Development authority hopes to create some ‘buzz’ about Denver Pavilions’ future
The Future of Denver Pavilions Mall: A Look Ahead
The Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) is gearing up for a significant milestone this spring as members of the Urban Land Institute’s advisory services panel are scheduled to visit Denver from April 13-17. Their mission is to provide recommendations on the future of the Denver Pavilions mall and the adjacent parking lots recently acquired by the DDDA.
Last year, the DDDA made a strategic move by purchasing the mall at 500 16th St. and two parking lots along 15th Street. With a total investment of $60 million, the DDDA aims to revitalize downtown Denver by reimagining these properties.
Bill Mosher, Denver’s chief projects officer, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming visit, stating, “I really want to create some local buzz about the future of Pavilions, some national buzz about the future of Pavilions.”
The DDDA has allocated $100,000 for the ULI panel’s expertise. The panel, comprising five or six experts from outside the region, will deliver a comprehensive report a month after their visit. This report will serve as a guiding document for the DDDA’s future decisions regarding the Pavilions and parking lots.
Two requests for proposals have been issued by the DDDA to solicit creative ideas for the properties. One seeks input from retail, dining, and entertainment specialists, while the other targets architecture and urban design firms with a vision for a revitalized Upper Downtown.
As the Pavilions mall transitions into DDDA ownership, plans for repairs and upgrades are already underway. With an $8 million budget earmarked for maintenance and improvements, the DDDA is committed to enhancing the mall’s appeal and functionality.
Despite initial operational challenges, including non-functioning escalators and elevators, the DDDA is optimistic about the property’s potential. Mosher emphasized the importance of flexibility and the organization’s ultimate goal of transferring ownership to the private sector.
With a clear vision and strategic investments, the Denver Pavilions mall is poised for a transformation that will reshape the landscape of downtown Denver.
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