The original part of this city, Denver's large neighbor to the east, sits in the middle of three of the nation's largest infill redevelopments: the former Lowry Air Force Base; the 570-acre medical, educational and biotech campus at the former Fitzsimons Army Hospital; and Denver's former Stapleton International Airport. But "old Aurora," a six-block spread along East Colfax Avenue, is one of the most decrepit parts of the city, dotted with many pawnshops and thrifts stores.

The centerpiece will be the construction of the $10.3 million Martin Luther King Library and municipal service center, which voters had approved in November. In addition to a traditional mixed-use project, the city also hopes to see the area become a mecca for artists and cultural events.

The "Big Three," Stapleton, Lowry and Fitzsimons, over the next five years are expected to attract 20,000 employees, 5,000 households, 10,000 students and at least 2,000 daily visits, according to city projections.