Denver’s 16th Street Mall has a new name, and it’s one word shorter

Denver's 16th Street Mall will be renamed '16th Street' as part of a $100,000 branding campaign aimed at revitalizing the downtown area. City leaders announced the change on May 20, 2025, emphasizing that the area is more than just a shopping destination. Mayor Mike Johnston stated the term 'mall' had confused visitors, who often expected a retail environment. The transformation aims to improve the area's reputation after years of construction and high vacancy rates. The space will remain pedestrian-friendly, with shuttle buses allowed.

This renaming reflects a broader effort to reinvent downtown and attract more visitors. The original mall opened in 1982, designed to revitalize a declining downtown, and this new initiative seeks to continue that legacy.