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For the Future

Investing in the Next 100 Years of Civic Center Park

A world-class city deserves a world-class center city park, open and welcoming to everyone, from young people and families, to workers, residents, and visitors.  Civic Center Park honors Denver’s past while evolving to meet the needs of the 21st century. The City and County of Denver, in partnership with Civic Center Conservancy, is leading a once-in-a generation transformation to ensure this historic heart continues to serve and inspire future generations of Denverites. Current projects include the Greek Theater and Central Promenade, the McNichols Building, and improvements to the grounds of the City and County Building.

The Project's Impacts are many!

The Park will be a spectacular, beautiful space for all residents to enjoy, linking surrounding cultural and civic institutions and neighborhoods, and becoming the outdoor, geographic core of the city.

  • The Park will provide a performance home for both major events and community organizations.
  • Re-envisioned by Studio Gang and Olin, Civic Center Park will drive tourism, drawing visitors from throughout the sate, region, and nation.
  • This picturesque and active public space will spur economic development, new housing, and small businesses in nearby neighborhoods, helping re-energize the downtown district.
  • Pedestrian access and ADA/stroller-accessible pathways throughout the entire Park will make Civic Center Park available and welcoming to all.
  • The Park will showcase sustainability and beauty through native, climate-appropriate horticulture, water conservation, irrigation systems, and electricity access to eliminate the use of generators for events.
  • Abundant green space, with shade, benches, and vibrant landscaping, alive with activity will promote healthy public gathering and increased safety in the Park.

Be Part of a Once-in-a-Century Investment in Civic Center Park

The Civic Center Conservancy is leading a transformative capital campaign to reimagine Denver’s most historic public space for the next 100 years.

With visionary designs by internationally renowned architect Jeanne Gang and her practice Studio Gang, alongside the celebrated landscape architect studio Olin, this National Historic Landmark is poised to become the centerpiece of a revitalized downtown Denver.

Anchored by a new performance pavilion and South Plaza entrance, the Park will unfold through a vibrant Central Promenade—layered with native landscapes, flexible gathering spaces, and pathways that invite exploration. This is a place where daily life and civic celebration meet: concerts and festivals, community programming, quiet reflection and spontaneous connection. 

We are actively engaging visionary partners in a capital campaign to realize this once-in-a-generation investment.

For more information or to explore how you can play a leadership role, please reach out to Elizabeth “EB” Brooks, the Conservancy’s Director of Development & Communications. 

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ reflects current information developed in coordination with Denver Parks & Recreation. Construction details and timelines are subject to change through standard City processes. Last updated April 2026.

Civic Center Next 100 is a transformative public-private initiative to renew and reenergize the heart of Denver for the next century. Led by Denver Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Civic Center Conservancy, the project honors the Park’s legacy as Denver’s first National Historic Landmark while preparing it for the next 100 years of civic life.

The project builds on years of community engagement and fulfills key goals of the community-drafted 2005 Civic Center Master Plan, which envisioned a park that balances historic preservation with modern functionality and access.

The Civic Center Next 100 Vision Plan encompasses four integrated improvements:

  • Greek Theater — Modernizing the existing structure into a premier outdoor venue with a new canopy, reoriented bowl design, and full ADA accessibility for the first time in the Park’s history
  • Central Promenade — Upgrading the central walkway to support year-round events, improve circulation, and expand park functionality
  • Bannock Street — Transforming the adjacent street corridor into a vibrant public plaza
  • Central Gathering Feature — Creating a new civic focal point incorporating public art and gardens

Current construction (Phase 1) focuses on the Greek Theater, Central Promenade, and South Plaza—the areas identified as having the greatest impact on event capabilities, accessibility, and everyday park use.

Denver Parks & Recreation closed Civic Center Park for six months from fall 2021 to spring 2022 due to unsafe conditions—the first such closure in the Park’s history. That work focused on maintenance upgrades: graffiti removal, mortar replacement, and lighting improvements. Following reopening, DPR increased maintenance standards and ranger presence, which significantly improved park conditions and perceptions of safety.

The current Civic Center Next 100 construction goes well beyond maintenance. It delivers substantial physical improvements and new amenities that enhance the Park’s capacity to host contemporary events and performances while improving everyday usability for all Denverites.

