Over 40 years after helping shape Denver’s beloved 16th Street Mall, OLIN returned to breathe new life into the city’s mile-long pedestrian and transit corridor. As part of a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team, we led a two-year design and research effort to reimagine this historic spine for the next generation.
The redesign brings bold, forward-looking updates while honoring the mall’s legacy. Iconic granite paving has been renewed and redesigned, a true curbless street finally realized, and the corridor transformed into a seamless, flexible urban plaza. Inspired by the success of shorter pedestrian streets, we divided the 13-block stretch into a series of vibrant character zones—each with its own identity, rhythm of activity, and custom-designed furnishings that celebrate Denver’s spirit through color, form, and storytelling.
Reopened after a $175 million transformation, the new 16th Street Mall features expanded patios, playful zones, and a lush tree canopy—creating a welcoming, people-first destination at the heart of downtown. Led by Jacobs, OLIN, Gehl, Stantec, MIG, and built by PCL, the revitalized mall stands as a powerful symbol of Denver’s future: inclusive, walkable, and full of life.
Mayor Mike Johnston called 16th Street the “spine of downtown,” highlighting its vital role in the city’s revitalization.
