The Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association (LoDoNA) is a city-registered neighborhood organization representing residents in Lower Downtown and the Central Platte Valley since 1988. We are a volunteer organization committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life in Lower Downtown and the Central Platte Valley through community-building, philanthropy, advocacy, and partnership.
LoDoNA builds community by hosting social events for our members and the neighborhood. Monthly WeeBoT socials highlight neighborhood restaurants/bars. Monthly Women’s and Men’s Coffees provide a come as you are opportunity to connect. Weekly Conversations for Connection, a guided meeting, allow neighbors to connect on a deeper level with each other.
In 2013, Lower Downtown was named a Compassionate Neighborhood. LoDoCares, a joint effort with Lower Downtown District, Inc., engages neighbors in volunteer activities and fundraising for the Barth Hotel (Senior Housing Options) residents, holiday projects, persons experiencing homelessness, and seasonal clean-ups of our prized Cherry Creek.
LoDoNA advocates for quality of life in an urban setting. Opportunities abound to engage with City Council members, civic leaders, and city planning departments. Our Good Neighbor Committee negotiates with businesses to ensure peaceful coexistence in a mixed-use neighborhood making LoDo a great place to live, play, and work.
LoDoNA fosters partnerships within the neighborhood to provide hyper-local news. Want to be in the know about the next great development in LoDo? Want to make a deeper connection with your neighbors? Our newsletter keeps you informed about street closures, events — even Union Station Farmers Market.
(Click photo for member biography)
WeeBoT Chair
Men's Breakfast & Transportation Chair
Activate Delgany Bridge Chair
Good Neighbor Committee
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Board Member, LoDoNA | President
David traded his New England roots for Colorado sunshine in 2002, eventually downsizing from the foothills of Morrison to the heart of LoDo in 2018. Drawn to LoDo’s unique mix of historic charm and urban energy, David joined the LoDoNA Board in 2021 and stepped into the role of President in 2024. His passion for building successful cities and vibrant communities is lifelong—shaped by living and working in downtown Boston, San Francisco, and Tokyo, and further strengthened through his current roles on the Boards of both the Lower Downtown District, Inc. and the Community Advisory Committee for the Downtown Area Plan.
David’s professional career has taken him around the world as a trusted advisor to over 200 CEOs and management teams, helping them grow and transform their businesses across 60 industries and 15 countries. As a founding partner at Newport Advisors, he focuses on helping Colorado business owners increase the value of their companies and plan successful exits. His career also includes time as Chief Strategy Officer for a Fortune 100 company, launching new businesses and products, as well as leadership roles in alternative energy, software, internet services, and professional services. During his decade as a Partner at Bain & Company, David launched and led their successful Asia-Pacific practice while living in Tokyo.
Closer to home, David has contributed to Colorado’s business community by serving as President of Denver’s chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth and as a founding investor and Board member of Solera National Bank, which was created to support under-banked Hispanic entrepreneurs. Whether advising CEOs, mentoring business owners, or working to make LoDo more pedestrian-friendly and vibrant, David’s focus is always on creating value and strengthening community connections.
Outside of his professional and civic roles, David’s background offers plenty of conversation starters—from working his way through college as a professional musician to his unlikely claim to fame: being the only person (so far) to have worked with Mitt Romney, Meg Whitman, B.B. King, and Janis Joplin. These days, you’ll often find David and his wife Leise enjoying Blake Street life, walking to Coors Field (ever hopeful for a return to Rocktober glory), or connecting with neighbors to help shape the future of LoDo.
Board Member, LoDoNA | Vice-President
Michael brings decades of professional expertise, civic leadership, and a deep passion for historic preservation to his role as a LoDoNA Board Member. After spending 28 years with Arthur Andersen—culminating in his role as Director of Human Resources, Administration, and Recruiting for the Denver office—Michael transitioned into private equity and investment management. Today, he serves as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Compliance Officer for Cheyenne Capital/Millennium Bridge Capital, a $1.2 billion private equity fund of funds and Registered Investment Advisor based in Denver.
In addition to his extensive business career, Michael has made a lasting impact on Denver’s civic and nonprofit communities. He has served as Board Chair and Treasurer for Historic Denver, Inc., and was appointed by the Mayor of Denver to the Lower Downtown Design Review Board, where he served from 2007 to 2014. He also played a critical role on the Denver Union Station Project Authority Board (DUSPA), serving as Secretary during the redevelopment of Denver’s iconic Union Station. His civic resume includes leadership roles with the Colorado Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Lung Association-Southwest, and the University of Denver Alumni Association, where he was honored with the Randolph P. McDonough Award for Service to Alumni.
