museum, child care center, and book store. In compliance with Denver's EHA requirements, at least 70 of the residential units will be restricted to 60% AMI affordability. The two towers occupy an entire block in Upper Downtown and are connected by a shared plaza, an interconnected basement including underground parking garage, and a link building. The developer is The Luzzatto Company, working with HLW International, MDP Engineering Group, R&R Engineers, and Thornton Tomasetti. The Beck Group is the construction partner.

In the meeting today, the DDDA Board of Directors approved a low-interest loan up to $63 million to support the High Fidelity Plaza redevelopment. The total project cost is estimated at $315 million.

"We are grateful for this public support and are committed to being good stewards of the property, the project and the public funds being made available to us," said Asher Luzzatto, President of The Luzzatto Company. "We look forward to the day when High Fidelity Plaza is full of life and a blueprint for other transformative projects in Downtown Denver."

"I'm proud of the work our Board, and our city, is doing to revitalize downtown across a spectrum of investments through the DDDA, including those that directly address affordability," said DDDA Board Director and City Council President Amanda P. Sandoval. "When residents can afford to live, work and engage downtown, and feel safe doing so, that makes a tremendous difference in the vibrancy of our downtown and our city as a whole. We hope that these investments continue to inspire both residents and visitors alike to come downtown and invest in our city center."

The DDDA has now approved over $242 million in support for new retail and entertainment destinations downtown, new parks and public spaces, new housing at a range of price points, and acquisitions for future redevelopment opportunities.

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About the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDA or DDDA)

Denver's DDA, approved by voters in 2008 and 2024, is building a vibrant downtown Denver through strategic and catalytic investments that promote economic growth and revitalization. Guided by a Plan of Development, the DDDA has a seven-member Board of Directors that includes the current City Council President, and other members are appointed by Mayor Mike Johnston for four-year terms. Learn more about the DDDA at denvergov.org/DDA.

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