16th Street transitway mall

In the heart of downtown Denver, OLIN transformed a vehicle-heavy city street into an exciting and successful pedestrian and transit-oriented retail district. OLIN’s redesign reduced traffic congestion, provided efficient bus service between the city and suburbs, and created an inviting pedestrian environment. For a mile-long length of 16th Street, a gracious 22-foot-wide, tree-lined promenade occupies the center of the former street, flanked on both sides by subtly depressed transit lanes and widened pedestrian sidewalks along retail frontage. Details include patterned granite paving continuous across the promenade, curbs and sidewalks, as well as custom light fixtures, bus shelters, benches, fountains, and places for displays, sidewalk cafes and special events. 

Location
Denver, CO

Owner
Denver Regional Transportation Authority

Status
Completed 1985

Key Team Members
Laurie Olin, Partner-in-Charge

Awards
1985, ASLA Design Merit Award
1984, American Association of Landscape Contractors Environmental Improvement Award of Distinction