16th Street
16th Street Grand Opening
The Downtown Denver Partnership, the City and County of Denver, and RTD are thrilled to officially reopen 16th Street on October 4, 2025, exactly 43 years after its inaugural opening in 1982. We invite all Denverites and Coloradans to be part of this momentous celebration as we unveil the completion of this reconstruction project that has enhanced accessibility and infrastructure, expanded amenities and "moments of joy," and preserved the Downtown Denver’s iconic main street. Join us for an all day celebration beginning at 11 a.m. as we reveal our completed 16th Street, which is better than ever and ready to create new memories for future generations. This is your moment to join in the experience what promises to be an extraordinary day of community celebration.
Please stay tuned for more event details!
The Denver Way
As the role of downtowns evolve, Downtown Denver is experiencing a historic renaissance drive by bold initiatives that require our entire business community and city to rally around. Amid our systemic vulnerabilities, we see the many opportunities ahead. When communities flourish and business thrive, our center city’s foundation becomes stronger.
As 16th Street fully opens this Fall 2025, the reimagine signature spine of downtown represents our commitment to creating welcoming downtown for commerce, culture and community. It's where we celebrate together, honor our stories and traditions, share our bold ideas and embrace homegrown businesses.
About the 16th Street Project
16th Street is Denver’s Main Street that caters to millions of people each year, whether it’s locals getting to work, tourists strolling and shopping or residents enjoying all that downtown has to offer.
As Downtown Denver evolves into a livable complete neighborhood, 16th Street must change, too — into a community asset where all feel safe, welcome and joyful.
The 16th Street Project will revitalize the street from Market Street to Broadway with goals to improve safety and mobility, address deteriorating infrastructure and create more opportunities for the people who live, work and visit the Mile High City to enjoy downtown for years to come. Importantly, the redesign of 16th Street will arrange a new configuration of sidewalk and transit service, creating a new and improved public realm for Denver to enjoy.
The 16th Street Brand
16th Street's new identity captures the essence of this world-class public space, reflecting its significance as a central hub and an essential part of Denver's urban experience that engages both Denverites and visitors alike. The repositioning work—from the mark honoring street signs and downtown murals to a color palette inspired by Colorado's natural landscape, to icons illustrated by local artist YAMZ (Brayan Montes)—has been crafted to capture our city's spirit and provide everyone a platform to experience this world-class public space, The Denver Way.
The Downtown Denver Partnership, in partnership with the City & County of Denver and the 16th Street Mall project team, worked with DNCO, a renowned international place branding agency, to lead the repositioning of Denver's iconic 16th Street. The repositioning work involved crafting updated messaging and visual identity to further enhance 16th Street's distinct sense of place. Drawing on their expertise connecting residents, visitors and businesses, DNCO has redefined 16th Street by blending its heritage with a forward-looking perspective.
Sip, Savor and Socialize at Glenarm Plaza –The Denver Way!
Experience Denver's lively patio culture in a whole new way at Glenarm Plaza, located at 16th and Glenarm by Denver Pavilions in the heart of Downtown Denver.
This City-established consumption area lets you purchase alcoholic beverages from participating restaurants and enjoy them in our beautiful outdoor plaza space.
16TH STREET
The Trailhead to Colorado
16th Street represents 20% of downtown's restaurants tax base. There are 200 retailers and restaurants, including more than 40 sidewalk cafes and approximately 20 cart and kiosk vendors.
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More than 1,200 residential units on 16th street
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New ground-floor businesses opened in 2024
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Retailers and Restaurants
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More than 6.6 million square feet of office space
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More than 1,831 hotel rooms on the Mall
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Visits to 16th Street in 2024
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Square feet of programmed public realm
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Free transit connecting Union Station to Civic Center Station
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More than 1.6M ride the free MallRide annually