In my January President’s Message, I pointed out that there was positive momentum in Upper Downtown in 2025. The year-end numbers prove that to be so. Downtown Denver Partnership information shows that 2025 ended with a 99% recovery rate of 2019 pedestrian activity. The New Year’s Eve Fireworks celebration brought 334,000 visitors to downtown, and activity has increased 50% since 16th Street fully opened.
That momentum promises to continue with recent forecasts. In a Denver Business Journal article, Jessica Ostermick, with real estate leader CBRE, predicted that the Denver office market recovery will start slowly this year before finishing with stellar numbers. She went on to say that she is “optimistic, absolutely, about office.” Ms. Ostermick credits this to upgrades to safety in downtown Denver and increased conviction in return-to-office policies. In addition, she stated that buildings being converted to housing reduces the amount of office space which shrinks supply and increases demand. Other real estate professionals and building owners have also stated that Denver’s investment in downtown and the Denver Downtown Development Authority (“DDDA”) funds to increase security/safety have contributed to people and investors wanting to be downtown.
Craig Clark, the new owner of a commercial building, Trinity Place, located at 1801 Broadway, echoed the same sentiments – trend towards return to work and more demand for office space due to building conversions. His plan for Trinity Place is to offer smaller office spaces for smaller businesses. Seventy percent of the building’s office space is built and ready for tenants. And, he already has two first-floor commercial tenants – Frisky Fries, a restaurant, and Swing Bay, a golf simulator.
REPORTING, REDUCTION IN CRIME, AND THE DOWNTOWN DENVER SAFETY ACTION PLAN:
REPORTING: It is extremely important that all members report incidents, whether minor or serious, using 311, Sunny the Chatbot by texting Hello/Hi at 43911, the Clean and Safe app, or 911.
In addition to reporting incidents, the Mayor’s office and Roads to Recovery have requested that we use 311 to report ALL unhoused individuals that we see on 16th Street and surrounding streets. Reports are documented and appear on continually monitored heat maps that several city leaders have in their offices. Not only will the appropriate services be sent to assist the unhoused, but the data shows where resources and funding are needed. Upper Downtown needs dedicated resources now to address the unhoused on 16th Street who are suffering from mental health issues and drug addiction.
REDUCTION IN CRIME: Congratulations to the Denver Police Department for reductions in crime across Denver and in downtown. Those crimes include: homicides, auto theft, shoplifting, and aggravated assaults. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas attributes the decrease in crime in part due to the Downtown Denver Safety Action Plan. (It needs to be noted that Upper Downtown saw an increase in aggravated assaults on 16th Street from Champa to Welton. The UpDoNA Safety Committee is addressing the cause of the increase with the Denver Police Department and the Department of Safety.)
In that vein, the DDDA funding for the DOWNTOWN DENVER SAFETY ACTION PLAN is set to expire soon. As you know, the funds were used for increased police patrols, Denver Health bike patrols, security officers, Denver Fire medical units, Street Engagement Team members, and mental health and substance abuse support teams. The increased presence has not only helped to decrease crime, but it also contributed to the vibrancy of downtown and, in turn, its economic recovery.
CALL TO ACTION: In light of Upper Downtown’s increase in aggravated assaults, we cannot afford to lose increased police presence and other valuable resources. In March, the DDDA will consider renewing its funding of the Downtown Denver Safety Action Plan. To help with its decision, the DDDA board would like to hear from us. Pease share your thoughts about the importance of the increase in police presence and other resources in downtown, its impact, what is working, what needs improvement, etc. Please submit your feedback to DDA@denvergov.org. Thanks in advance for directly supporting the safety of our neighborhood!
Have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. I’ll talk to you again in March.
Lisa L. Pope
President
Thumbnail attribution: Leo Marce
