In recent years, downtown Denver has grappled with a significant increase in crime, particularly on the 16th Street Mall, now simply referred to as 16th Street. The area has witnessed a troubling history of incidents, including a machete-wielding man stealing merchandise from a sports apparel store and an alarming rise in violent crimes.
Derek Friedman, the owner of two Sportsfan shops and a Sock Em’ Sock Emporium along the street, felt the impact of the growing crime wave. He introduced a one percent “Crime Spike Fee” on all transactions to offset his mounting losses as crime in LoDo surged nearly 60 percent in 2019 compared to the previous year.
Despite the city’s efforts to uplift the downtown scene, overall crime continued to escalate, rising 33 percent from 2019 to 2022. In 2021, the city allocated $175 million for a major renovation of the street, aimed at revitalizing the area by enhancing public spaces with new trees, wider sidewalks, and a unique play structure resembling a bird’s nest. The renovation project, in part, sought to improve the aesthetics of the area, with hopes that it would eventually attract more visitors.
Former Mayor Michael Hancock expressed optimism about the renovations, stating that they would help steer Denver from a phase of “rescue to recovery.” As the project progressed, the Downtown Denver Partnership invested an additional $1.9 million into creating vibrant public spaces through art installations and live musical performances along the thoroughfare.
Kate Barton, the DDP’s chief of external affairs, emphasized the importance of drawing people back to these revitalized areas. However, despite the city’s beautification efforts, concerns persisted regarding public safety. The situation was tragically underscored in January when a man stabbed four people along the street, resulting in the deaths of two individuals.
While early statistics indicated a reduced crime rate in LoDo by 2024, the incident in January tarnished the community’s image, leading to an ongoing struggle to ensure safety in the heart of downtown Denver. In response to these challenges, Mayor Mike Johnston announced the establishment of a specialized police unit focused on patrolling the downtown core by bicycle, foot, and motorcycle.
Additionally, the DDP has allocated funds to hire unarmed private security guards to complement the efforts of local law enforcement. To further enhance public safety, a police kiosk is set to open at Arapahoe Street, providing a place for passersby to report any concerns they may have.
Friedman noted that he has removed the Crime Spike Fee in April, signifying a potential turn toward a safer business environment. While he remains hopeful about the revitalization of 16th Street, he stressed the necessity for the city to maintain a long-term strategy for crime prevention as a true remedy for the past five years of deteriorating safety.
“You can’t fix all of that in a few months,” Friedman cautioned, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to rebuild community trust and safety on the street.
As part of the ongoing revival, multiple attractions are set to engage the public over the summer months. The Skyline Beer Garden, located at 16th and Arapahoe, opened last month, offering visitors a seasonal outdoor experience complete with live music, local art, and craft beer until September.
Daybreaker is also contributing to the community’s vibrancy by hosting morning dance parties at Union Station, providing an energetic and substance-free atmosphere for attendees. The fun continues with Upper DownTunes, another initiative aimed at enhancing the cultural fabric of the area.
As investment in the area continues, the question of whether these improvements will translate to a secure and inviting environment remains a pivotal focus. Ultimately, the success of efforts to rejuvenate downtown Denver hinges upon a collective commitment to safety and community well-being.
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