The Lone Tree City Council last month approved Fentress Architects’ design for the Lone Tree pedestrian bridge that will span Lincoln Avenue immediately east of Lincoln Commons. The cable-stayed bridge will be a recognizable feature of the Lone Tree landscape.
Spanning 170 feet, the Lone Tree pedestrian bridge is a large mast in the shape of a leaf that rises 78 feet on the south side of the bridge. From the leaf, six pairs of cables extend to the north to support the bridge. The architectural and structural design of the bridge will minimize nighttime closures of Lincoln Avenue during the bridge construction. Open mesh on the sides of the bridge will protect bridge users and the cars below, and an ETFE (polymer-based) membrane roof will provide protection from the elements. The roof is translucent, allowing sunlight to illuminate the bridge during the day; the bridge lighting will cause the roof to gently glow at night. Ramps on each end allow easy access for those with disabilities, people pushing strollers, and bicyclists.
“We are proud to design this bridge for the city of Lone Tree, and are excited about how it will serve the community as a landmark,” said Curtis Fentress, principal in charge of design.
A cable-stayed bridge is a highly efficient way to construct medium- to long-span bridges, according to Fentress Architects. The reduced weight of the structure results in reduced cost of materials. Bridges such as this have been successful in spurring economic development in the Riverfront Park and LoHi areas of Denver. The delicate structure of the Lone Tree Pedestrian Bridge will create a striking form while minimizing the impact on views to the mountains and downtown skyline.
Fentress Architects, a Denver based architecture firm, has helped shape the Denver and the DTC skylines with projects such as Denver International Airport’s landside terminal, the Colorado Convention Center, Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Charles Schwab Campus, 161 Inverness Drive West, Palazzo Verde and One DTC.