Michael’s connection to LoDo is personal as well as professional. As an early pioneer in LoDo’s residential renaissance, he and his wife Etta were among the first to convert historic warehouse space into residential lofts, and they played an active role in the design and renovation of their own historic home. His passion for preserving Denver’s history has also extended to fundraising, including leading successful capital campaigns for Historic Denver, the Kappa Sigma Fraternity House at DU, and the Colorado Society of CPAs Educational Foundation.
When he’s not advocating for LoDo or helping guide investment strategy, Michael enjoys traveling, golfing, and cheering on the Colorado Rockies. Whether working to preserve LoDo’s historic charm or sharing his deep knowledge of the neighborhood’s evolution, Michael’s long-standing commitment to Lower Downtown is a vital part of LoDoNA’s leadership team.
Board Member, LoDoNA | Treasurer | Chair, Good Neighbor Committee
A longtime advocate for urban living, Don Ku is a boomerang LoDo resident, first calling the neighborhood home in the late 1980s before living in Cherry Creek North and Lowry. In 2018, he and his wife returned to Larimer Place as empty nesters, drawn back by LoDo’s energy, walkability, and conveniences. They enjoy exploring the neighborhood’s vibrant restaurant and bar scene, attending Nuggets games, and catching performances at the DCPA. With a passion for travel, they also appreciate the ease of taking the A Line to DIA.
Don serves as the Chair of the Good Neighbor Committee (GNC), which fosters relationships with new bars and restaurants while managing over 100 Good Neighbor Agreements. The GNC meets monthly to review pending agreements and address any concerns about businesses impacting the community. He also facilitates quarterly HOA Presidents’ Roundtables, bringing together neighborhood leaders to discuss shared challenges and best practices.
Additionally, Don plays a key role in coordinating LoDo Stakeholder Meetings, collaborating with Denver Excise and License, the Denver Police Department, and other city agencies to enhance safety in the neighborhood’s nightlife scene. These meetings bring together representatives from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), the City Attorney’s Office, the Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE), and local Registered Neighborhood Organizations (RNOs) to address community concerns.
As LoDoNA’s Treasurer, Don oversees the organization’s financial health, ensuring sound budgeting, timely payments, and a sustainable approach to membership dues, sponsorships, and donations.
Before retiring in 2020, Don built a successful career working with Fortune 500 companies in management consulting, specializing in business operations, IT strategy, and large-scale program delivery in the telecom and healthcare industries. His expertise spans business case development, project portfolio management, and leading high-performing teams. His wife runs an interior design firm focused on residential projects, and their son, an engineer, applies drone technology to business process improvement.
Committed to LoDo’s continued growth and vibrancy, Don is dedicated to making the neighborhood a better place for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
Board Member, LoDoNA | Chair, Transportation |Chair, Men’s Breakfast
Tim has been a quiet but steadfast force in the LoDo community for more than 30 years. Along with his wife JJ, Tim was an early pioneer of downtown loft living, long before LoDo became the vibrant neighborhood it is today. Their deep love for the area and its sense of connection has shaped their lives, and Tim has consistently stepped up to serve—both formally and informally—ever since.
Following a successful corporate career in supply chain management, with leadership roles at Pizza Hut, Einstein Bagels, and Boston Market, Tim turned his focus toward giving back. He has served as HOA President for two different loft communities and has been a dedicated member of the LoDoNA Board of Directors for several years. Whether representing LoDo residents in infrastructure conversations like the 16th Street Mall renovation, hosting LoDoNA’s monthly Men’s Breakfast, or simply showing up to support neighborhood events, Tim is always looking for ways to foster connection and advocate for his neighbors.
Tim’s quiet persistence and collaborative spirit were particularly impactful when he took on Energize Denver, an ambitious city-led climate initiative. Recognizing the unique challenges this program posed for residential buildings and HOAs, Tim worked directly with city officials to ensure resident voices were heard. His thoughtful approach and behind-the-scenes work played a significant role in shaping revisions that made compliance more realistic-showing how one dedicated voice can make a lasting difference.
Beyond LoDo, Tim and JJ are passionate advocates for Alzheimer’s awareness and research, a deeply personal cause after caring for three of their four parents through dementia. That experience has shaped their unwavering commitment to supporting families and working toward a future without Alzheimer’s. Whether championing LoDo’s future or advocating for a cure, Tim leads with quiet strength, compassion, and a genuine desire to make life better for those around him.
Board Member, LoDoNA | Chair, Activate Delgany Bridge Committee
joined the LoDoNA Board in 2024 and currently serves as Chair of the Activate Delgany Bridge Committee, where she’s helping lead the charge to restore this important pedestrian connection. As a passionate advocate for urban life, history, and civic engagement, moving to LoDo was a natural fit for this recent empty nester. The Delgany Bridge project has given Brenda the opportunity to work closely with the city and her neighbors, and she’s been inspired by the community’s enthusiastic support for the effort.
