The 33rd Street Storm Sewer Outfall, located along Arkins Court in Denver’s energetic River North District, was designed to seamlessly blend with the neighborhood’s artistic character while improving water quality and river accessibility. The City and County of Denver sought a creative solution that would enhance river visibility, introduce green space, and integrate aesthetically pleasing stormwater management.

Muller, in collaboration with Stream Landscape Architecture and Pinyon Environmental, developed an ambitious design featuring in-structure vegetated beds for nutrient uptake, terraced slope control, and artistic concrete elements. The outfall incorporates a striking combination of curved and linear walls, board-formed concrete finishes, rustication of wall and trail cap connections, and custom decorative railings—including cable and steel variations with varied color saturations for visual interest.

In addition to its water quality and aesthetic enhancements, the project features a regional trail integration, a pedestrian bridge, and scenic river overlooks that harmonize with the surrounding environment. The innovative design minimized cost increases compared to traditional construction while creating a visually engaging and functional space.

Recognized for its ingenuity and contribution to urban design, the project received both the 2017 Colorado Contractors Association H2O Project Award and the 2018 Denver Mayor’s Design Award for “Designs in Focus.”