DENVER — In an innovative move aimed at transforming Denver’s downtown area, the city is temporarily closing a block of Wynkoop Street to vehicles this week, marking the beginning of a ‘festival street’ pilot project. This initiative, occurring outside the bustling Union Station, seeks to prioritize pedestrians over vehicles in one of the city’s most frequented corridors.
Nancy Kuhn, a spokesperson from the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), explained that the closure of the 1700 block of Wynkoop is an experimental effort to gather both public feedback and mobility data.
“We’re really testing it as a festival space and looking at how people move and how people enjoy it,” said Kuhn. “We’ll be gathering data on mobility and travel, and then also asking people, what do you think? How do you like it?”
The city views this pilot project as part of a larger feasibility study to assess whether sections of Wynkoop could be designated as permanent pedestrian-priority spaces. Integrating this initiative into Denver’s broader goals for downtown revitalization and climate sustainability, the city plans to evaluate the impact of the temporary street closure on congestion, accessibility, and business activity.
The idea behind this pilot emerged from a combination of rising interest from event organizers, forthcoming development near Ball Arena, and proposals for a pedestrian bridge connecting Wynkoop over Speer Boulevard, as presented by Kroenke Sports and Entertainment.
Kuhn indicated that increased pedestrian traffic between neighborhoods provides a unique opportunity to explore what Wynkoop could be in the future.
Throughout the week, the city will monitor the effects on traffic and solicit public feedback via an online survey. Although DOTI has not yet committed to making any permanent changes, Kuhn mentioned that the data collected will inform future decisions about pedestrian closures and their potential designs.
The city’s climate and sustainability office, which partnered with DOTI to host this pilot, envisions it as a way to reimagine streets as communal spaces that encourage walking, cycling, and connectivity within the city. Scheduled events for the week include a fall market, fitness classes, live music, and a Halloween-themed parade titled “Spooky Wynkoopy,” all aimed at attracting residents downtown and demonstrating the benefits of a pedestrian-centered environment.
However, responses to the pilot have been mixed, particularly from local residents and commuters reliant on Wynkoop as a crucial access point to Union Station, Denver’s major transit hub.
Harry Utter, a longtime downtown resident, expressed concerns about the closure, stating, “This is a major thoroughfare for the multimodal transit center at Union Station. This is where all of the Ubers, all of the Lyfts, all of the taxis and friends and families bring people and drop them off for the trains and for the transit to go to the airport.”
Utter cautioned that even a partial street closure could have cascading effects on surrounding streets. He noted, “Without this half of the street being open, it forces it to the other half. With all of the traffic coming down here trying to get into the parking lots — to not have access to Wynkoop backs it all up onto other streets.”
Conversely, some locals see the pilot as a chance to redefine the downtown area’s atmosphere.
Quacy Superville, who attended the weekend festival dressed as an iconic character, remarked, “I say, let it congest traffic and have more people be encouraged to use public transportation, more people to walk, more people to cycle. The more opportunities we can create for people to connect, I think people are going to love Denver and love living here.”
Another attendee, Hayley Schroeder, who arrived downtown by train, shared her enthusiasm. “I heard the street was closed and there was a market today, so I thought I’d bring my book and just enjoy people enjoying the street. We usually take the train, so Union Station is where we’re often arriving. It’s very fun to think about coming out of Union Station and just having the street be an inviting place right as we’re arriving.”
Schroeder envisions Wynkoop as a vibrant space similar to Larimer Square, a famous walkable area in downtown Denver, appreciating its connectivity to other parts of the city. “You come into Union Station, then you come onto Wynkoop, and then you can get on the 16th Street Mall,” she noted. “It kind of creates a network.”
Nearby vendors displayed cautious optimism regarding the closure’s potential to enhance business opportunities. Lori Dennison, who sells lemonade at local weekend markets, stated, “If it brings us more foot traffic or the opportunity to expand our show a little bit, that would be wonderful. The traffic in the area is going to cause confusion because people are used to driving through there, but eventually, they’d get used to it.”
Kuhn emphasized that the city perceives the pilot as part of a larger initiative to make the downtown area more vibrant and livable, aligning with Mayor Mike Johnston’s vision to attract more residents to the city core.
“When you come into the city through Union Station and you’re right here in front, and then there are neat things to do, it’s just — you know — like, I want to go back there,” she explained. “And I think that’s the city our mayor wants to create.”
Although the ‘festival street’ is currently temporary, the 1700 block will revert to vehicular access next week. Any long-term transformations would require additional studies and community input over the coming years.
Individuals interested in voicing their opinions on the pilot can participate in an online survey.
The event lineup for Spooky Wynkoopy from October 25 to October 31 is as follows:
**Saturday, October 25:**
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Daniella Katzir Music
Noon – 6 p.m. – Urban Market
3 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Nuggets Tip Off Can-ival
**Sunday, October 26:**
10 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Barry’s Workout Class
Noon – 6 p.m. – Urban Market
Noon – 3 p.m. – Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade
1 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Vincent Wiggins Music
**Monday, October 27:**
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Stafford Hunter Music
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Caitlin Brozna Music
**Tuesday, October 28:**
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Mark Diamond Music
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Alec Str33t3 Music
**Wednesday, October 29:**
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Joshua Abeyta Music
4 p.m. – 6 p.m. – Alec Str33t3 Music
**Thursday, October 30:**
11 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Daniella Katzir Music
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – BOOnion Station Trick or Treat Parade
**Friday, October 31:**
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