The Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA) will invest approximately $2.7M for capital improvements at Denver Pavilions. The improvements include technology and structure improvements to the parking garage, roof repairs, signage updates and replacing the mural along 15th Street.
Located on 16th Street, the Pavilions plays a pivotal role in anchoring and revitalizing Upper Downtown. The DDDA acquired the Denver Pavilions and two adjacent surface parking lots in December 2025, with a goal of revitalizing the two city blocks as a central hub of Upper Downtown. As part of this acquisition, the DDDA retained an additional $8 million in DDA funds to be used for property improvements, leasing and redevelopment planning. The DDDA aims to protect existing tenants’ leasehold interests, enhance the Upper Downtown business environment, and support a new vision for Pavilions and the adjacent parking lots.
“These capital improvements support our primary goal of improving the experience of tenants and patrons at Denver Pavilions and ensuring the best business environment possible as we manage the ongoing operations of this vital retail center,” said Bill Mosher, chief projects officer for the City of Denver.
The approximately $2.4M in improvements to the garage include replacing the CO2 system and fixing areas of degradation, as well as upgrading the gate and payment system which will make the entry and exit process easier for users. The technology upgrades have been implemented, and the remaining work is anticipated to begin by July and will take approximately 18 months to complete. Customers utilizing the garage should expect certain areas to be temporarily closed during construction activities; however, adequate parking will remain available throughout the duration of the project. Signage and flaggers will be utilized to help ensure the parking experience remains safe and efficient.
Roof maintenance and repairs totaling approximately $350,000 are anticipated to begin in August, if not sooner, and will take several months to complete. No significant impact to shoppers or tenants is anticipated during the roofing work.
The DDDA is also investing $300,000 in removing and replacing the Clyfford Still mural on the south-facing side of Pavilions off 15th Street. Local artist Olive Moya has been engaged to design a new mural which will be installed this summer. In conjunction, the DDDA will conduct facade improvements.
The two escalators at the Pavilions are also being repaired. The escalator to the Regal Cinema is now in working order and repairs to the second escalator near Lucky Strike will commence in June.
Denver Pavilions is also being activated in new ways to engage patrons. Bodies – The Science Within, a globally touring exhibition seen by more than five million people in more than 60 cities across Central and South America and Europe, made its U.S. debut at Denver Pavilions on Sunday, May 17, and runs for a limited engagement through Sunday, June 28. Based on strong early sales, the date will likely be extended through September. In addition, Pavilions is working with tenants and the Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP) to activate Glenarm Plaza this summer, which is anticipated to include an area that is conducive to sports watch parties and outdoor games like cornhole and slackline.
Earlier this year, DDDA engaged the Urban Land Institute’s (ULI) Advisory Services Program to explore development visions for Denver Pavilions. The full report of the panel’s recommendations is expected by early July.
