Since its opening in 1982, the 16th Street Mall has met and exceeded all of the objectives of its original grand vision. On average, 55,000 people use the free MallRide shuttles every day. Longwoods studies have consistently rated the Mall as the #1 "visitor attraction in the metro area". In order to ensure it's success and continual evolution, the 16th Street Plan was created in 2008.
The 16th Street Plan will holistically reevaluate the Mall’s design and land use patterns so this critical landmark remains the vibrant spine of Downtown Denver. The Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP) with the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District (BID), Regional Transportation District (RTD), the City and County of Denver and a 25-member steering committee are overseeing the 16th Street Plan, the long-term planning process for the 16th Street Mall.
The 16th Street Plan: A Vision for the Future is a 18- to 24-month comprehensive study containing a strong public participation component. The 16th Street Plan will include the following:
- A careful analysis of the Mall’s current conditions, its strengths and weaknesses
- Recommendations for short-term actions to reduce maintenance expenditures
- A comprehensive reinvestment plan and management plan
- An implementation strategy, which includes the identification of funding sources for capital improvements and ongoing maintenance
The 16th Street Plan began with a public meeting on April 8th, 2008 and a Urban Land Institute (ULI) Advisory Services Panel report in May 2008. The steering committee began its regular meetings in summer 2007. Click here for a recap of the steering and technical committees' accomplishments in 2008 and a review of their work plan for 2009.
16th Street Mall Design
The design and layout of the 16th Street Mall was created by world-renowned architectural firm I.M. Pei and Associates, which also designed the Pyramid du Louvre in Paris and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. The landscape architecture firm, Hanna/Olin, co-designed the Mall. Other projects designed by Laurie Olin include Bryant Park in New York City, The Simon and Helen Director Park in Portland and Westlake Park in Seattle. Olin is part of the ZGF team selected for the urban design plan.
16th Street Plan: Sustainability Focus
The 16th Street Plan Steering and Technical Committees toured the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden to learn about possible sustainability initiatives. A sustainability work group will now be formed from committee members to make recommendations to the steering committee for any improvements relating to sustainability.
Click here to read more about the tour.
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