Verve, Energy and Attention to Detail
Our thoughtful, creative, connected approach advances places where everyone belongs.
Englewood Downtown
Development Authority
Portell Works launched, manages and markets the Englewood Downtown Development Authority, while principal Hilarie Portell serves as its executive director. The EDDA is revitalizing a 186-acre central business district with 3,000 property owners, businesses and residents. We currently manage a $1M+ annual program with $70M in debt authorization.
- Directs economic development, marketing, placemaking, mobility and maintenance programs
- Directs strategic placemaking projects
- Created a vacant space activation program with three nonprofits and a new grant incentive to fill large vacant spaces
- Partners with city departments, civic organizations, business and community stakeholders to achieve shared goals
“EDDA was excellent to work with. We met with their board twice, and Portell Works organized additional meetings with consultants. We agreed on conditions.”
~ Mark Rickards
Director of Development, Western Region, Kimco Realty
Colfax Mayfair Business
Improvement District
Portell Works led the initial formation of the 200-member Colfax Mayfair Business Improvement District and its 10-year renewal.
- Directs economic development, marketing, placemaking, clean and safe programs, and advocacy
- Advocated successfully for $8M streetscape and pedestrial improvements project
- Led financial modeling, long-term maintenance planning and an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Denver
- Collaborated with the City of Denver on district planning for a $280-million Bus Rapid Transit Project, addressing district design, construction impacts and communications with ratepayers
- Secured $200,000 in placemaking grants and $180,000 in economic recovery grants to support businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic
- Helped turn around high-nuisance properties into a thriving neighborhood bar, hotel and apartment community
- Advocates for district needs with other Colfax business districts, elected officials, business and neighborhood leaders
“The Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project is extremely complex and has taken years to plan and implement. We’ve worked with Hilarie and her board throughout the process to plan collaboratively, share information and navigate through challenging milestones.”
~ Jonathan Stewart
Colfax BRT Program Director, City and County of Denver
Lowry Redevelopment Authority
Hilarie Portell served on an executive team to direct marketing, communications, placemaking and mobility projects to transform the former Lowry Air Force Base into an award-winning 1,800-acre mixed-use urban community. She also spearheaded a public art program that received the 2024 Mayor’s Design Award for excellence in placemaking. Part of her efforts were devoted to issues management, crisis communications and community engagement for controversial topics, including environmental cleanup, zoning and affordable housing.
Downtown Marketing & Affordable Neighborhoods
Portell Works spearheaded branding and marketing strategies for downtown Colorado organizations in Castle Rock, Brighton, Lamar and Wheat Ridge. We also helped with branding and communications for Denver Housing Authority, Boulder Housing Partners, Colorado Community Land Trust and national developer Gorman and Company.
