I love the community in Colorado.

The University Technical Assistance Program (UTAP) at CU Denver is one of the few remaining university-run design centers in the U.S. dedicated to connecting rural communities with technical expertise and funding support to turn community project visions into reality. 

In collaboration with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), UTAP provides resources and access to public improvement projects that might otherwise be out of reach for these communities. The program also hires students to join design teams, where they gain hands-on experience developing proposals for key projects across Colorado. 

Get to Know UTAP at CU Denver 

Rural communities often face challenges in securing funding for essential projects. UTAP helps bridge this gap by offering not just guidance and project support, but also student-led design ideation, project management, and community engagement. The program is led by three regional field supervisors: Jennifer Kovarik (Northeastern), Christopher Endreson (Western Slope), and Jeffrey Wood (Southeastern). 

“For rural communities, UTAP empowers residents to dream big,” said Jeffrey Wood, UTAP Coordinator and Field Supervisor. “Projects like recreation centers, parks, and trails, as well as critical infrastructure like police and fire stations, town halls, and courthouses, are often hard to fund. Even defining the fundraising goal can be overwhelming. We begin by listening to the community’s needs.” 

UTAP in Action 

Students in UTAP gain hands-on experience while collaborating across disciplines within CU Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning. Jenn Clegg, who participated in UTAP for 18 months while completing her Master of Architecture (M.Arch) degree, noted: “UTAP offered the chance to work under licensed professionals on real design projects within the university setting. The knowledge and experiences from UTAP extend beyond a typical studio course, serving as a bridge between school and professional practice. Plus, working with students from all CAP departments allowed me to connect with peers outside my program.” 

Community involvement drives every UTAP project. From evaluating community access and recommending architectural styles that honor local heritage to assessing infrastructure and fostering engagement, UTAP demonstrates a deep commitment to Colorado communities. 

Projects like the Silver Cliff Town Hall, Sterling Heritage Park, and Boggsville highlight UTAP’s wide-ranging impact and the power of student contributions. 

Silver Cliff Town Square 

Silver Cliff, Colorado, once a booming silver mining town, saw a population decline as residents moved to larger cities. Now re-emerging as a destination for outdoor enthusiasts and stargazers, the town enlisted UTAP to design a new town center with parking, lodging, a new town hall, and mixed-use spaces. UTAP designers incorporated Old West architectural elements like false fronts, high parapets, covered sidewalks, and materials such as brick, wood siding, and rusting steel to honor Silver Cliff’s mining heritage. 

The pedestrian-friendly design near Highway 96 aims to attract visitors with festivals, performances, and easy access to a new hotel and commercial spaces. After extensive community input, UTAP presented the Silver Cliff Town Square at a public event. With interest from a hotel chain and a focus on attracting small businesses, the town is seeking investors and developers to bring the vision to life.  

Sterling Heritage Park 

The City of Sterling, CO, engaged UTAP to develop conceptual plans for an urban park in the historic central business district at Main and 4th Streets. The design team conducted site and contextual analysis, created design alternatives inspired by Logan County, and refined the project through community engagement. The final plan featured a welcoming public plaza with a fire pit, custom shade structure, comfortable seating, a small stage, and a donor wall to honor contributors to the revitalization efforts. The project, led by Jennifer Kovarik and Landscape Architecture interns Kendrick Wyman and Chelsea Gieryic, culminated in the opening of Heritage Park, with the city recognizing UTAP's contributions.

Boggsville

Boggsville, a historic site on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was an early agricultural and trade center in Colorado. Home to the historic Boggs and Prowers adobe houses, it serves as an archaeological monitoring site. Located in the Shortgrass Prairie ecoregion, Boggsville faces challenges related to water conservation. UTAP designers recommended a xeric native plant palette and a wetland to support local bird populations and attract bird watchers. They proposed a visitor center, RV and tent campsites, and amenities to boost tourism while preserving the site's historical integrity. UTAP engaged the community through digital surveys and interactions at the Boggsville Day celebration, gathering insights on visitor interests, including the site's history, nature walks, archaeology, architecture, ecology, and educational opportunities for children.   

The Student Experience as UTAP Designers

UTAP empowers rural communities to voice their needs and aspirations while giving students the opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world projects across Colorado.  

"Traveling for projects was an invaluable experience," said Jenn Clegg, now an instructor at CU Denver and architect. "We gained so much from site visits and community meetings where locals were personally invested in our work. UTAP bridges education and professional practice, allowing us to test ideas and refine our design processes." 

UTAP challenges students to engage with communities by attending town meetings and presenting proposals. “It prepared me to speak confidently in front of town and city officials," said M.Arch student Sophia Ostendorf. “Jeffrey Wood has been a great mentor, and UTAP complements what I’m learning in studio and other classes.” 

For students seeking diverse project involvement, UTAP offers a valuable experience that impacts the sustainability and future of its clients. "UTAP increases access to design services, often providing communities the first step towards exploring project feasibility," said MLA student Michelle Lazarz. “The final reports are essential for communities seeking grants to bring their projects to life!”