In Her Own Words: Carla Ferreira brings in massive sculptures to transform new development
Differentiating one new home development from another isn’t always easy, unless you drive through the Aurora Highlands, where Carla Ferreira focuses on large-scale sculptures to create community.
Long before I ever stepped into a boardroom or stood beside a groundbreaking ceremony, I was a little girl sketching in the margins of my notebooks and watching my father, Carlo Ferreira, transform empty land into vibrant neighborhoods. I didn’t know it then, but I was learning two parallel languages: one of development and one of expression. Years later, those two worlds would merge in a way I never imagined possible.
The Aurora Highlands master-planned community is a living, breathing reflection of everything I believe in about art, culture and the human need to feel inspired by the places we call home.
This two-mile linear art park is the heartbeat of our community. It’s where families gather, travelers on layovers from DIA detour to take selfies and strangers become neighbors under the shared awe of something beautiful. We’ve already installed dozens of large-scale sculptures from globally recognized artists, with dozens more on the way. One of our most beloved pieces, a striking 21-foot sculpture named Umi by Daniel Popper, went viral in 2023, drawing national attention and putting our community on the map as an unexpected arts destination.
Since then, we’ve welcomed many other larger-than-life works of art. A 58-foot mirrored Statue of Liberty by artist Michael Benisty was first unveiled at Burning Man, but now, it stands tall in the heart of our neighborhood. Each piece is chosen not just for its aesthetics, but for its ability to start conversations, stir emotion and foster connection.
This approach is resonating. We’re proud to be the fastest-selling community in Aurora and the second fastest in the entire Denver Metro area. Homebuyers often tell us they chose The Aurora Highlands because of the art. And as the Aerotropolis region continues to grow, bringing new jobs and infrastructure, Hogan Park is anchoring that growth in creativity and community.
But this isn’t just about today. The vision for Hogan Park is long-term. Each year, we’ll add more installations, expanding its influence and transforming it into something akin to New York’s High Line or the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. I want it to be a space where people come to see world-class art in the heart of a neighborhood. A place where art isn’t a luxury, it’s part of everyday life.
As a woman in an industry where we’re still too often the only one at the table, I’ve learned that building something truly different means not waiting for permission. It means following your gut, honoring your passions and not being afraid to take up space, both physically and creatively.
That’s what Hogan Park is. It’s art that takes up space. It’s a community that makes room for everyone. And it’s proof that when we build what we wish existed, we don’t just change landscapes. We change lives.
Read article at bizjournals.com.
