Downtown Denver Partnership Celebrates Transformational Projects and Leaders at 2026 Downtown Denver Awards
DENVER (Nov. 12, 2026) – The Downtown Denver Partnership today is celebrating the projects, investments and individuals helping shape the future of the city's urban core at the 2026 Downtown Denver Awards. The awards recognized six transformational projects and honored longtime business and civic leader Rob Cohen with the 2026 Legacy Award for his lasting contributions to Downtown Denver.
For more than six decades, the Downtown Denver Awards have recognized the people, projects and organizations making a meaningful impact on the center city. This year's recipients reflect the diverse investments and initiatives driving downtown forward, from revitalized public spaces and historic preservation to cultural institutions, hospitality and community events.
“The people and projects we recognized this year reflect the creativity, commitment and collaboration that continue to move Downtown Denver forward,” said Kourtny Garrett, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “Each of these honorees has made a meaningful contribution to our city, whether through significant investment, creating new experiences or bringing people together. We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and the role they continue to play in shaping downtown’s future.”
The 2026 Downtown Denver Award recipients included:
16th Street Renovation: Following years of planning and construction, the transformation of Denver's iconic 16th Street corridor has created a more welcoming, accessible and engaging public space. The project includes upgraded infrastructure, expanded tree canopy, interactive play features and improvements to pedestrian and transit mobility, strengthening one of downtown's most important corridors.
Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts: This 25,000-square-foot expansion strengthens a longstanding Denver cultural institution, creating new opportunities for arts education, performances and community gatherings while supporting youth development, creative careers and cultural vibrancy in the historic five points neighborhood. Cleo Parker Robinson plays an important role as a community anchor and helps strengthen our urban core.
Denver Central Library Renovation: Supported by the voter approved Elevate Denver bond program, the renovation has reimagined one of downtown's most important civic and cultural institutions, creating enhanced gathering spaces and amenities that support learning, community connections and access to public services.
Historic Evans School: After sitting largely vacant for more than four decades, the historic building has been transformed through preservation and adaptive reuse into a destination for dining, gathering and community activity, bringing renewed energy and investment to the Golden Triangle neighborhood.
Outside Days: Since launching in 2024, this event has brought together music, arts and outdoor culture in the heart of Denver, attracting more than 50,000 attendees in its first two years and demonstrating the role of large-scale events in bringing people together and activating downtown.
Populus Denver: The distinctive hotel has transformed a previously underutilized site into an architectural landmark, earning recognition as one of TIME's World's Greatest Places and a MICHELIN Key recipient for its innovative design and sustainability-focused approach.
In addition to recognizing these six projects, the Partnership presented its 2026 Legacy Award to Rob Cohen, chairman and CEO of Denver-headquartered IMA Financial Group and controlling owner of Denver Summit FC. The Legacy Award recognizes individuals whose leadership, vision and sustained commitment have helped shape Downtown Denver's growth and long-term success.
Cohen has been a longtime advocate for Denver's economic development and civic vitality, serving on more than 20 nonprofit boards, including as board chair of the Downtown Denver Partnership, VISIT DENVER and Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce. His contributions include a pivotal $30 million investment in the redevelopment of Denver Union Station through the construction of IMA Financial Group's headquarters, helping advance the project. Cohen also founded the Denver Sports Commission in 2001, helping attract major sporting events to the city, and more recently led the ownership group that brought Denver Summit FC, the city's first National Women's Soccer League franchise, to Colorado.
“It has truly been a privilege to witness and be part of how much our city has grown and changed over the years,” said Rob Cohen, chairman and CEO of IMA Financial Group. “I’m grateful to the many people I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside who share a passion for this city, and I’m excited about what the future holds for Downtown Denver. That’s what makes receiving this recognition from the Downtown Denver Partnership especially meaningful, and I’m incredibly honored to be this year’s Legacy Award recipient.”
This year's recipients were selected by a jury representing Denver's business, education and cultural communities, reflecting the range of perspectives and expertise helping guide downtown's future.
The 2026 awards introduced a new format designed to bring together civic and business leaders while expanding the celebration to the broader downtown community. The evening began with a formal awards dinner at The Ritz-Carlton, Denver, followed by a Community Celebration at Denver Union Station, bringing together attendees to recognize the projects and individuals contributing to downtown's continued growth and vitality.
The expanded event reflected the Partnership's commitment to celebrating not only the investments transforming downtown but also the people and community connections that make it a vibrant place to live, work and visit.
For more information about the 2026 Downtown Denver Awards, visit www.downtowndenver.com/awards.
