Denver voters approved a $950 million bond package Nov. 4 containing capital improvement projects spanning the city. The bond package, dubbed Vibrant Denver, has five independent measures that were put before voters.
Each measure contains a list of related capital infrastructure projects. Vibrant Denver measure 2A covers projects in the transportation and mobility infrastructure space, such as bridges and traffic signals. Notable projects under this measure include:
- 8th Avenue Viaduct & Multimodal Improvements ($89.2 million) – Improving a portion of the existing 8th Avenue Viaduct by removing the eastern section and reconstructing it as a roadway.
- Marion Underpass ($75 million) – Constructing the Marion Underpass to complete a multimodal extension of Bettie Cram Drive east to Brighton Boulevard. This project also includes ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle accommodations.
- West 38th Avenue Multimodal Project ($55.3 million) – Designing and constructing multimodal improvements on West 38th Avenue between Sheridan Boulevard and Fox Street, including widened sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and enhanced bus stops.
- 6th Avenue Viaduct Repairs and Improvements ($50 million) – Completing critical structural repairs to the viaduct carrying approximately 64,000 vehicles daily and advancing pre-design work for future bridge replacement.
- Bridges over Cherry Creek ($29.38 million) – Removing and replacing the 6th Avenue Bridge and Lincoln Street Bridge over Cherry Creek with improvements to pedestrian safety and multimodal connectivity.
- Santa Fe Streetscape and Multimodal Safety Improvements ($29.085 million) – Upgrading Santa Fe Drive through the arts district from 6th Avenue to 13th Avenue with wider sidewalks, landscaping and improved public spaces.
- 13th and 14th Avenues Safety Improvements ($18 million) – Implementing permanent safety upgrades along this high-injury corridor from Colorado Boulevard to Quebec Street to address speeding and crashes.
- Evans Avenue Improvements ($15 million) – Designing and constructing improvements, including signals and pedestrian crossings on Evans Avenue between Colorado Boulevard and Interstate 25 to Quebec Street.
Measure 2B deals with city parks and recreational infrastructure. Other highly funded projects include:
- Park Hill Park Buildout ($70 million) – Transforming the former 155-acre Park Hill Golf Club property into a regional park featuring infrastructure, a playground, sports fields and courts, water play areas and picnic areas.
- Southeast Recreation Center and Skate Park ($20 million) – Providing a regional-level recreation center in southeast Denver and creating a skate hub for skateboarding and wheeled activities.
- Aztlan Pool Replacement ($15 million) – Rebuilding the outdoor pool.
Measure 2C consists of projects involving health and human services, related facilities and an expansion of the children’s advocacy center. An important project in this space is the Denver Health Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center Replacement, coming in at $20 million, which will construct a new clinic with primary care, dental, OB/GYN and radiology services.
Measure 2D lists projects dealing with city infrastructure and facilities, including libraries, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Boettcher Concert Hall, Denver Zoo and more. Projects under this measure include:
- First Responder and Public Safety Training Center ($75 million) – Combining Denver sheriff, fire and police department training needs into one modernized facility.
- Red Rocks Backstage Expansion and Accessibility Improvements ($35.1 million) – Expanding the backstage building and remodeling existing spaces to provide facilities for performers. This project also addresses ADA accessibility and parking solutions.
- Boettcher Concert Hall ($20 million) – Supporting capital maintenance and improvements including roof repairs, life safety system upgrades and HVAC upgrades.
- American Indian Cultural Embassy ($20 million) – Funding site identification, design and construction of a new American Indian Cultural Embassy.
Measure 2E covers projects that improve housing and shelter infrastructure, including enhanced accessibility and affordable housing development. One of the largest projects under measure 2E allocates $45 million for investing in land, buildings and site preparation to support development and acquisition of affordable housing.
Additional projects include $20 million for the Denver Health Sam Sandos Westside Family Health Center Replacement, with construction planned for a new clinic with primary care, dental, OB/GYN and radiology services. The bond also allocates $20 million toward a recreation center in southeast Denver and a skate hub for skateboarding and wheeled activities, along with $15 million to rebuild the Aztlan Pool.
Transportation safety improvements under the bond package include $18 million for safety upgrades along the 13th and 14th Avenues high-injury corridor from Colorado Boulevard to Quebec Street to address speeding and crashes. The bond also provides $15 million for Evans Avenue improvements, including signals and pedestrian crossings between Colorado Boulevard and Interstate 25 to Quebec Street.
The bond package allocates $838 million directly to projects, with the remaining $112 million designated for project administration and contingency costs, according to the final project list. The Vibrant Denver bond is structured as a six-year program rather than the typical 10-year period for similar bond packages.
Mayor Mike Johnston spearheaded the package and called the measures transformational for the city. Several major projects, including the Sloan’s Lake improvements, Sun Valley Riverfront Park and Denver Health clinic, are expected to leverage the bond funding to attract additional investment toward total project costs.
Photo by M I N E I A M A R T I N S from Pexels
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