Denver Parks & Recreation Breaks Ground on Civic Center Next 100 Project
This morning, Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR), joined by Mayor Mike Johnston, Councilman Chris Hinds, the Civic Center Conservancy, the Denver Downtown Development Authority, and architecture and design firm Studio Gang, broke ground on the Civic Center Next 100 Project
The Civic Center Next 100 project celebrates Denver’s First National Historic Landmark and aims to reinvigorate Civic Center Park for the Next 100 years by introducing thoughtful, contemporary updates that will create a premier destination for civic gatherings, community events, cultural performances and daily use.
The groundbreaking marks a historic milestone at this first phase of the Civic Center Next 100 planning. This project is a $50M design and construction, thanks to the $30M funding from the Downtown Development Authority. Additional funding sources include Denver Parks & Recreation, Elevate Denver Bond, grant funding, and early private fundraising. This project makes the park more accessible and enjoyable including major improvements to the Greek Theater, Central Promenade, and South Plaza.
“This project preserves Civic Center Park’s classic design while taking it into the next century,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Civic Center is already one of our most beautiful parks. With these improvements, it will also be one of our most accessible and functional, bringing in events we could have never dreamed of hosting before while bringing new excitement downtown.”
Civic Center Park will serve as a key connection between the rapidly-growing Golden Triangle, Cultural Complex, and Capitol Hill to a more vibrant downtown Denver. The transformation will honor the park’s history while amplifying its role as our city’s most important public gathering place.
“Civic Center Park has always been Denver’s civic heartbeat, and today we begin building the next hundred years of its story”, said Councilman Chris Hinds. “This transformation is about more than new pathways or restored landmarks. It’s about creating a public space that welcomes every Denverite, in every body, to belong, gather, and thrive.”
Preserving the historic Greek Theater, the reimagined design of Civic Center Park features an improved seating bowl and stage that will host local performances and events, as well as offer space for visitors to rest and enjoy the park. A new canopy arched over the stage will support contemporary theatrical equipment and provide shade and rain protection. The design also improves accessibility and circulation through interconnected paths that better connect the park’s various outdoor spaces, including a new plaza commemorating the Gang of 19 protest and disability rights movement. Landscape design by OLIN incorporates new garden rooms, plantings, and plaza areas throughout the park. Enhancements sensitive to the park’s history and civic role will create a dynamic downtown destination that welcomes everyone.
“Our design honors Civic Center Park’s history, while transforming it into a vibrant and welcoming space that can continue to thrive far into the future,” said Juliane Wolf, Design Principal and Partner at Studio Gang. “The Greek Theater will be reenvisioned as a monumental gateway that leads to a new amphitheater where people can come together for performances, community events, or casual gatherings. Newly connected pathways throughout the park create a more active and inclusive pedestrian experience.”
Civic Center Park has long been a place for civic engagement, cultural events, and community celebrations. This project is intended to elevate its role as a key gathering space in the heart of Denver, making it an even more vibrant location for the diverse events, performances and daily activations that define the city.
“Civic Center Park is a powerful symbol of resilience, holding decades of memories and history for Denver’s residents”, said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark. “It’s essential that we honor that legacy as we look toward its future. Our goal is to unlock the full potential of this space—preparing Civic Center Park for the next 100 years and, for the first time ever, making it fully accessible to all members of our community.”
Additional details will be presented for phase two of the project and as the design progresses.
“On behalf of the Denver Downtown Development Authority, we are pleased and proud to provide the principal funding for the exciting Civic Center Next 100 project, using funds from the 2024 voter-authorized Tax Increment Financing! We look forward to our continued strong partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation as your DDDA works to bring even greater investment and revitalization to the Denver community.” –Doug Tisdale, Board Chair, Denver Downtown Development Authority
The Civic Center Conservancy is committed to raising private funds through a special capital campaign effort with singular naming opportunities and a dynamic recognition program for private donors to augment funds already committed.
“The Civic Center Conservancy is honored to serve as the philanthropic partner for this once-in-a-generation effort to shape the future of Denver’s most iconic public space. With historic public investment already committed, we are now launching a special capital campaign to build the private support needed to fully realize a world-class central park in Denver for our residents, families, and visitors,” said Eric Lazzari, Civic Center Conservancy Executive Director. “The Conservancy looks forward to building upon its decades of work with our city’s civic and business leaders to achieve a bold vision for the next century – a vibrant, inclusive, accessible, and welcoming Civic Center Park that heightens every aspect of life in Denver for residents, families and visitors.”
