DENVER - BuCu West, located in the Westwood neighborhood west of downtown, is rich with Latino, Asian and Native American culture.
It is a place where you are likely to smell chilies roasting and hear native drums, BuCu West's name is a combination of business and culture.
"BuCu West is a name that we have come up with that we felt basically depicted this area quite well. It's a business culture neighborhood, and we're in the process of developing that and bringing that forth right now," said owner of Kitchen Network Denny McFerrin.
As one of the 10 nominees in the Denver Regional Council of Government's (DRCOG) Live Work Play 2011 campaign, BuCu West brings commerce, culture and creativity together to create a unique living experience.
The local art program has turned outside walls into murals by redirecting gang members into artists. The sculpture "Un Corrido Para La Gente (A Ballad for the People)" was installed to celebrate the area's culture. Art education programs have also been started for youth.
Small businesses and affordable housing have brought new life to once-derelict lots.
One business that has made an impact in BuCu West is the Kitchen Network, a commercial kitchen that has helped launch businesses in the area.
"The Kitchen Network is a building that's about a 12,000-square-foot facility with 11 kitchens," McFerrin said.
The kitchens are separated into three areas. One is available for leasing on an annual basis. Another is a commissary kitchen available for caterers and personal chefs.
"We also have a Kitchen Network Bottling Company, where we bottle about 40 different products for Tony's Markets, and Safeway, and King Soopers and Whole Foods," McFerrin said.
The Denver Indian Center works to keep the Native American culture in the area alive.
"It's been [here] for 30 years, and they continue to serve over 200 tribes in the Denver Metro Area, all over Colorado, and all kinds of people that live in the neighborhood," said Councilman Paul Lopez. "This is a great place to be."
A new backyard garden co-op has been started for neighbors who have surplus produce to share with those who need low-cost vegetables.
Recycling has also increased in the area from 12 percent to 37 percent.
Several traffic initiatives have been implemented with a bike lane and pedestrian amenities.
The area, which was known for gang violence crime has made a total turnaround by using hard work and community service. In honor of that, a proposal to change the name of Morrison Road has been made.
"That's why we're moving ahead and we're working on doing a name change on Morrison Road to Sister Chavez Boulevard in honor of those values that are reflected by the people in this neighborhood," said Lopez.
So why should you vote for BuCu West?
"It's got a little bit of everything. The best thing about this neighborhood is the people and the values they represent: hard work, community service, social justice through non-violence. It's a great neighborhood," said Lopez.
Live Work Play is spotlighting ten great
places, events and projects in livable communities in the Denver Metro area. The winner will be picked by votes placed on DRCOG's website.
Anyone can vote as many times as they want.
Voting ends at noon on April 13, and the winner will be announced that evening at the Live Work Play 2011 cocktail reception.
Anyone can attend the reception, which will be catered by various restaurants in the region, by registering on the Live Work Play website.
To vote for BuCu West or any of the other nominees, visit http://www.liveworkplay2011.com.
(KUSA-TV © 2011 Multimedia Holdings Corporation)