On April 17, experts from the Urban Land Institute (ULI), in partnership with ULI Colorado, presented initial recommendations on the future of the Denver Pavilions and two adjacent surface parking lots. The recommendations stem from ULI’s Advisory Services program (ASP), which held an intensive, multi-day engagement this past week. A diverse panel of 10 independent, volunteer urban planning, land use, and real estate practitioners conducted site tours, engaged local stakeholders, and evaluated potential development scenarios to inform a set of actionable strategies.
The panel, in partnership with the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA), focused on exploring development visions that reflect a new model for post-pandemic urban retail, dining, and entertainment by addressing market feasibility, planning and design, development strategies, and implementation pathways.
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, intending to revitalize the two city blocks as a central hub of Upper Downtown. 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.
“The entire panel has been honored to be in Denver and advising on the future of the Pavilions,” said panel chair Nolan Marshall III, CEO of The Social District in Downtown Los Angeles. “Most members of the panel have followed Denver’s evolution, and we’re impressed with the city’s ability to lean into hard problems and seek out innovative solutions—the Pavilions is a perfect example of this. The assemblage of two city blocks under single ownership is a huge opportunity—it’s dramatic and bold and ULI applauds it. The panel sees enormous opportunity in redeveloping the two city blocks to create an economic engine for Upper Downtown.”
The panel’s initial recommendations focus on redeveloping the two city blocks over time, ultimately creating a cultural public gathering place—similar to Union Station —anchored by new residential and active commercial uses. The panel pointed out that its vision is consistent with the Downtown Area Plan, including developing iconic gathering spaces, converting surface parking lots and underdeveloped sites, and increasing residential development.
“Downtown is entering a new era, and the Pavilions will play a critical role in it,” said Mayor Mike Johnston, who met with panel members during their deliberations. “I appreciate this team’s work in helping us find the right balance for visitors and residents alike, agree that the property presents an incredible opportunity for Denver, and look forward to reviewing the panel’s full recommendations.”
In the next several months, ULI will issue its final report detailing its independent recommendations. The DDDA will then work with the City of Denver, the Downtown Denver Partnership, the community, and other stakeholders to evaluate the recommendations and identify next steps for moving forward.
“We really appreciate the expertise and professionalism of this exemplary group of panelists who have spent hundreds and hundreds of hours in briefings, interviews, discussions, thinking, conferring, and drafting ideas for the Pavilions,” said Doug Tisdale, chair of the Board of Directors of the DDDA. “We look forward to seeing the final report and taking their recommendations to heart as we evaluate what will come next.”
