As a follow-up to the public meeting of a couple weeks ago, the consultant team for the 16th Street Mall urban design plan is preparing to bring current concepts to the public in open houses next Wednesday and Thursday. Three broad concepts are currently on the table. These concepts have considered – among other things – the history of the Mall and its materials, the observed manner in which people use the Mall, and the value judgments of a number of constituents of the Mall – including retailers, downtown residents, accessibility advocates, police, RTD, and the BID.
The concepts outline three alternatives for the future of the Mall. These range from little intervention to consideration of a broader downtown context. It should be noted that the technical details and block-by-block plans have not been developed at this point – with the intent to gather public input before taking a preferred concept to detailed development. The options include the following:
(please note, all images are courtesy ZGF Architects and in each case the north side of the street is to the left)
Option 1.
This concept maintains the existing design of the Mall framework, maintaining the median space between the shuttle lanes through the central portion of the Mall. Efforts would be made to organize furnishings and vendor operations to improve the overall use of the Mall, as well as to mitigate existing accessibility issues, but the design of the street would be largely unchanged.
Option 2.
The intent of Option 2 is to enhance the use and social opportunities of the Mall through a reorganization of circulation and amenities. In this concept, the central portion of the Mall would be reconfigured to the assymetric section currently found on both the east and west ends of the Mall – locating the west-bound shuttle lane within the current median (this would not impact the existing trees or lights, as the width of the median is adequate to accommodate the shuttles).
This option would allow restaurant patios on the north side of the street to expand nearly to the existing flow line of the street, while the existing west-bound lane would be used primarily for pedestrian movement. In cases where restaurant patios are not found, vendor carts and other amenities would located in the north walkway – with pedestrian circulation shifting to the north (as illustrated in the secend Option 3 diagram below). In addition, a third row of trees is suggested, providing additional shade to the Mall.
The design team has studied the effect of this concept on the paving pattern, and believes that the historic pattern can accommodate the scheme.
Option 3.
Option 3 takes the previous option to a whole new level, suggesting the relocation of the west-bound shuttle to 15th Street. The concept does all of the things that Option 2 does, while also allowing for the potential accommodation of bicycles on the Mall. Further, it places a focus on 15th Street – a place that is almost forgotten when it comes to walkability and retail viability.
Additional information is available on the Downtown Denver Partnership’s website.
It’s an exciting time for the 16th Street Mall, and it’s our time as a community to have a say in its future. So get on out to the open houses next week or attend future public meetings! You can also become a friend of the Mall of Facebook and give input that way. Whatever the medium, just make yourself heard!