The design was carefully developed 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 reestablishes his original pattern of a central walk flanked by two smaller paths.

The project complies with Denver’s Civic Center Guidelines, the Denver Landmark Preservation Guidelines, and the Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation—demonstrating how thoughtful design can honor historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs.

The Greek Theater rehabilitation is a standout example: the design preserves the original structure while introducing an iconic yet subordinate canopy and reoriented bowl, maintaining historic character while ensuring universal access to all levels and features.

While Civic Center Park excels at hosting the city’s largest gatherings, it has historically been underutilized for daily activities. These improvements will transform the Park into a vibrant everyday destination, drawing more residents and visitors year-round while enhancing downtown’s economic vitality.

Civic Center Next 100 also supports several City strategic plans, including:

  • Downtown Area Plan
  • Game Plan for a Healthy City (Denver Parks & Recreation strategic plan)
  • The Outdoor Downtown plan
  • The Legacy Fund Five Year Plan (listed as a transformational project)
When did construction begin and when will the Park reopen?

Construction began in Fall 2025. The Phase 1 project is expected to reach substantial completion in the latter part of 2027. Construction schedules are subject to change based on weather, supply chains, and field conditions. Denver Parks & Recreation will announce major milestones as they are finalized.

For the most current timeline, visit the City’s project webpage:

No. While the Central Promenade and Greek Theater area will be closed during construction, other portions of the Park remain open to the public, including:

  • The area around the Voorhies Memorial
    The Broadway Terrace
  • The Great Lawn & Bannock Street in front of Denver’s City & County Building

Denver Parks & Recreation’s Permitting team is working with the construction contractor and the Conservancy to accommodate activations in the Park where possible. However, large events in Civic Center will be affected during the construction period and will be relocated to ensure safety and maintain a positive visitor experience.

Accessibility is a central goal of this project. For the first time in the Park’s history, the Greek Theater will be fully ADA accessible. New pathways will replace stairs and other barriers throughout the Park, ensuring all visitors can move freely and enjoy equal access to key features including the Voorhies Memorial and Greek Theater.

This commitment to universal access was built into the design from the start and runs throughout the project’s scope.

  • Construction is carefully sequenced to minimize disruption and maintain safety. At different points, visitors may observe:

    • Underground utility and infrastructure work (often not immediately visible above ground)
    • Temporary fencing and access changes as work zones shift
    • Periods of visible vertical progress as construction moves above grade

    Some of the most essential work happens below ground and may not appear dramatic at first—but it is foundational to the Park’s long-term success.

The Phase 1 design and construction budget totals $50 million, funded through multiple sources:

  • Downtown Denver Development Authority (DDDA)
  • Denver Parks & Recreation Department
  • $ Elevate Denver Bond
  • Mellon Foundation
  • Private donations facilitated by the Civic Center Conservancy

Additional project elements may be incorporated as funding is secured. The Conservancy continues to fundraise to support future phases and long-term stewardship.

This investment is not drawn from the City’s general operating budget and is not affected by recent budget cuts.

  • The funding is part of a long-term revitalization strategy partially supported through the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA)—a financing tool approved by voters in 2024 to support economic recovery downtown.
  • Bond and grant funding (such as Elevate Denver and the Mellon Foundation) were secured specifically for this project.
  • No tax increases or general fund reallocations were required to secure this investment in Civic Center Park.

No. Philanthropic contributions from the Conservancy and private donors do not replace City investment—they supplement it.

  • Public dollars ensure the Park’s core infrastructure, safety, and accessibility needs are met
  • Philanthropic support enhances design quality, programming capacity, and long-term stewardship beyond what public funding alone can provide
  • Private giving accelerates improvements and ensures the Park meets community expectations at the highest level

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) owns Civic Center Park and leads all capital construction decisions, procurement, contractor management, and oversight. The City works with professional design, engineering, and construction teams—including world-renowned lead designer Studio Gang—through established public processes.

Civic Center Conservancy is a nonprofit partner that supports the project through fundraising, communications, stakeholder engagement, and stewardship. The Conservancy does not manage construction or control the project timeline.

