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Why these local restaurants aren’t afraid to open on the 16th Street Mall

The mall has been plagued with slow pedestrian traffic, homeless issues and now a three-year renovation project since the pandemic

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 1: A man and his dog walks around construction on the 16th Street Mall in downtown on February 1, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. The upcoming mayoral elections will center on the needs of the city and its residents. Since 1975, the city has never had more than 10 mayoral candidates on a single ballot. This year 17 candidates are vying for the cityÕs top politcial spot. Public safety is of concern particularly with rising crime rates and public drug that often keep people away from the areas like the mall. The downtorn mall has seen detrimental impacts from this on economic development, success of stores and restaurants and quality of life. The Downtown's office vacancy rate is 27% and major buildings like the Well Fargo Center at 1700 Lincoln St. and Republic Plaza at 370 17th St. are falling behind on their rents. Brinigng vibrancy and new life to downtown both along the 16th Street Mall and in office towers that are no longer desirable is seen as a critical mission of the next administration. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 1: A man and his dog walks around construction on the 16th Street Mall in downtown on February 1, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. The upcoming mayoral elections will center on the needs of the city and its residents. Since 1975, the city has never had more than 10 mayoral candidates on a single ballot. This year 17 candidates are vying for the cityÕs top politcial spot. Public safety is of concern particularly with rising crime rates and public drug that often keep people away from the areas like the mall. The downtorn mall has seen detrimental impacts from this on economic development, success of stores and restaurants and quality of life. The Downtown’s office vacancy rate is 27% and major buildings like the Well Fargo Center at 1700 Lincoln St. and Republic Plaza at 370 17th St. are falling behind on their rents. Brinigng vibrancy and new life to downtown both along the 16th Street Mall and in office towers that are no longer desirable is seen as a critical mission of the next administration. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/The Denver Post)
Lily O'Neil headshot cropped
By | The Denver Post
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Mary Nguyen remembers the 16th Street Mall’s glory days, when she would ride the tram up and down the block as a child.
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