DENVER (KDVR) — After years of construction, detours, and sluggish foot traffic, downtown Denver’s most iconic walkway is entering a new era, complete with a new name.
The 16th Street Mall is being rebranded simply as “16th Street” as the city wraps up a more than $170 million renovation project. City leaders say the change is about more than updated paving stones and seating—it’s about shifting the public perception of the corridor and drawing people back to a cleaner, safer, and more modern downtown.
16th Street mall could have outdoor alcohol consumption areas when it officially reopens“There’s a lot of good energy down here in Denver, I feel like the city is changing a lot, but it’s a good change,” said Nico Blanco with Giordano’s.
Construction is nearly complete, and longtime workers on the strip say the transformation is already noticeable.
“I feel like we are in the home stretch, I’ve been here 4 years, so pre-construction, and now post-construction, I’m really excited,” said Madison Medina, also of Giordano’s.
The name change — dropping the word “Mall” — is meant to reflect the city’s goal of creating a more vibrant urban experience.
“I think Denver is always changing so you might as well have something new, maybe it gives people a little less fear, you know, ‘the mall’ seems like kind of the old thing, and the 16th Street is going to be popular,” Medina added.
In addition to cosmetic changes, city officials say the corridor will now be easier to maintain and more walkable. Business owners say they’ve noticed another key difference: more visible security.
“A lot of the security and police officers have stopped by, just to check in on us, they are friendly, supportive neighbors, area, just to make sure we are safe, which we have definitely felt,” said Shelly Gentry with The Yard Milkshake Bar.
Denver’s 16th Street Mall faces ongoing vacancies and low trafficDenver leaders are also considering a new open-container policy for 16th Street, with restrictions. Some downtown business owners support the idea as a way to increase energy and activity during warm months.
“I think having a little cocktail to go walking when it’s 90 degrees outside, I mean I wouldn’t say no, I would be in, so I would love it, I think it’s going to be great if they do it,” Medina said.
“Obviously, we cater to kids, but at night this turns into a wonderful nightlife for adults and college kids, and we wouldn’t mind catering more to that,” added Gentry.
As the city prepares for a summer of festivals and foot traffic, businesses say they’re hopeful this new chapter for 16th Street brings renewed energy to the heart of Denver.
“It’s completely changed, completely cleaned up, everyone cares a lot more here,” Gentry said.
“Change is always scary, and I think this is for the better, and the future is exciting,” Medina said.
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