The Conservancy serves as a critical supporting partner throughout the project:

  • Financial support — Funded a portion of the design phase and is actively fundraising for construction and future phases
  • Stakeholder engagement — Connects with residents, businesses, civic leaders, and community groups to ensure the project reflects community priorities
  • Communications — Keeps donors, partners, and the public informed in alignment with City-approved messaging
  • Programming — Continues to activate the Park during construction and is planning expanded programming for the renovated spaces
  • Long-term stewardship — Will serve as the Park’s ongoing programming and activation partner well beyond the construction period.

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, and DPR is actively investigating service models that can provide higher levels of maintenance and activity coordination.

Throughout this process, DPR will maintain its established partnership with Civic Center Conservancy, which has been the Park’s long-term programming partner and will continue in that role.

Community engagement has been central to Civic Center Next 100 from the beginning. The project fulfills key goals of the 2005 Civic Center Master Plan—a community-drafted vision that laid out principles for balancing the Park’s historic preservation with modern functionality and access.

More recently, a public engagement process in 2021–2022 informed the concept design, followed by a community update in October 2024 to present the implementation design. Resources from that process are available online:

While some programs have been adapted or paused to accommodate the construction footprint, the Conservancy continues to:

  • Provide free public programming throughout construction to keep the Park active and thriving
  • Support safe public access where possible in open park areas
  • Maintain donor and community engagement
  • Plan and develop programming for the renovated spaces ahead of reopening

Construction is a temporary phase that enables a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient park in the years ahead.

Several resources are available to follow Civic Center Next 100 progress:

The Conservancy shares updates as information is publicly confirmed by the City.

Depending on the nature of your question:

  • Construction progress, City process, and project management: Denver Parks & Recreation (through publicly available updates and the project webpage)
  • Donor engagement, stewardship, events, and programming: Civic Center Conservancy

The Conservancy works closely with DPR to ensure donors and community members receive accurate, up-to-date information on the project’s progress.

Project Schedule

2021 – 2022: Concept Design + Public Engagement (complete)
Q1 2024 – Q2 2025: Final Design of Phase 1
Q4 2025: Start of Phase 1 Construction
2027: Substantial Completion of Phase 1
* Phase 1 Implementation includes improvements to the Greek Theater, Central Promenade, and South Plaza

Denver Parks and Recreation Official Next 100 Page

Credit: Studio Gang

McNichols Building Construction Project

Credit: Naked Denver

City & County Building Landscape Transformation

Credit: City of Denver

Supporting the

Next 100 Years

Civic Center Park holds a special place in the life of Denver—a setting for celebration, reflection, civic expression, and everyday connection. The Next 100 initiative is a once-in-a-century opportunity to ensure this historic space continues to thrive for generations to come.

A transformational capital campaign is now underway to bring this vision to life—building on significant public investment and inviting private partners to help shape the future of Denver’s civic heart. 

As the Park’s philanthropic partner, Civic Center Conservancy is leading the effort to engage individuals, foundations, and corporate leaders in meaningful investment opportunities.

For those who care deeply about Denver and the legacy of this shared space, we invite you to explore how you can play a role.

To learn more about becoming a supporter, please contact Elizabeth “EB” Brooks, Director of Development & Communications.

Next 100: Building Momentum for Civic Center Park

Significant public and catalytic funding has already been secured to advance the transformation of Civic Center Park, demonstrating strong citywide commitment and laying the groundwork for what comes next.

$40+ Million
Public dollars invested in Civic Center Park

$11 Million
Private dollars generated for investment in Civic Center Park

4 Million+
People drawn to Civic Center Park through intentional & inclusive programming & partnerships since 2005

Be Part of a Once-in-a-Century Investment

Civic Center Park holds a special place in the life of Denver—a setting for celebration, reflection, civic expression, and everyday connection. The Next 100 initiative is a once-in-a-century opportunity to ensure this historic space continues to thrive for generations to come.

A transformational capital campaign is now underway to bring this vision to life—building on significant public investment and inviting private partners to help shape the future of Denver’s civic heart. 

As the Park’s philanthropic partner, Civic Center Conservancy is leading the effort to engage individuals, foundations, and corporate leaders in meaningful investment opportunities.

For those who care deeply about Denver and the legacy of this shared space, we invite you to explore how you can play a role.

To learn more about becoming a supporter, please contact Elizabeth “EB” Brooks, Director of Development & Communications.

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