Setting the Scene: A City With Growing Pains

Theory, History, Research

Rhetorical Cities: Athens, Rome, Denver

Growth and change are both inevitable for a city. This growth is typically the result of a shift in leading industries and businesses that make up most of the city’s economy. This can be seen in art forms, new buildings and the type of people that populate the city. Viewing physical factors from today and comparing them to how a particular city is now can show the progression of changes and any loss of original culture and identity. Regardless of how this shift comes to be, it poses a threat to the identity of a city. Denver has experienced this type of shift as a result of the economics waning from nature. How has the change in economic industries for the city of Denver led to a change in identity/culture? Support this analysis with physical sites of Denver that prove this change such as specific buildings or works of art.

When I think of Denver, I think of a place blanketed by sunlight that illuminates a city of many things; a city with a past and a future that is not nearly fully discovered. A city with a grotesque history that involved violence towards a group who first called this land their home. A history that is the cracks and crumbling brick of each building that has been built as a result. I think of a place where hotels, businesses and banks mark their territory through towering buildings where everyone on the ground can see. When in the right spot, one can take in the stunning mountain view; the original skyscrapers that draw so many to them. A sight so mesmerizing regardless of if they're dusted with the remnants of a winter’s snow or singing with the bright golden rays of the summer. There are numerous aspects to what makes Denver’s culture so distinct. But one has to wonder if the changes in recent years are causing that identity to disappear. History will tell us that no place can stay the same forever. Whether a growth or shift in identity is perceived as a good or bad thing, we must ask ourselves, what or who are we to either blame or admire for this sudden alteration of a beloved city?

Denver, Colorado. The city where, “urban sophistication meets outdoor adventure.” Whether you have lived here your whole life, are from some other place in Colorado and have come here for school, or you’re an outsider like me, I can imagine Denver means something to you. As the DU community, Denver is the place that holds the institution we are all associated with. It houses the campus, classrooms, the study rooms, the library; all spaces where we will conduct our education. While we may think of this place as a patch of green grass surrounded by interesting looking buildings, it holds a place in the city of Denver. It holds a place in its identity.

Just like any other metropolitan city, Denver, CO was once a town where it was probably more common to see a cow than another person. As I am sure we have all witnessed, large buildings and a bustling downtown have formed a lively environment that is far from the town it once was. Growth is inevitable when it comes to city development. Whether that growth is a good or bad thing is decided by people on different ends of the spectrum. Colorado in general is known as an outdoors state with the iconic mountains that await visitors from all over. The natural beauty that can be found here is astonishing and is what gives Colorado a significant part of its identity.

While expansion is expected for a place like Denver, it also leaves room for conflict. Denver has a very distinct culture. This city is occupied by a body of people who share a love for the outdoors and the beauty of nature. If Denver continues to develop its city scene and encourage more financial opportunities, the small town of Denver, CO as it was once known will cease to exist. I am not inferring that this growth is a negative thing. Surely a prosperous economy will increase job opportunities and will hopefully be beneficial for those who live here now. However, this does put Denver’s identity at risk. Perhaps it is time for a new identity and an opportunity to push forward to a better future. But before we can even think about the future, it is crucial we look into the past.

The start of Denver’s development is commonly known to be a result of the Gold Rush that brought thousands of people to the west desperate to find luck in a place they were convinced would bring them prosperity. This region’s nature is what initially drew people in and is what continues to do so. Yet, it was this nature that was already so cherished by the natives who had been living here never having to steal it from anyone else. Perhaps it was the greed that clouded the minds of these newcomers or the lifestyle that this place lent itself to, but the idea of nature has been a significant part of Denver since its early history. Silver quickly became the next booming industry and soon mining in general is what started a developing economy. After an economic crash of the silver market, farming, cattle, sheep ranching and tourism were Denver’s saving graces. It's funny how tourism has been a major part of this particular economy and has been that way since early on. Perhaps this whole time nature has been the backbone to what has led Denver to prosper and overcome financial challenges.

While Denver faced numerous changes in the different markets that occupied its economy, it was not until the end of World War II when the city was truly put on the map for more than just its businesses created out of its nature. The impact of World War II on the United States meant that society was put on hold and all efforts were made to put an end to the horrid events that devastated the world. The introduction of military bases and training sights in the state of Colorado led to a mass amount of people moving to Denver. This shift from the late 1800’s to the late 1900’s alone has demonstrated how different events have determined what Denver’s economy and identity as a city looks like. While today Denver can be considered a metropolitan city, there seems to be an underlying significance of its physical attributes. It is almost as if there is a pattern with the use of nature by outsiders to contribute to either a sense of wealth or success that they were aiming for in that time.

