DDP Member Forum Overview: Considerations for 16th Street Mall’s Future and Elimination of “Option 3″

On Thursday, April 15th, members of the Downtown Denver Partnership gathered at the Warwick Denver Hotel for the Member Forum “Planning the Future of 16th Street: Balancing Pedestrians, Transit and Economics.”

A panel of speakers from the 16th Street Plan Steering Committee, moderated by Gary Desmond of AR7 Architects, discussed the future of this critical street in Downtown and the questions that will need to be answered along the way. Here is what they had to say…

Tyler Gibbs

Tyler Gibbs
City and County of Denver, Community Planning and Development
16th Street  Plan Technical Committee Co-chair

-          The Mall’s original design was shaped by three critical elements which remain fundamental to the design legacy: granite pavers, lights and trees. These remain essential to future plans for the Mall.

-          In terms of the pedestrian environment, there are inherent challenges with the median and sidewalk usage. How best can we accommodate pedestrian mobility, sidewalk vending and other Mall amenities in this space? What are the best uses of amenities for the sidewalks?

-          The materials and aesthetic choices used to redevelop the Mall are very important. Furnishings are an opportunity to create change, but should also uphold and complement the original quality.

John Shonsey

John Shonsey
RTD
16th Street Plan Steering Committee Member

-          RTD is heavily focused on the transit capacity for the Mall. The 100 shuttles are currently carrying over 50,000 riders each day. We must consider the future of Downtown transit and how the shuttles will relate to Denver Union Station, the Downtown Circulator, light rail and other modes.

-          Shuttle drivers have a strong safety record with very few pedestrian/vehicle conflicts. RTD accident reports show no clear difference in blocks that contain medians (such as Glenarm to Welton Streets) compared to asymmetrical blocks (such as Larimer to Lawrence Streets).

-          Currently, shuttles run every 75 seconds during peak times (morning, noon and evening rush hours). It will be important to consider how shuttle operations will coordinate with the placement of trees, light fixtures and other Mall elements.

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams
Downtown Denver Business Improvement District Board Chair
16th Street Plan Steering Committee Member

-          The 16th Street Plan Steering Committee is currently investigating costs for each option. In order to justify a higher cost option, it must yield a proportionally increased economic value.

-          In terms of maintenance, what changes will be needed? Will additional/different furnishings and placement require different equipment for sweeping and snow removal?

-          The overall ambiance of the Mall is important for the retail environment. Property owners have raised an important question: is there an equity issue if the Mall is designed to have wider sidewalks on one side of the street? In addition, which option will best support the expanding 16th Street Mall vending program?

The Denver Post recently covered the Steering Committee’s decision to eliminate “Option 3″ from the three proposed options for the Mall’s redevelopment.

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