For the Future
Join Us in Transforming Civic Center Park for the Next 100 Years
Located at the heart of the city and surrounded by many of our key civic and cultural institutions, Civic Center has served as Denver’s most significant gathering spot for cultural events, festivals, and First Amendment rallies for over 100 years. It is Denver’s first National Historic Landmark and honoring its history is critical as we envision its future. The project partners are working together to bring the 2005 park Master Plan to life by creating a vision for key features of Civic Center that will accommodate its traditional uses and also encourage daily active use.
In early 2024, Denver Parks & Recreation contracted with Studio Gang to lead the Phase 1 design of the Civic Center Next 100 plan, which includes improvements to the Greek Theater, Central Promenade, and South Plaza.
The Civic Center Next 100 Vision Plan Implementation design was presented October 29, 2024 to the Denver community with conversations.Â
View the Meeting Slides
Credit: Studio Gang
Watch the Meeting Presentation
Credit: Studio Gang
FAQs
Credit: Studio Gang
Next 100 breaks ground on Greek Theater, an iconic performance pavilion
With incredible designs by internationally renowned architect Jeanne Gang and her practice Studio Gan, along with celebrated landscape architecture studio Olin, this national Historic Landmark is poised to become the centerpiece of a revitalized downtown Denver.
Offering community and cultural programs, intimate and world class music, picnics on the lawn and outdoor yoga classes, food trucks and festivals, the Park will be transformed to invite both grand celebrations and connection to community and nature on a daily basis.
Project Impact
- The Park will become the outdoor, geographic core of the city: linking cultural and civic institutions to neighborhoods and business districts with even more spectacular, beautiful spaces.Â
- The Park will provide a performance home for both major events and smaller community organizations.Â
- Pedestrian access and ADA/stroller-accessible pathways throughout the entire Park will make Civic Center Park available and welcoming to all.Â
- The Park will showcase sustainability and beauty through native, climate-appropriate horticulture, water conservations and irrigation systems will improve, and electricity access will eliminate the use of generators for events.Â
- Abundant green space, with shade, benches, vibrant landscaping and increased lighting will promote healthy public gathering and increase safety to the Park.Â
- Drive tourism, attracting visitors from throughout the state, region, and nation.Â
- This picturesque and active public space will spur economic development, new housing, and small business growth in nearby neighborhoods, helping re-energize the downtown district.Â
Project Schedule
2021 – 2022: Concept Design + Public Engagement (complete)
Q1 2024 – Q2 2025: Final Design of Phase 1
Q3 2025: Start of Phase 1 Construction
Q1 2027: Substantial Completion of Phase 1
* Phase 1 Implementation includes improvements to the Greek Theater, Central Promenade, and South Plaza
Key Collaborative Initiatives
Improvements to Civic Center as part of the Civic Center Next 100 will catalyze new activity and animate this park the heart
of Denver. The transformation of four key areas will fulfill past community-driven planning
visions and elevate Denver’s first National Historic Landmark for the next 100 years by
providing new energy, world-class performances, and events.
Civic Center's
Next 100 Years
Support for the park’s evolution already exists in our community and certain efforts to revitalize it are already underway. However, there is much more to do to successfully complete the community-drafted, 2005 Civic Center Master Plan and ensure the park remains relevant for the next century. The Next 100 program manifests our vision for this rejuvenation, which will require years of investment and collaboration by many committed people and organizations in order to make it a reality.
Since 2005, Existing Support and Investments:
$20+ Million
Public dollars invested in Civic Center Park
$7.3 Million
Private dollars generated for investment in Civic Center Park
2 Million
People drawn to Civic Center Park in 15 Years of Programming & Action
Current Next 100 Partners
Become a Partner
Civic Center Park is the keeper of special memories for all who experience it. By becoming a Next 100 Partner you will help us preserve this treasured space; to ensure it thrives for you and your loved ones for generations to come, as a place to gather, celebrate, protest and reflect; to serve as the Heart of Denver.Â
For all who love our city and wish to align their goodwill with the park’s lasting legacy, we invite you to join us in our efforts and contribute to this important cause. One that is greater than all of us and that cements our civic pride and love of this place we all call home for the next 100 years.
To become a Next 100 Partner, please contact Sara Leitch, Development Director.