The City and County of Denver wants to hear feedback from residents about the future of the 16th Street Mall.
Denver, RTD, and the Downtown Denver Partnership plan to reconstruct the historic mall. They want to widen the pedestrian paths, plant trees on both sides of each block, and consolidate transit lanes. The Free Mall Ride service would continue to operate along the mall under the new plan.
On Monday, a team working on the project released a draft environment assessment on the proposed project – which would redesign the 16th Street Mall between Market Street and Broadway.
“Over the past 37 years, the Mall’s infrastructure has deteriorated,” a release from Denver Public Works (DPW) says. “A flexible and sustainable plan is needed to address deteriorating infrastructure, provide equitable and sufficient space for high-quality public gathering opportunities, improve pedestrian and vehicle safety, and continue reliable two-way Free MallRide transit service while honoring the Mall’s use and iconic design.”
Plans also include the installation of a new granite paver system with improved surface friction and proper drainage, according to DPW.
On May 1, two meetings are scheduled for the public to learn more about the project. Those meetings are scheduled for 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. at RTD’s Main Office at 1660 Blake Street in downtown Denver.
If approved, the project will be funded through a combination of Denver Urban Renewal Authority Tax Increment Financing, federal grants, and local funds, including the Elevate Denver bond program, DPW said.
You can submit comments on the city's website through May 14.
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