DENVER (May 20, 2025) — City leaders, civic partners and construction crews gathered Tuesday to celebrate major progress on the 16th Street Revitalization Project—one of downtown Denver’s most ambitious infrastructure upgrades. With nine blocks reopened and full completion expected this fall, the iconic city corridor is anticipating a busy summer season. The 16th Street Summer Kickoff, a free two-day celebration hosted by the City and Downtown Denver Partnership, will offer the community an opportunity to experience the street’s enhanced amenities firsthand.

Events planned for May 31 and June 1 include 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 16^th Street’s renovation – has several family-friendly activities planned at the event. Kids will have 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,” said Schmidt. “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 one of Denver’s most iconic downtown destinations 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 16^th 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.

“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,” said Johnston.

Media were offered a preview of the new brand identity for 16^th Street developed in collaboration with the Downtown Denver Partnership and international design agency DNCO. The new identity is intended to honor the Mall’s rich history while ushering in a dynamic new era for Denver’s most visited public space.

“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.”

For more information, visit www.summerindenver.com.

About PCL Construction
PCL is a group of independent construction companies that operates throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. As one of the largest contracting organizations in North America, PCL completes more than $8 billion USD in work annually, building projects that shape communities. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com.