Denver Neighborhood Rocked By Gangs Sees Huge Transformation

DENVER (CBS4) - The heart of the black community in Northeast Denver is undergoing a major transformation.

The Holly Square Shopping Center at 35th and Holly Street has been nearly deserted after a fire wiped it out years ago. Now the community has come together to refurbish it.

The Urban Land Conservancy owns the property but is allowing a multitude of changes to take place. There will be two full basketball courts, a soccer court, two playgrounds, gazebos, picnic tables, and benches all around when the project is finished.

There will also be a memorial for Denver police officer Celena Hollis who was shot and killed over the summer while at City Park Jazz.

The Piton Foundation contributed most of the money for the improvements to the square along with help from the Denver Foundation and others.

"This is what we want to do to show kids that you don't have to be in a gang to say you are from Park Hill," Terrance Roberts with the Prodigal Son Initiative said. "This is how you go represent your community."

Construction on a brand new community center and a place for the Boys & Girls Club will begin in October and be right around the corner from Holly Square.