DENVER (KDVR) — Denver’s continued focus on 16th Street was evident Saturday as city leaders, including Mayor Mike Johnston, gathered to celebrate the first major renovations to the pedestrian mall in its 43-year history.
The city and county of Denver spent $1.97 million to support small businesses during the construction, as well as partnered with the Downtown Denver Partnership to distribute grants and technical assistance to businesses in the area. The renovations are just one of the city’s new efforts to draw more people downtown.
“16th Street is where families make memories, where workers and visitors feel connected, and where Denver’s spirit shines,” Johnston said in the city’s release. “With the work now completed, we’ve renewed a vital piece of Denver, while making it more welcoming, vibrant, and accessible for all.”
PCL Construction Services carried out the renovations, which cost $176.7 million, according to a city release. The city said the funds were provided through local, state and federal funds, including the voter-approved Elevate Denver bond funds.
Thirteen blocks of 16th Street saw improvements, stretching from Market Street to Broadway.
The 16th Street area first opened in 1982 as the 16th Street Mall, and city officials said the renovations were needed to address the deteriorating infrastructure — specifically its granite paver system that has resulted in poor drainage and frequent disruptions to the 16th Street FreeRide system, which has increased maintenance costs.
“The 16th Street FreeRide has been one of the most recognizable features of this historic corridor for decades. Residents and visitors to the metro area alike will continue to benefit from this zero-fare mobility option, especially now that the transit lanes have been adjusted and improved,” said RTD General Manager and CEO Debra A. Johnson in a city release. “Transit utilization has increased as individual blocks have reopened, and I expect that trend will continue as more customers experience the notable enhancements along this important thoroughfare.”
In addition to fixing the infrastructure, the renovation project added design features that the city said will make the street “more desirable, welcoming and engaging.” The renovations included site furnishings, play features and “moments of joy” — installations designed to make visitors stop and snap a photo, interact with the art or other instances designed to spark joy.
“16th Street, at its core, is where Denver comes to celebrate our city’s history, stories and traditions. With the expanded programmable space, we’re excited to see more activation and people returning to experience downtown in a new way,” said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, in the city’s release. “Since the first block opened last year, we’ve seen a steady increase in foot traffic with more and more people discovering 16th Street in its newest form. This completion marks not just the end of construction, but the beginning of 16th Street’s next great chapter.”
Renovations looked underground to serve the future
The city has ensured there are miles of underground water, sewer and fiber infrastructure, and organized the underground utilities into a reliable and organized network. The city also noted that the newly renovated 16th Street has:
- Improved paver system
- Craftspeople installed over 950,000 new pavers that provide improved drainage and better surface traction
- The granite paver design honors the original Navajo rug and diamondback rattlesnake pattern featured on 16th Street
- Expanded tree canopy
- The project added to and diversified 16th Street’s tree canopy to provide a cool and welcoming environment
- Over 200 new trees were planted to increase the canopy by 34%
- Original 16th Street trees were repurposed into benches installed at the Populus Hotel
- A new underground soil and irrigation system was installed
- Walk and transit ways
- Transit lanes were moved to the center of 16th Street to create wider pedestrian walkways
- Curbless configurations were installed outside of the transit stops themselves to facilitate the movement of people and allow the space to be used for events and festivals
- New kiosks
- New interactive kiosks promise visitors selfie opportunities, business listings, games and free wi-fi. Fresh lighting and comfortable seating areas were also installed to promote people-watching and gatherings
Additionally, there’s a new installation at 16th and Glenarm Place called Aspen Light.
The city also noted that there are five new play structures installed in the pedestrian area, featuring climbable trout, a sound-producing leaf feature, undulating prairie grass-inspired forms, a beehive and The Nest, which is a climbing structure.
Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
