What is the Civic Center Next 100 Implementation project?
The Civic Center 100 Vision Implementation project reimagines key park amenities through renovations and new features. Current design work focuses on enhancing the Greek Theater with additions that support contemporary programming for events and performances, expanding the functionality of the Promenade and park circulation, improving accessibility, adding garden rooms, and creating a new south entry. While funding is secured for the initial improvements to Greek Theater and Central Promenade, the City & County of Denver and Civic Center Conservancy are pursuing additional resources to complete all enhancements in a single construction phase.
This phase of work is the initial implementation project of the Civic Center Next 100 Vision plan, which aims to revitalize Denver's Civic Center through four integrated projects: modernizing the Greek Theater into a premier outdoor venue, upgrading the Central Promenade to accommodate year-round events, transforming Bannock Street into a vibrant public plaza, and creating a new Central Gathering Feature with public art and gardens.
The effort honors the park as Denver's first National Historic Landmark while making it more welcoming, accessible, and active for future generations through improved infrastructure, enhanced programming capabilities, and new amenities that maintain the historic character while adding contemporary elements for daily use and special events.
How can I view the Civic Center Next 100 Vision Plan Implementation design presented during the October 29th Community Update and Conversation?
When will the Civic Center Next 100 Implementation project break ground and for how long will the park be closed? Will events take place in the park while under construction?
Construction is anticipated to begin in Fall 2025. While the central portion of the park including the Central Promenade and the Greek Theater area of the park will be closed during construction, other portions of the park including the Broadway Terrance and area around the Voorhies Memorial will remain open. The Civic Center Next 100 Phase 1 Implementation project is expected to be completed with the park reopening in spring 2027. Denver Parks & Recreation’s Permitting team will be working with the Construction Contractor to accommodate activations in the park during construction where possible. However, large events in Civic Center will be affected during construction.
How does the design respect and enhance Civic Center Park as Denver’s First National Historic Landmark?
The design of this revitalization project was carefully crafted with input from historic preservation experts serving on the project's historic advisory committee. Drawing direct inspiration from Edward Bennett's 1918 plan, the new Central Promenade design reestablishes his original pattern of a central walk flanked by two smaller paths, now complemented by arc'd pathways. The project successfully balances historic preservation with contemporary design and modern accessibility requirements, creating accessible routes that follow historic patterns while providing universal access to key features including the Voorhies Memorial and Greek Theater. The Greek Theater rehabilitation is particularly noteworthy, featuring a sensitive design that preserves the original structure while introducing an iconic yet subordinate canopy structure and reoriented bowl design. These improvements maintain the theater's historic character while ensuring accessibility to all levels and features, demonstrating how thoughtful design can honor historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs and in compliance with Denver's Civic Center Guidelines, the Denver Landmark Preservation Guidelines, and the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation.
Will the proposed design in the Greek Theater address ADA and accessibility concerns?
A main goal of the project is to increase access. The new design will make the Greek Theater accessible for the first time in its history and provide ADA access wherever possible by removing stairs and other barriers to allow all users the same access within the park.
How is the project funded?
The Phase 1 design and construction budget currently totals $18 million, funded through multiple sources: $4 million from the Elevate Denver Bond, $290,000 from the Civic Center Conservancy, $1.8 million from the Mellon Foundation, with Denver Parks & Recreation providing the remaining funds. Additional elements may be incorporated into the construction project if supplementary funding is secured.
How does this work differ from the work that was completed during the Civic Center Park closure in 2021-2022?
Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) closed Center Park for six months from fall 2021 to spring 2022 due to unsafe conditions—the first such closure in the park's history. During this period, professional restoration work included graffiti removal, mortar replacement, and lighting improvements, all classified as maintenance upgrades. Following the closure, Denver Parks & Recreation was allocated additional budget to increase maintenance standards and ranger presence in the park, which has greatly improved the park conditions and perceptions of safety.
The upcoming construction project will go beyond maintenance to deliver substantial physical improvements and new amenities, enhancing Civic Center Park's capacity to host contemporary events and performances while improving its everyday usability.
What is the role of the Civic Center Conservancy in this project?
The City and County of Denver is leading the Civic Center Next 100 design and construction project, with the Civic Center Conservancy serving as a critical supporting partner.
The Conservancy provides financial support, having funded a portion of the design phase and committed to fundraising for future construction phases. As an independent nonprofit focused on Civic Center Park, the Conservancy plays a crucial role in stakeholder engagement by connecting with individuals, businesses, and community groups. This role aligns with the Conservancy's core mission of keeping Denver's Civic Center Park active and thriving for all residents.
How will the future Civic Center Park be maintained and programmed?
Denver Parks & Recreation is exploring enhanced maintenance and programming models for Civic Center Park. The addition of new amenities creates opportunities for expanded regular programming, prompting the department to investigate service models that can provide higher levels of maintenance and activity / performance coordination. Throughout this process, Denver Parks & Recreation will maintain its established partnership with the Civic Center Conservancy, which has been the park's long-term programming partner.
Why is this project important for the future of Denver and to create a more vibrant downtown?
While Civic Center Park excels at hosting the city's largest gatherings, it remains underutilized for daily activities. These improvements will transform the park into a vibrant everyday destination, drawing more visitors and residents year-round while enhancing downtown's economic vitality. This project supports Denver Parks & Recreation’s strategic plans including Game Plan for a Healthy City, The Outdoor Downtown plan. The Civic Center Next 100 Implementation project is also listed as a and Legacy Fund Five Year Plan transformational project.
How do I stay up to date on this project and when can I expect a project update?
You can stay connected with Civic Center Next 100 progress and other key downtown projects by signing up for our email list. Denver Parks and Recreation will plan a final project unveiling and groundbreaking in 2025. Stay tuned!