While our family was in London last month, we had the opportunity to visit with many of my husband's overseas friends and family, and I found it really interesting that several of them mentioned the 16th Street Mall when relating their experiences visiting Colorado. Obviously, the mall makes an impression on visitors, especially those who spend some time exploring downtown on foot. As a long-time resident, I never really give the mall a second thought - sure, if I'm downtown I might hit one of the restuarants on the mall for lunch or happy hour, but I have to admit that I tend to gravitate toward the independently-owned restaurants Uptown or in Riverfront because parking near the mall is such a pain. It would be different if I worked nearby and was parked there, anyway, or if there was a good public transportation option to get there, but living in the suburbs it would take 3 buses and a miracle to get there in less than 2 hours, and I can drive downtown in less than 20 minutes, so that's the obvious option.
I will be interested to hear what happens with these plans - and if you spend any time on or near the 16th Street Mall, it might be a good idea to attend one of the public planning sessions to express your opinion!
Interesting update regarding the 16th Street Mall on yourhub:
Bicycle lanes, moving buses to 15th among alternatives for mall
Three different visions for a possible facelift of the 16th Street Mall are being examined by Denverites. Provided by: Kathryn Scott Osler/DP
The first option, and least expensive, involves improving what already exists without major infrastructure changes.
The second alternative involves moving the mall buses closer together, killing the median and widening sidewalk space on the northeast side of the street. It would allow for more patio seating and vendor and kiosk space.
The third and most radical vision includes moving the westbound mall bus to 15th Street to allow for expansion of public space, an emergency lane or possibly a two-way bicycle lane.
Residents and business owners who attended one of two open houses last week to hear about plans had differing opinions of what they wanted to see.
Sherry Patten, who has lived on the mall for the past 14 years, preferred the second option because of the wide sidewalk space.
I really like the whole idea of using 15th Street too, but it's a big expense, she said. Option one is too near to what it is now, and I think we need a new start, Patten added.
The hope with the third option is that 15th, which doesn't have much pedestrian draw currently, becomes as viable as 16th. The worry of some is that moving the bus to 15th will make transportation confusing for tourists and others who might not go to 15th. Or, it could take people off 16th.
The possibility of adding bicycle lanes in the third option is appealing to several people who commented on the 16th Street Mall Facebook page.
Leon Stor and Saul Tamariz agreed that the second option is best, but for a different reason than Patten. The duo is considering the possibility of a healthy Mexican food cart on the mall.
I think if they allowed more room for kiosks, it would be perfect, not just for business owners, but for pedestrians, Stor said.
Bruce Briggs disagreed. Briggs is a sales associate at Overland Sheepskin Co. at 16th and Larimer Street.
The big concern at the store was the kiosk effect, whether it would turn everything into a big swap market, he said. The merchandise at kiosks is more just trinkets. We'd rather them encourage a department store. How many hot dog stands can you have on one mall?
Briggs said the mall just needs to be updated as in option one.
A complete reconstruction of granite pavers in the bus lanes would be included and trees preserved no matter what option is picked for needed improvements on the mall, said John Desmond, vice president of urban planning and environment at the Downtown Denver Partnership, which is spearheading the effort.
Response has been evenly divided among the options, Desmond said. An option is expected to be endorsed by a steering committee in July. To see all options, go to http://bit.ly/16thstreet.
_____
Up next
What: 16th Street Mall urban design plan public meeting No. 3
When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. open house, 5:30-7 p.m. presentation and public comment
April 6
Where: Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building, 201 E. Colfax Ave., Denver
Info: R.S.V.P. to info@downtowndenver.com. You can also send comments to 16thstreetplan@downtowndenver.com.
Socials