Denver Completes $175M Renovation Reopening 16th Street Pedestrian Promenade

Denver marked the full reopening of 16th Street on Oct. 4 with a grand celebration — speeches from Mayor Mike Johnston and former Mayor Michael Hancock, live music, performances and family activities — capping a more than three-year, roughly $175 million revitalization. The project rebuilt 13 blocks between Market and Broadway, modernized miles of underground water, sewer and fiber, widened sidewalks, added mature trees and new amenities, and created over 400,000 square feet of programmable public space while moving transit lanes to improve pedestrian safety. City leaders and the Downtown Denver Partnership hope the overhaul and related moves, including the Downtown Development Authority’s $37 million purchase of the Denver Pavilions, will attract businesses and revive downtown after pandemic-era declines and construction-related losses. Officials reported recent upticks in daily activity and unique visits, and transit service (the FreeRide detour) will return to 16th Street as the corridor reopens. The celebration was largely festive though a brief protest blocked Welton Street during the event; organizers say the redesign is intended to make 16th Street more welcoming, walkable and resilient for decades to come.