In addition to her work with LoDoNA, Brenda volunteers as a tour guide at the Colorado State Capitol, sharing her love of Colorado history and the democratic process with visitors from near and far. During election season, you’ll also find her at the Denver Elections Division, where she works as a ballot processing lead. For Brenda, life in LoDo means walking everywhere, soaking up live theatre and great jazz, and staying connected through organizations like the Denver Architecture Foundation.
Originally from Washington State, Brenda is a proud University of Washington graduate. Her career path has been anything but ordinary — starting as a Dental Hygienist before moving to Singapore for six years, where she transitioned into medical product sales across Asia. After returning to the states and spending time in Virginia, Brenda and her family settled in Colorado 20 years ago. She went on to co-run a telecommunications brokerage and consultancy alongside her husband.
Now fully immersed in LoDo life, Brenda values the sense of community and the energy that comes with living downtown. Whether working on neighborhood projects, welcoming visitors to the Capitol, or advocating for a more walkable city, Brenda is grateful for the chance to contribute to the place she calls home
Board Member, LoDoNA | Co-Chair, Pedestrian Safety Committee
Elle, as she is known to her friends, has proudly called LoDo home for over 12 years and brings a unique blend of professional expertise and community passion to her role as a Board Member of the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association (LoDoNA) and Co-Chair of the Pedestrian Safety Committee. Working closely with the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) and City Councilman Chris Hinds’ office, Elle advocates for safer, more accessible streets while helping preserve LoDo’s character as both a vibrant destination and a livable neighborhood.
Elle’s career spans industries and continents, with a consistent focus on communication, creativity, and service. After college, she joined the United States Marine Corps, where she served as both a broadcaster and a public relations specialist. During Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, she hosted Good Morning Saudi Arabia on the Armed Forces Network, earning the nickname “The Desert Fox,” while also advising base commanders on media relations and serving as a spokesperson for the Marine Corps. Following her military service, Elle returned home to Colorado and worked in radio in Denver before moving to Atlanta to join CNN, covering major global events as a journalist and deepening her understanding of the power of storytelling.
In the late 1990s, Elle pivoted into the beauty and fashion industry, where she spent over 25 years building a successful career. She owned and operated a 25-chair salon and spa in Atlanta for 23 years, served as an Aveda Global Educator for hair color, and worked behind the scenes at New York Fashion Week, collaborating with top designers and stylists. Her experience training hundreds of beauty professionals honed her leadership skills and deepened her passion for mentoring others.
Throughout each of her careers, Elle has always nurtured a passion for creating and enhancing homes. Whether designing spaces for her own family or offering her keen eye for trends and design to others, she’s spent decades hands-on—investing in, renovating, and reimagining properties. That entrepreneurial spirit and creative vision naturally led her into real estate. Today, as a Realtor® with the Nicholson | Baker Team at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty, Elle combines her deep understanding of design, negotiation, and client service to guide buyers and sellers across metro Denver and Boulder. Whether advocating for LoDo’s future, helping clients find their perfect home, or preserving the neighborhood’s historic charm, Elle brings her trademark energy, creativity, and dedication to everything she does.
Board Member, LoDoNA | Newsletter Editor
Bill DeGroot serves as the Newsletter Editor for the Lower Downtown Neighborhood Association (LoDoNA), also contributing to the organization’s website and calendar.
Originally from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Bill grew up in both Sioux Falls and Aberdeen before attending the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T). He graduated in 1969 with a degree in Civil Engineering, where he was active in Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).
Following college, Bill had a brief stint with Shell Oil before serving two years in the U.S. Army, including a year at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, and another in Vietnam. He later returned to SDSM&T to earn a master’s degree in civil engineering, where he discovered two lifelong passions: his wife, Mary Artz, and the emerging field of floodplain management.
After marrying in 1973, Bill moved to Denver to join the Urban Drainage and Flood Control District (now Mile High Flood District), where he spent 40 years building and managing a floodplain management program. His career placed him at the forefront of innovations in both floodplain management and the National Flood Insurance Program. Over the years, he held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including the Association of State Floodplain Managers, the National Association of Flood and Stormwater Management Agencies, and FEMA’s Technical Mapping Advisory Council. His contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the ASFPM Meritorious Achievement Award and the Greenway Foundation’s Friend of the River Award.
Beyond his engineering career, Bill was deeply involved in public service, serving in various leadership roles within the Denver Democratic Party. He also dedicated time to community organizations, including The Greenway Foundation and the Colorado Parks Foundation.
Bill and Mary moved to LoDo in 2019 and have embraced downtown living, enjoying the convenience of nearby amenities, public transportation, and the vibrant restaurant scene. In retirement, they spend their time traveling, playing golf, and making the most of everything LoDo has to offer.
