As Downtown Denver seeks to rejuvenate its core, developers are presenting an array of ambitious ideas, including a gondola system gliding above the city streets and a spectacular observation tower reaching 673 feet into the sky.
The timing for these proposals appears to be serendipitous. The city is currently witnessing a wave of vacancies in office buildings, with foot traffic plummeting to 83 percent of its June levels. The Denver city council is incentivizing revitalization with an enticing $570 million available for worthy projects. With the recently renovated 16th Street corridor in mind, it is evident that Denver is eager to attract residents and visitors back to its bustling heart.
Meg Touborg, the president and CEO of the Denver Architecture Foundation, notes a unique atmosphere of innovation in the city, stating, “There’s almost like an alchemy at work.
This creative energy, especially in a post-COVID world, seems to be fueling visionary projects that could reshape Denver’s future.
Touborg emphasizes Denver’s openness to diverse architectural styles and fresh designs, a perspective shaped by her experience across various regions, including the East Coast and Los Angeles.
In contrast to cities with historical architectural legacies, Denver embraces new ideas without being shackled by precedent.
She explains, “We’re more wide-open to ideas and fresh faces.”
While gondolas might feel like a remote fantasy, some projects are gaining traction, moving closer to reality.
Notable examples include the nature-inspired Populus Hotel and the One River North apartment building, which features a plant-filled canyon that is still being developed.
Touborg expresses optimism for these modern concepts but stresses the necessity for purpose-driven designs.
There’s an enthusiasm for Denver’s potential, characterized by intellectual boldness and creativity.
Here’s a look at six innovative developments currently making waves in the Mile High City, from gondolas to Ferris wheels and beyond:
**Gondolas**
What: Ride-hailing gondolas
Where: Downtown Denver, specifically three loops: Union Station to Civic Center Park via 16th Street, around Civic Center Park and the Colorado State Capitol, and Union Station to Lower Highland and the Auraria neighborhood.
Status: A concept, with no formal development plans yet submitted to Denver.
Ryan Ross, a former reporter and private investigator, is spearheading plans for ride-hailing gondolas called DEN-VAIR to inject new life into downtown Denver.
As the director of New Downtown Denver, a nonprofit he established in March, Ross envisions these gondolas allowing visitors to soar above traffic, connecting Union Station, Empower Field at Mile High, Ball Arena, and Coors Field.
The construction costs for these gondolas are estimated between $120 million and $340 million, which Ross hopes could be funded privately.
He mentions needing some “planning funds” from the city, potentially sourced from the $570 million provided by the Downtown Development Authority.
Ross envisions DEN-VAIR as a major draw for downtown Denver, aiming to attract visitors both locally and from afar.
He is eager to secure a meeting with Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and other city officials to push this lofty dream into reality.
**Ferris Wheel**
What: A 500-foot-tall Ferris wheel with 30 passenger cabins
Where: Downtown Denver, ideally along 16th Street between Commons Park and the Denver Millennium Bridge.
Status: A concept, with no formal development plans yet submitted to Denver.
In addition to gondolas, Ross has aspirations for a Ferris wheel modeled after the iconic London Eye.
Dubbed the Rocky Mountain Eye, this attraction would feature 30 glass passenger cabins, each capable of accommodating 25 people.
Ross believes the breathtaking views of the city from such a vantage point would be unrivaled in the United States.
Although he is still in the process of securing funding (construction costs are projected to be $250 million), he remains hopeful about finding a development partner and establishing a suitable location.
Disappointed with the current pace of progress, Ross comments on what he perceives as Mayor Johnston’s cautious approach toward downtown revitalization.
Despite his frustrations, he remains optimistic that a meeting will be facilitated so they can explore the possibilities for Denver’s bright future.
**Spiral Observation Tower**
What: A 673-foot-tall observation tower featuring circular pods spiraling around the structure
Where: Proposed for two parking lots at 1546 California Street and 1555 Welton Street
Status: Currently in discussion.
A proposal for a striking spiral observation tower has been put forth by an LLC connected to NAI Shames Makovsky, a commercial real estate firm in Denver.
The concept plans, submitted to the city in late June, outline a tower that would stand 673 feet tall, providing spectacular 360-degree views of the city.
Evan Makovsky, a managing partner at NAI, has indicated they are in the initial stages of research and planning.
The firm aims to create a development that adds value to the city and looks forward to refining the plans further as they progress.
The proposed observation tower, if constructed, would rank as the fourth tallest structure in Colorado, according to local business news outlets.
**Capitol Pedestrian Bridge**
What: A pedestrian bridge
Where: Proposed to span Lincoln Street, connecting the Colorado State Capitol building with the Lincoln Veterans Memorial Park.
Status: Rejected.
Initially introduced by Governor Jared Polis as a celebration for Colorado’s 150th birthday, plans for a zigzagging pedestrian bridge met with significant opposition from various stakeholders.
Envisioned as an 11,000-square-foot structure reminiscent of the state’s rivers, designs from Studio Gang aimed to integrate viewing platforms, sculptural monuments, and artwork.
However, nearly 94 percent of surveyed residents expressed disapproval of the proposal.
In response to public sentiment, Polis scrapped the pedestrian bridge idea, assuring citizens that taxpayer money would not be utilized for such a project.
Following public outcry, his plans for a $28.5 million bridge, intended to be a gateway to downtown Denver by next summer, have officially been canceled.
**One River North**
What: A 16-story residential tower characterized by a unique canyon design slicing through one side of the building.
Where: 3930 Blake St. (nearly in southwestern Elyria-Swansea, close to RiNo).
Status: Currently open.
This 187-unit apartment complex stands as a testament to contemporary architecture, designed by MAD Architects in collaboration with Davis Partnership Architects.
The building features a landscaped canyon on one facade, although the lush greenery initially promised has yet to reach its full potential.
Ryan Bartizal, senior managing director at the project’s development team, highlights the importance of patience for landscaping, stating, “Just as any landscapes in the wild take time to mature, the environs at One River North are currently establishing.
He expresses enthusiasm for the future growth of the plantings and their eventual role in softening the building’s sculptural architecture.
The residential tower has already garnered national attention, having recently been recognized in Fast Company’s Innovation by Design Awards for architectural design.
**Populus Hotel**
What: A 265-room hotel designed to evoke the essence of aspen trees.
Where: 240 14th St. (overlooking Civic Center Park in Downtown).
Status: Currently open.
Populus, which opened its doors in October, aims to reunite urban life with nature.
The hotel’s unique design, created by Studio Gang, reflects a commitment to sustainability and eco-friendliness.
With eye-shaped windows and natural materials inspired by local landscapes, Populus has made a strong impression since its inception.
Although it’s too early to determine the full impact of its carbon-positive initiatives, Populus has already received accolades, including being named the Best New Hotel of the Year by Esquire and landing on Time’s list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025.
Most importantly, it has impressed locals by being recognized as 5280’s top new hotel in 2025.
As these innovative projects begin to take root, the future of Downtown Denver is taking shape, marked by a bold vision not only to attract visitors but also to engage the community in a meaningful way.
image source from：5280
