Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall on Grass: A Classic Throwback
Before the bricks, before the street performers packed every corner, and before Pearl Street Mall became one of the most iconic pedestrian walkways in America, there was something surprisingly simple at its heart—grass.
This classic “Faces of Boulder” throwback takes us back to a time when Pearl Street Mall had a softer, greener feel. Long before the polished layout we know today, sections of the mall featured grassy areas where people could sit, relax, and truly slow down. It wasn’t just a place to walk—it was a place to linger.
A Different Kind of Downtown Boulder
The Pearl Street Mall officially became a pedestrian mall in 1977, part of a bold vision to transform downtown Boulder into a community-centered gathering space. In those early years, the design included patches of grass that gave the mall a park-like atmosphere. Think of it as part street, part front yard for the city.
People stretched out on the grass, kids played freely, and the vibe felt even more laid-back than it does today. Boulder has always had that relaxed, outdoor-loving energy, and the grass on Pearl Street was a perfect reflection of that lifestyle.
Dating the Photo: Late 1970s to Early 1980s
This photo shows grass along Pearl Street Mall, there’s a good chance it was taken in the late 1970s or early 1980s, shortly after the mall first opened. Over time, those grassy sections were replaced with the now-famous brickwork and more durable landscaping as foot traffic increased and maintenance became a challenge…