Denver Resident Calls for Better Urban Design

Blogger Brad K. Evans urges architects, designers, and citizens to advocate for thoughtful, soul-lifting design in Denver's development.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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In an open letter, Denver blogger Brad K. Evans of Denver Fugly calls on the city's design community and residents to demand higher-quality, more thoughtful urban design as Denver continues to grow. Evans argues that lazy, cheap design leads to a dispiriting city, while intentional, beautiful design uplifts the community.

Why it matters

As Denver experiences rapid growth and development, there are concerns that much of the new construction lacks character and fails to reflect the city's unique identity. Evans' plea for better design aims to ensure Denver's growth maintains the city's soul and sense of place.

The details

In his letter, Evans criticizes the prevalence of "five-over-one" apartment buildings, generic corporate architecture, and other design choices that he says make Denver feel "lazy" and "disposable." He calls on architects, designers, artists, and engaged citizens to become "a legion of citizen-advocates" pushing back against "good enough" design and demanding thoughtful, beautiful buildings and public spaces that will stand the test of time.

  • The letter was published on February 22, 2026.

The players

Brad K. Evans

A Denver resident and the founder of the blog Denver Fugly, which criticizes poor urban design in the city.

Denver Fugly

A blog that calls attention to and criticizes examples of poor urban design and architecture in Denver.

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What they’re saying

“Denver, I love you in a way that's not always polite. I love you like someone who notices the chipped nail polish, but still holds your hand.”

— Brad K. Evans (Westword)

“Design isn't just vibes or finishes, it's your true values, exposed.”

— Brad K. Evans (Westword)

What’s next

Evans says he will be outlining more concrete steps for citizens to advocate for better design in Denver in the near future, and he is calling on the city's design community to become more publicly engaged in pushing for higher-quality development.

The takeaway

This letter highlights the importance of thoughtful, intentional urban design in shaping a city's character and identity. As Denver continues to grow, Evans argues that the city must prioritize design that reflects its values, history, and unique sense of place, rather than generic, uninspired development.