Downtown Denver Celebrates Groundbreaking of 16th St. Mall Project

The Downtown Denver Partnership, alongside the City & County of Denver, RTD, the Denver Urban Renewal Authority, and PCL Construction, officially began construction on the much-anticipated 16th St. Mall Project on Thursday, April 14, marking the Mall’s first major upgrade since its opening in 1982. The Partnership has been a key partner in the planning of this project for the last 10 years, bringing together the community to help envision the revitalization of the Mall.

A cultural and transportation corridor where 21st-century life unfolds, the 16th St. Mall is a place where inclusivity is celebrated, business is done and people from near and far experience the vibrancy of our city. As Denver continues to grow and as we welcome more people into Downtown Denver, it’s important that we maintain the Mall to fit the needs of our growing city and continue to make it a place that promotes economic vibrancy and creates a place where people want to be.

The planned updates are designed to enhance the Mall experience for all users while improving pedestrian safety and mobility on the city’s most transit-rich street. The redesign will also create a better environment for trees and enhance the overall experience for residents, employees, and visitors alike.

With this project, we are working through the growing pains of today for a better tomorrow. Some temporary changes include Free MallRide detours, which have begun between Arapahoe and Wazee Streets. Though the project only extends from the 16th Street Mall to Market, the shuttles must use Wazee to get back to the 16th Street route. Learn more here. Additionally, sidewalks will remain open and business access will be maintained throughout the project.

As construction begins and continues in the coming months, we encourage you to use the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District’s Clean and Safe App to let us know if you are having issues with access around the construction sites. You can also download the 16th Street Mall Project App for real-time updates on construction and information on businesses along the Mall.

Your favorite businesses and restaurants will remain open during reconstruction. Let’s rally behind the businesses that make downtown special. Eat, shop, play, and help us celebrate this moment, and downtown, together.

In the coming months, the Downtown Denver Partnership will continue activating downtown to further support our community during construction. From our new roller rink CitySkate at Skyline Beer Garden to our annual Taste of Colorado, not to mention the new businesses coming soon to 16th Street Mall as part of the Pop-Up Denver program, there are plenty of reasons to continue spending time downtown.

We are committed to ensuring Downtown Denver is bright, clean, safe, and vibrant,  today and for generations to come. The 16th St. Mall Project is sure to bring more opportunities to locals and visitors alike to work, shop, play, stay, dine, and more.