The 16th Street Mall gets a revamp and rebrand as part of a $175 million project. But as the project nears its completion, will this much-needed makeover resurrect a once “ghost town” in the middle of the Mile High City?
Since roughly 2019, the 16th Street Mall has developed a reputation for crime, high rent prices, and dwindling crowds, becoming a shadow of its former self. What was once a bustling pedestrian promenade lined with packed restaurants and steady foot traffic had turned quiet — abandoned storefronts, growing concerns over safety, and a pandemic-era slowdown left locals and tourists alike steering clear.
Now, the Mile High City is betting big with a $175 million renovation and rebranding project to bring the street back to life. As the extensive renovation project nears completion this fall, the city isn’t just rebuilding a street — it’s rebranding it, hoping to shift perceptions, welcome back businesses, and offer Denverites a public space they can safely enjoy…