Designs for Libraries and a Cultural Plaza
City Council meeting · Monday, October 19 at 3:30 PM
The decision
Should Denver hire Handprint Architecture to design two library renovations and a park cultural plaza with a shade structure?
Who notices: Visitors to Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library & Museum on Welton Street, the branch library on Albrook Drive, and Montbello Civic Center Park on Crown Boulevard could notice changes.
Plain-language summary based on official city records. Written with AI assistance.
Your potential impact
After · What could change
Handprint Architecture would provide architectural and engineering plans for the three projects. The contract would run through March 15, 2030.
The trade-offs
Potential benefits
Montbello families and neighbors
Families and neighbors could gain a place to gather for cultural activities if the plaza design leads to construction.
Possible tradeoff, inferred from the proposal. Not a reported position of this group.
Possible concerns
Users of the two libraries
Library users could face inconvenient layouts if the renovation plans do not reflect how they use the buildings.
Possible tradeoff, inferred from the proposal. Not a reported position of this group.
Over the years
Montbello Civic Center Park visitors
Park visitors could have a shaded place to spend time outdoors if the plaza and shade structure are eventually built.
Possible longer-term effect, inferred from the proposal. Not a guaranteed outcome.
Email your rep
Denver City Council decides
Your area
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Where things stand
Current official status: Agenda Ready
Listed council meeting: October 19, 2026
A final vote result isn't available on this page yet. That doesn't mean a vote hasn't happened. The official record in Sources & transparency below has the City's latest status and meeting details.
Sources & transparency
Plain-language summary based on Denver's official city records, written with AI assistance. Not yet checked by a person.
26-1452Official status: Agenda ReadyUpdated by the City Oct 15, 2026
Read the official record
A resolution approving a proposed Agreement between the City and County of Denver and Handprint Architecture, Inc. to provide Architectural and Engineering Design Services for the Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library & Museum renovation, Montebello Branch Library renovation, and Montbello Civic Center Park Cultural Plaza and Shade Structure. Approves a contract with Handprint Architecture Inc for $3,005,589.87 with an end date of 3-15-2030 to provide Architectural and Engineering Design Services for Blair-Caldwell African American Research Library & Museum renovation, Montebello Branch Library renovation, and Montbello Civic Center Park Cultural Plaza and Shade Structure, 2401 Welton Street, 12955 Albrook Drive, and 4401 Crown Blvd, Council Districts 8 and 9 (DOTI-202686018). The last regularly scheduled Council meeting within the 30-day review period is on 11-9-2026. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 10-6-2026.