Art is more than aesthetics; it’s the emotional and cultural thread that binds communities together. It sparks conversation, invites curiosity, and fosters belonging. At McWhinney, we see art as a powerful tool to inspire, connect, and uplift. As a pillar of our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), art is integral to how we create places people love. Whether it’s through public installations or creative programming, our dedication to the arts ensures that our developments resonate authentically with the communities they serve.
Our commitment to the arts isn’t just about visual appeal; it’s about nurturing a shared identity and bringing people together. When we invest in art, we invest in dialogue, education, and emotion. We recognize that vibrant cultural experiences have the potential to change perceptions, build relationships, and create opportunities for expression. At a time when social cohesion is more important than ever, our investment in arts and culture helps deepen the sense of belonging across our communities.
“Art creates the backdrop for our world. From public art installations that transform our shared spaces to the art that excites and educates us on a museum visit, art enriches our lives and fosters a sense of community. At McWhinney, we believe that art has the power to inspire, connect, and uplift, and we are dedicated to nurturing creativity and cultural expression within our communities.”
At McWhinney, we view placemaking as more than urban design — it’s about shaping human experiences. Art plays a central role in that experience by creating meaningful, memorable environments. Our projects are infused with artistic expression to cultivate a sense of identity and community pride. This commitment elevates our spaces beyond function, transforming them into destinations that people return to again and again.
Centerra, located in Loveland, Colorado, exemplifies how public art enhances the sense of place. As Colorado’s first Certified Community Wildlife Habitat, Centerra merges ecological stewardship with community-focused design. Chapungu Sculpture Park, a key feature of Centerra, offers 82 Zimbabwean stone sculptures that tell cultural stories and provide residents and visitors with an immersive outdoor art experience. The park itself serves as a year-round cultural and environmental hub, encouraging exploration, education, and gathering.
Baseline, in Broomfield, Colorado, is a shining example of how art, science, and sustainability intersect. Through the Baseline Master Art Program and a partnership with the Broomfield Council on the Arts & Humanities, this development offers a dynamic framework where art and architecture speak directly to community values. Baseline’s commitment to curated public art pieces ensures that creative expression is a constant presence in daily life.
Dairy Block, nestled in downtown Denver, reflects the power of adaptive reuse and experiential design. Once an industrial warehouse district, the area has been reimagined into a vibrant microdistrict featuring boutique retail, curated culinary experiences, and locally inspired art installations. With murals, installations, and interactive experiences woven into its walkable alleys and courtyards, Dairy Block showcases how art can energize and redefine a neighborhood’s identity.
Through these examples, McWhinney demonstrates how placemaking through art is not only aesthetically pleasing but strategically vital to building thriving, connected communities.
We believe that art should be inclusive and available to everyone, regardless of age, background, or income level. That’s why we invest in community events and artistic programming that invite participation and foster creativity across diverse audiences. By breaking down financial and social barriers, we aim to democratize access to the arts.
Our sponsorships and hosting of these events are guided by the belief that cultural participation should not be a privilege but a right. These programs are designed not only to entertain but also to inspire the next generation of artists, musicians, and creators.
McWhinney knows that supporting arts and culture is a collaborative endeavor. That’s why we partner with institutions that share our belief in the transformative power of the arts. These relationships extend our impact, allowing us to nurture talent, fund vital programming, and cultivate meaningful experiences across Colorado and beyond.
By championing arts education and supporting cultural nonprofits, we are ensuring that our investments are not just building places, but building futures.
Incorporating art into real estate developments is a sound business strategy. Art enhances aesthetics, creates emotional resonance, and contributes to a unique brand identity. It makes spaces more desirable, drives engagement, and improves property value.
On the NINE DOT ARTS podcast, David Johnstone, Strategic Advisor of Hospitality at McWhinney, discusses how art integration in hospitality projects enhances guest experiences, creating memorable stays that convert into higher customer satisfaction and repeat visits. These insights underscore the measurable return on investment (ROI) of arts programming.
From art-forward hotel lobbies to sculptural plazas in residential communities, these touches signal quality and intentionality. They create Instagrammable moments, foster loyalty, and even reduce vacancy rates. For tenants, residents, and visitors, thoughtfully curated art communicates that a space is not only livable or usable, but also loved.
Looking ahead, McWhinney is doubling down on its commitment to arts and culture. As we plan and execute new developments, artistic and cultural engagement will remain at the forefront. Through emerging artist programs, community collaborations, and immersive experiences, we will continue to invest in creativity as a core pillar of development.
This philosophy is embedded in our broader CSR approach: to enhance lives, encourage connection, and champion long-term, inclusive growth. By making the arts an essential element of our design process, we aim to shape communities where people don’t just live or work, but thrive.
We understand that great places are not accidental — they’re intentionally cultivated through imagination, investment, and collaboration. From Loveland to Denver to Broomfield and beyond, McWhinney will continue to lead with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to art as a catalyst for community.
If you walk through a McWhinney development, you won’t just see walls and windows. You’ll see stories — etched in stone, painted on alley walls, and heard in song. We know that where art flourishes, community follows.
