Downtown Denver started the new year on a high note, building on 2025’s recovery momentum with increased pedestrian activity and continued business growth.
According to the Downtown Denver Partnership’s High Frequency Economic Update, in January 2026, downtown Denver’s pedestrian activity reached 94% of January 2019 levels, marking an eight-percentage-point increase compared to January 2025. Additionally, 16th Street showed strong performance in January 2026, with average daily activity increasing by 15%, resulting in nearly 800 more visits per day and 24,000 more total visits compared to January 2025.
January’s robust performance can be attributed to significant winter events, including the National Western Stock Show Parade and Denver Broncos playoff activations.
During the AFC Division Playoffs in January, downtown Denver saw 249,000 total visits, more than 100,000 visits above the same Saturday last year. Peak visits occurred between 6 and 7 p.m., suggesting fans stayed downtown to celebrate or catch the Denver Nuggets game afterward.
The return-to-office rate in January held at 65%, while the office market maintained a 29% vacancy rate.
Downtown Denver added six new ground-floor businesses in January 2026, including:
- Isla Salon opened at the Dryden in the Golden Triangle neighborhood.
- Mighty Tea Samurai opened in the Golden Triangle neighborhood at 1100 N Broadway.
- Lilac Coffee opened its second location in the plaza level of Granite Tower on 18th Street.
- Le Do Thai opened at 1550 Blake Street.
- Cafecito opened in the lobby of Emily Griffith Technical College.
- Cantina opened a block away from Society Sports and Spirits on Blake Street.
There are currently 34 announced ground-floor businesses in the pipeline with exciting additions expected to open in the coming months, including Denver Poke Co and Saigon Alley on Platte Street, Two Lazy Dogs on Champa Street, and Mendocino Farms on 16th Street in Spring 2026.
In December 2025, the downtown hotel RevPAR (revenue per available room) was $85, with occupancy at 53%. Occupancy was three percentage points above December 2024, and RevPAR increased by $2 year-over-year.
For complete data analysis, detailed charts, and additional insights, read the full January 2026 High Frequency Update report.
