by Jessica Hughes
Rendering of the revamped 16th Street Mall. Rendering provided by Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
Breaking ground on the new 16th Street Mall Project. From left: Laura Aldrete, executive director of Community Planning and Development, Kourtny Garrett, CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, Mayor Michael B. Hancock, Fred Worthen the Assistant General Manager for Bus Operations of RTD, Adam Phipps, the Executive Director of the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure, and Councilmember Chris Hinds. Photo provided by City and County of Denver
After 40 long years, Denver’s 16th Street Mall is finally getting some love in the form of a much-needed makeover. On April 14, 2022, Mayor Michael B. Hancock gathered with downtown Denver residents and businesses for the groundbreaking ceremony on the 16th Street Mall Project. The long-awaited project serves to breathe new life into the iconic pedestrian destination.
As many Denverites know all too well, for years, downtown has been a contentious topic of conversation with its increased crime rate, rampant drug use, and the city’s continued efforts to support those who are unhoused. So, it should come as no surprise that the city finally put the plans in place for this necessary revitalization.
After years of discussions around downtown renovations, in 2019 the city received approval to move forward with the project. Funding for the $149 million project came from a mix of local, state, and federal funds, including voter approved Elevate Denver bond funds and contributions from partners including the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, Colorado Department of Transportation, and Federal Transit Administration.
“This is a truly monumental day in the life of our downtown as we kick off a project that will secure the future of the 16th Street Mall for generations to come,” Mayor Hancock said. “The 16th Street Mall reconstruction is a key part of downtown’s comeback and will set the pace of Denver’s overall equitable and sustainable economic recovery.”
The 16th Street Mall Project is the first major renovation of this vital downtown corridor since its opening in 1982. A primary driver for the project is the need to address deteriorating infrastructure, specifically the granite paver system, that results in poor drainage, frequent disruptions to the transit system, and maintenance costs of more than $1M annually.
“The 16th Street Mall is one of the city’s most important public spaces, serving millions of people each year,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “This project will enhance the overall experience for residents, employees, and visitors, ensuring the Mall remains Denver’s Main Street. For now, it’s more important than ever that we rally behind the businesses that make Downtown special and ensure they have the resources they need to thrive during construction.”
To support the small businesses along the mall during construction, the City and County of Denver will issue $1M from the city’s 2022 General Fund. Plus, the city is partnering with the Downtown Denver Partnership to distribute grants and technical assistance to eligible small businesses along the mall.
The city selected PCL Construction Services as the design/build firm to carry out the 16th Street Mall Project. Visitors will begin to see improvements to infrastructure taking place along 13 blocks of the main corridor from Market Street to Broadway. Work will begin between Market and Larimer Streets, with the project wrapping up at the end of 2024.
Construction equipment with colorful balloons that will be a hallmark of the project. Photo provided by City and County of Denver
Some of the biggest changes visitors are likely to notice the most will be the wider pedestrian walkways, new designated areas for entertainment, and exciting new art that will draw visitors to the corridor. Additionally, the project will replace the Mall’s existing granite paver system with one that drains more effectively and offers greater surface friction to improve overall safety and expanding the Mall’s tree canopy for improved beautification.
The 16th Street Mall renovation is a component of Denver’s overall financial plan for an equitable and sustainable economic recovery and is anticipated to support more than 1,800 jobs, generate more than $155 million in income for workers, nearly $380 million in sales for businesses, and have a regional economic impact of as much as $4 billion throughout the duration of the project.
The RTD Free MallRide shuttle will continue to run during the 16th Street Mall project, rerouted to 15th and 17th Streets as needed. RTD will update the public on their MallRide page.
Access to all businesses will be maintained throughout the project. More information and updates about the project are available at www.denvergov.org/16th StreetMall. People can also stay connected to the project by searching “16th Street Mall Project” in the Apple or Google Play stores and downloading the mobile app.