DENVER, CO — City leaders, civic partners, and construction crews gathered to celebrate major progress on the 16th Street Revitalization Project — one of downtown Denver, Colorado’s most ambitious infrastructure upgrades. With nine blocks reopened and full completion expected this fall, the city corridor is anticipating a busy summer season. The 16th Street Summer Kickoff offered the community an opportunity to experience the street’s enhanced amenities firsthand.
Events included the IFSC World Cup Speed Climbing competition, live entertainment, and local vendors stretching from Market to Tremont Street. As title sponsor, PCL Construction — the general contractor overseeing 16th Street’s renovation — had several family-friendly activities planned at the event. Kids had the opportunity to “touch a construction truck” and take a photo with PCL’s mascot, Bidwell the beaver. During the media preview of the Summer Kickoff event, Ryan Schmidt, Vice President and District Manager for PCL in Denver, praised the collaborative effort between the city and PCL during the multi-year initiative and emphasized the impact of the project on Denver’s future.
“For more than 50 years, PCL has helped shape Colorado’s skyline — and the 16th Street renovation is one of the most meaningful projects in our history,” Schmidt said. “We tackled century-old infrastructure, installed a new drainage system, enhanced ADA features, and planted a broader mix of trees — all while creating jobs and investing back into the Denver community. We could not have achieved this success without our strong partnership with the City and County of Denver.”
Originally launched in April 2022, the project is revitalizing downtown Denver while enhancing safety, walkability, public amenities, and transit access. Adding more nature to the urban corridor was a priority, as demonstrated by the installation of a canopy of trees on 16th Street. The previous trees became root-bound after years of lacking the proper space to grow. Before installing the new trees — several of which had been growing since the Clinton administration — PCL created an innovative system underground to ensure the roots had room to grow and thrive.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, leaders from the City and County of Denver, Downtown Denver Partnership, Denver Office of Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Regional Transit District also offered remarks at the event.
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“What we do today is not just reopen a street, but a downtown, a way of life, and a brand that puts Denver on the map for the next 50 years as one of the great, unique, and vibrant downtowns in the country,” Johnston said.
“16th Street is not only the signature spine of our downtown, but the heart and soul of our city, where our communities take center stage," said Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. “So, whether you come here to gather with friends, to celebrate milestones, to try new food, or to shop for something special, you can do so the Denver way.”