Since the implementation of military bases and government properties during the second World War, it seems as though Denver felt a push to keep its growing presence as a bustling and stable city in the country. It was not until the 1970’s when Denver saw its initial economic boom that was not centered arounds it nature. In fact, it was the opposite, technology. While other major cities around the country were beginning to become cramped and quickly losing space for expansion, developers were then intrigued by cities like Denver that had not yet experienced such a colossal physical growth. This led to the opening of the Denver technological center which was a hub for satellites, communication and data processing. Who would have thought that a tech center would be occupying such a large portion of Denver, a city that had not yet even had parking lots. This was only the beginning of different industries transforming the city of Denver from being described as a so-called “cowtown” to a place with a diverse economy. It is easy to do this research and find even more events that have molded Denver’s past. However, this topic holds an even greater significance, as it is evident in different parts of the city. Certain buildings and works of art tell the story that Denver has to offer. Not only do they show what Denver has encountered to get to be where it is today, but they each hold a message of how Denver once identified as a city and how that has since changed.

I think it is safe to say that we have all either driven past or hopped off our light rail stop and spotted the Big Blue Bear. This iconic piece of art for Denver stands tall over the vast, translucent windows of the Convention Center. It can be seen by all who are entering the downtown premises of the city. The statue peers into the windows as if it's observing what the people inside are doing. From observing its placement, it seems as though this artwork is a symbol of the conflict between the old and new; the past and the future. A convention center is typically a gathering place for business people or groups with common interests. It is usually a place where advancement and innovations are inspired. However, these advancements lead to a change in the physical structure of a city, which is what Denver is experiencing. On one hand the growth of Denver will bring change and hopefully prosperity; on the other, it might stray away from the foundations of nature. This piece of artwork is titled, “I See What You Mean.” While this title might not be obvious, I think it has everything to do with the idea of conflict. It is as though the bear is observing the changes that Denver is facing through the convention center and is realizing the shift that humanity will cause. The title itself could very well be a form of personification of nature, as it is slowly realizing the Denver that once was is slipping away into a more modernized future.

While it might be more noticeable today, this change in identity that Denver is experiencing had begun years ago, yet it has taken time for this truth to unfold. The once small town of Denver was characterized by its prosperous mining industry and Gold Rush boom that utilized nature to thrive. The city’s economic success led to a growth in recognition by the rest of the country leading Denver to alter their image as a growing hub of financial success. Sturdy buildings and structures were created as a sign to the world that Denver would now be taking its place amongst the rest of the metropolitan cities. Across from the state’s capitol building, lies the freestanding columns and Greek Theater that hold such a key part of Denver’s history. The monumental mix of stone and concrete would act as a permanent reminder that Denver was taking its place as a prosperous city and would continue to grow. This would be the place where hundreds would gather to protest and march for the rights that this city failed to upkeep. It would be the place that acts as a reminder that no matter how economically prosperous this city is, it must not be deteriorated by what's truly important in a place that is home to so many.

The start of Denver’s development was ignited by a greedy and harmful need for prosperity in land that was already occupied. With a lack of remorse and violent efforts made to take control over this land, Denver would start its journey of creating a new identity for itself. While this newfound economic interest was originally created out of a selfish use of nature, that eventually changed. With each and every year, this city strays from the use of nature being enough to an explosion of a need to find out what else is possible. This mindset has swept Denver away from being seen as a small mining town to now a transforming city regardless of its destructive past. This city has been set aflame to a fire that I predict will never burn out.

We all see Denver in our own light. I can’t speak for everyone when I say this city is a place of many things. Natural and artificial. Historical and futuristic. This is the place where anyone can drive down the highway and be embraced by the beauty of the mountains and the beaming sunlight that provides a halo above them. If these mountains could talk I wonder what they would say. I wonder what they’ve seen. They look down on a city that was once a native people’s land turned into an economy. The same pursuit of wealth mentality that turned this land into a profit has created what we see today. The towering buildings, the tourist attractions, the art. Every passing day is a leaf falling from a tree and I wonder how much longer it will be before Denver’s identity significantly shifts. All I can say is that day will be soon.