The renowned 16th Street Mall in downtown Denver will officially reopen on October 5, 2025, concluding a transformative redevelopment project that has spanned over three years and cost approximately $175.4 million. This significant milestone marks the completion of enhancements aimed at revitalizing one of the city’s most iconic thoroughfares since its original opening in 1982.
A celebration event is planned from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the day of the reopening, located along 16th Street between Market Street and Broadway. The festivities will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring a parade led by the Guerilla Fanfare Brass Band, with remarks from Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and former mayor Michael Hancock, alongside representatives from the Downtown Denver Partnership and the Regional Transportation District (RTD).
Kourtny Garrett, President and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership, expressed excitement about the completed project, stating, “At its core, 16th Street is where Denver comes to celebrate our city’s history, stories, and traditions. With the expanded programmable space, we’re excited to see more activation and people returning to experience downtown in a new way.”
Since the partial reopening of the first block last year, foot traffic has increased steadily, with many rediscovering the mall’s new features. The revitalization project has focused on improving safety and mobility, addressing outdated infrastructure, and creating vibrant spaces for residents and visitors alike.
The upgrades include wider sidewalks, the addition of mature trees, and new amenities, alongside a redesigned transit system running through the center of each block. The newly installed granite paver system enhances traction and drainage, benefiting the RTD’s 16th Street FreeRide shuttle service.
The FreeRide service, which was previously known as the Free MallRide, will resume its normal operations on October 5, returning to its full route between Denver Union Station and Civic Center Station. The shuttle has been on a detour since construction began in April 2022.
According to a September news release from RTD, ridership on the FreeRide has significantly increased as blocks have reopened. From January to July of this year, the service recorded over 1.2 million total boardings, with July alone seeing more than 200,000 boardings, marking the highest monthly total since 2022. The shuttle’s average monthly boardings have grown to over 170,000 in 2025 compared to 125,000 in 2024.
Debra A. Johnson, General Manager and CEO of RTD, highlighted the improvements, stating, “The 16th Street FreeRide is a prime example of how RTD is making lives better through the connections it provides. The agency is proud to have partnered with the City and County of Denver on this major transit infrastructure improvement project that provides convenient connections for thousands of people each and every day.”
The celebration on October 5 will feature a variety of activities, including an REI scavenger hunt, hourly performances and DJs, pop-up events, and special promotions at local businesses. Exclusive merchandise celebrating the reopening will also be available for purchase.
With the completion of this extensive redevelopment, the 16th Street Mall is poised to reclaim its role as a vibrant hub for community engagement and urban activity in downtown Denver.
