Southlands is the nicest urban center in Aurora (website). This shows the Main Street district. It looks like it has been there for 100 years, but it was built in 2005. It is the largest non-enclosed mall in the United States, with 1.7 million sq ft of retail space.
The only thing that would make it better would to add housing, like apartments, to the center. Of course it is surrounded by new housing developments, but that isn't the same thing. Also, it could use a light-rail connection. This is the sort of development we should encourage.
Compare and contrast to similar urban centers in the Denver area:
Park Meadows - It is a '90s-style enclosed mall, although one of the nicer ones. It has a light-rail connection. It is a big huge building surrounded by a sea of parking.
The Streets at SouthGlenn - A very well new-urbanism rebuild of a failed mall. Lacks housing and light-rail.
Belmar - In Lakewood, this is the probably the best example of an urban center in the country. It has lots of apartments nearby. It is only missing light-rail.
Northfield Stapleton - Has light-rail but it is not the most convenient, but there is a free shuttle. No apartments, but there are lots of new housing nearby.
Flatiron Crossing (Broomfield) - half mall, half outdoor. Well-served by high-speed buses.
Arista (Broomfield) - This isn't a retail shopping area, unlike the rest of these. It is an urban town center/transit-oriented development, with lots of housing, office space, and an entertainment arena, with high-speed buses.
Westminster Promenade - A 24-screen movie theater, with nearby brewpub restaurant, outdoor shopping district, hotel, ice rink and lake, again serviced by high-speed buses.
Verdict? Belmar is probably the best.
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