Vibrant Denver Bond Kicks Off Santa Fe Streetscapes Project
Published on August 11, 2026
Denver— Denver’s Department of Finance (DOF) today announced that the Vibrant Denver Bond team, in collaboration with the Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI), has kicked off the Santa Fe Streetscapes project, which will deliver over $29 million in large-scale improvements to Santa Fe Drive between 6th and 8th Avenues in Denver’s historic Santa Fe Arts District.
“For ten years, the Santa Fe community has dreamed of an arts district that is more accessible, vibrant, and safe,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “With this project, we are not only delivering on that dream but doing so in a way that keeps Santa Fe open for business and protects what makes it a cultural spine of our city.”
"For decades, the Santa Fe Arts District has been a cultural hub for artists, galleries, studios, theaters and creative businesses and a destination for both residents and visitors,” said District 3 Councilmember Jamie Torres. “These enhancements will ensure this corridor continues to thrive long into the future. I’m grateful to this community and the Santa Fe Business Improvement District for your continued advocacy in shaping this project and ensuring it would be funded through the Vibrant Denver Bond.”
A core goal of the Santa Fe Streetscapes project is to improve the pedestrian experience on the corridor, increase safety while maintaining mobility, and enhance the identity, history, and culture of the area. Once completed, businesses, residents and visitors can look forward to wider sidewalks, upgraded drainage, improved intersections, new street lighting, and significantly more trees, planters, and public art. The city is partnering with Denver Water, Xcel Energy and Hamon Infrastructure to deliver the project.
This project is the result of an extensive design process previously completed with businesses and residents in the community.
"These improvements are about so much more than infrastructure, they are about creating a safer, more welcoming Santa Fe Drive for everyone. Wider sidewalks, better lighting, improved intersections, and public art will make it easier for people to walk, connect with local businesses, and enjoy everything this corridor has to offer. This investment is a meaningful step toward strengthening our community for years to come,” said Jackie Bouvier, Executive Director, Santa Fe Business Improvement District.
On Monday, Denver Water began work to replace a 136-year-old water main, starting at 7th Avenue and progressing north to 12th Avenue in one to two-block increments. The water main replacement work will require crews to close Santa Fe to through-traffic north of 6th Avenue during work hours from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. This schedule is intended to minimize impacts to morning commutes.
The project team is committed to keeping businesses open and accessible during construction. As part of this effort, First Friday Art Walks will continue without interruption throughout construction.
In the coming months, the city will host a community celebration in partnership with the BID to commemorate the milestone and provide an opportunity for residents and visitors to learn more about the project and its benefits to community.
More information about the project, including impacts and detour information, can be found in these resources:
This milestone marks one of the first Vibrant Denver Bond projects out of the gate. Denver Health began construction of the new bond-supported Denver Health Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center in May, which will allow Denver Health to see more patients, expand its services offered, and add space for employees. Additionally, in June, Denver City Council approved a $4.5 million purchase of 251 E. 12th Ave. in Denver’s Capitol Hill neighborhood for future affordable housing, marking the first affordable housing project for the Vibrant Denver Bond.
Approved by voters in 2025, the $950 million Vibrant Denver Bond program is delivering 58 projects across Denver by 2031, including libraries, parks and recreation centers, cultural facilities, affordable housing, streets, bridges, and traffic/pedestrian/cycling safety improvements, a family health clinic, and a children’s advocacy center.
See the full list of projects here
How to stay involved
About Denver GO Bonds
General obligation (GO) bonds are a long-term debt instrument issued by state or local governments to fund public capital improvement projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, public facilities and parks. This includes restoring, replacing and expanding existing capital assets. Local GO bond programs are authorized by Denver voters every 4-10 years and repaid through property taxes. Denver’s bond programs include Elevate Denver, a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017, RISE Denver, a five-year, $260 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2021, and Vibrant Denver, a six-year, $950 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2025. For more information, visit denvergov.org/gobonds.
About Denver’s Department of Finance
Committed to being the best financially managed city and county in the nation, the Department of Finance (DOF) unifies the financial and accounting functions of the City and County of Denver and provides residents easy access to key financial data through Transparent Denver. DOF is divided into the Office of the CFO and seven divisions, including the Assessor’s Office, Controller’s Office, Budget and Management Office, Capital Planning and Real Estate, Cash and Capital Funding, Risk Management and Worker’s Compensation, and Treasury. For more information, visit Denvergov.org/finance.