Latest news with #16thStreet
CBS News
3 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
16th Street in Denver comes alive for Kickoff to Summer Festival after years of construction
After years of detours, dust, and delays, Denver's 16th Street welcomed summer and the return of its vibrant atmosphere with a festival on Saturday. The Kickoff to Summer Festival marked the completion of a multi-year construction project to reshape the heart of downtown Denver. The celebration drew hundreds of residents and tourists alike who strolled through reopened walkways, enjoyed live music, browsed local vendors, and collected free merchandise. CBS For many Denverites, the day was a nostalgic return to what once was, and an exciting look ahead. "Growing up, 16th Street was kind of the place to be," said one attendee, recalling the area's former energy. But the fanfare wasn't universal. While the street pulsed with renewed life, some local businesses along its edges are still recovering from the impact of years of disruption. Arlet Alvarez, manager of Dragonfly Noodle at the corner of 16th and Market, says the construction significantly affected foot traffic and their bottom line. CBS "This block opened up last August, and we're still not where we want to be," she said. "We've been having to cut a lot of labor hours, so we're struggling with that too." Just a few doors down, the Colorado Artisan Center faced similar challenges. "There was so much construction no one could cross the street," said Cayley McAllister. "We just lost out on a lot of sales because no one could physically get to our store." Despite the difficulties, there's growing optimism. With construction now complete and the street once again buzzing with activity, many businesses are hopeful the crowds will return for good. CBS "We've been waiting for this day going on three years now," said Museum of Illusions General Manager John Campbell. "So we're super excited to have business coming back downtown." As summer begins, the city and its small businesses are ready to turn the page.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Business is booming in Denver for a Japanese ice cream stand on 16th Street
Ichigo Matcha is an example of the success Denver businesses hope to have along 16th Street Ichigo Matcha is an example of the success Denver businesses hope to have along 16th Street Ichigo Matcha is an example of the success Denver businesses hope to have along 16th Street The city of Denver is nearing the end of a multi-year renovation project of the 16th Street Mall, now known as just 16th Street. The project cost around $175 million, and businesses are hoping the end of construction will be a turning point for them. There is at least one business, however, that has managed to thrive in the midst of all the changes. Ichigo Matcha opened last September on the corner of 16th Street and Larimer Street, and is already a prime example of the success businesses hope to have in the area. CBS "As more and more retailers open their doors, you will see a lot of what we describe as the best of Denver, only in Denver," said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston in a press conference on the project Tuesday morning. "We have a long line all the time," said Emma Lkhagvajav, who owns Ichigo Matcha. "Especially the sandwich, the Japanese sandwich with the chocolate bread, we sold out in 2 hours." Lkhagvajav started her business with her son after she was craving ice cream but couldn't tolerate the American kind. She moved here from Mongolia and is used to Japanese-style ice cream which has less sugar. "This is my son's dream," Lkhagvajav said. "He said, I'm going to sell ice cream and make people happy." CBS It turns out they found the perfect niche for a thriving business. Its Instagram-worthy appearance makes the ice cream that much more appealing. Lkhagvajav has had so much success on 16th street, she plans to open up a small dessert cafe just a few blocks down. She hopes to build the businesses up so she can pass them down to her son, who's still in high school and works the stand on the weekends. "After maybe he graduates high school, it's going to be his business." Lkhagvajav's new store will be near H&M and will specialize in boba tea.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation
Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation Denver's 16th Street Mall to be known as "16th Street" after a $175.4 million renovation Denver city leaders and the Downtown Denver Partnership celebrated the completion of 90% of the 16th Street Mall on Tuesday. "We now will describe this jewel in Denver as 16th Street," Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced. The city has been renovating 16th Street for more than three years at an estimated cost of $175.4 million, according to the city. 16th Street stretches over a mile in downtown Denver. "This is just the start," President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership Kourtny Garrett said. "Every single piece of this effort has been designed and brought to life to reflect the spirit of our city and to offer all those who experience 16th Street a welcoming world-class open space." Mayor Johnston showcases 16th Street CBS Colorado Johnston said this was not just a reopening of a street but the entire downtown. Johnston said 16th Street will also be known as The Denver Way, "which has two meanings. One, it is literally the main street of downtown, it is The Denver Way, by which you can make your way through downtown." Johnston also says you will find restaurants, diverse communities, and what he calls a connection to the outdoors, "This is the trailhead of Colorado." CBS Colorado Denver District 10 Councilman Chris Hinds said, "This is our opportunity... this is where we showcase and show off frankly what makes Denver special." There is a grand opening on Memorial Day weekend. The next weekend, on May 31 and June 1, 16th Street will host 150 vendors and 100 performers, the Skyline Beer Garden, and for the first time, 16th Street will host the IFSC World Cup of speed climbing.
Yahoo
18-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Denver puts $1.5M more into 16th Street Mall for summer events, activities
DENVER (KDVR) — More money is going into the 16th Street Mall in hopes of driving more foot traffic toward the downtown spot by bringing concerts, markets and art installations starting this summer. On Monday, the Denver City Council approved a $1.5 million amendment to a contract between the city and county of Denver and Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc. for activation activities related to the reopening of the 16th Street Mall. Timeline: 16th Street Mall construction expected to finish in 2025 The contract said this includes art installations on vacant storefronts, enhancing street connections, events and entertainment series and temporary or permanent art installations to bring more people into the area and create a positive shift in public perception of downtown Denver. The partnership's proposal plans to open the blocks between Market Street and Glenarm Place on May 31 and June 1, lining the summer opening weekend up with the Outside Festival. During the opening weekend, there will be activation activities like Saturday markets with local vendors, temporary art installments and live music series in Writer Square, Glenarm Plaza, OuterSpace and Skyline Park. While official plans for the opening weekend haven't been announced yet, the proposal said it would launch the 16th Street brand, live music and activations in the spring, with more events, activations and installations open by this summer. In total, the contract approved $1 million for activation activities and $500,000 for safety improvements, adding $1.5 million to the contract. This adjusted the initial contract amount with the partnership of $400,000 for vacant storefront support and enhanced street connections. Previous coverage: First completed block of the new 16th Street opens The partnership is working with $1.9 million on the 16th Street Mall, while the 16th Street Mall Project said the total paid-to-date cost lies at $151.3 million and the estimated cost will be $175.4 million. The 16th Street Mall Project said it's still planning on taking down the fences by the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
