Latest news with #DowntownDenver
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
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.
