Don’t Call 16th St. a Mall, Alameda’s “Road Diet,” and the Worst Satire Ever
After months of speculation, the open secret is now official: Denver’s 43-year experiment in calling our downtown pedestrian retail artery a “mall” is officially over. It’s just 16th Street now, according to Mayor Mike Johnston and the Downtown Denver Partnership. But will Denverites call it that? And will it help bring downtown back to life? Stand-up comedian and regular contributor Joshua Emerson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to get into Denver’s feelings about the name change. Plus, we’ve got some ideas for how to spend you long Memorial Day weekend and, of course, our wins and fails of the week.
What do you think about 16th St. dropping the word “mall”? We want to hear what you think! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418
Don’t forget! We’re off on Monday for Memorial Day. Don’t expect a new episode in your feed until Tuesday morning.
After we recorded this episode, the Department of Excise and License finalized the city’s new rules governing open-consumption areas, including on 16th St. Paul talked about the “satirical” deadnaming website, a Rockies lawsuit, and this fantastic piece about how the 16th St. Mall came to be in the first place from Alan Prendergast in Westword. Bree mentioned about the end of El Noa Noa, her love for Chef Zorba’s and Alameda’s “road diet.” Joshua discussed tornados and Aurora’s new public art.
For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm.
Watch the Friday show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver
Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver
Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver
Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver
Learn more about the sponsors of this May 23rd episode:
- Denver Health
- City & County Denver Tech
- Central City Opera - use the code CITYCAST to get 20% off select dates
- Elizabeth Martinez with PorchLight Real Estate - Do you have a question about Denver real estate? Submit your questions for Elizabeth Martinez HERE, and she might answer in next week’s segment.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Your Guide to Colorado’s 2026 Statewide Ballot Issues
This year the state printed its largest ballot information guide ever! That means voters are weighing in on a lot of issues – everything...
Republicans for Weiser, Colorado and the Blue Wave, and the Evans-Rutinel Showdown
President Donald Trump’s approval rating is at record low, and there are close elections happening across the country this November – cou...
Is Colorado About to Hike Taxes on the Rich? Your Guide to 87, 136 and Prop. NN
Colorado’s midterm election ballots are packed with big decisions for voters, including two competing taxation measures. Dr. Paul Teske,...
How the Broncos Are Buying Up Land for a New Stadium
Ever since Mayor Mike Johnston was inaugurated in 2023, he’s made a priority of both keeping the Broncos in Denver, but also working with...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Salt Lakers are Adopting Storm Drains — Presented By City Cast Denver
How much ownership or responsibility do you feel as a resident of Denver? In Salt Lake City, people are being asked to “adopt a storm dra...
City Council’s Controversial Votes, a Crowded Race on a Crowded Ballot, and Green Chile Season!
There are ten candidates in the running to fill the vacant at-large city council position. With less than three weeks until election day...
The Politics of Swiping Left or Right, Spooky Season Recs, and the Rise of Vegan Restaurants
Are politics creating a division in Denver’s dating scene? Or are lovers on opposite sides of the political spectrum just really good at...
What's the Denver-est Halloween Costume of 2026? Plus, Your Takes on Compost, Pizza, and Denver's Unwritten Rules
Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love are opening up the mailbag to hear from you, our dear listeners. We’re sharing your idea...
CoCo Ballot Blame Game, Victor Marx's Scandal Streak, and the Viral Punch at DIA
There’s a measure on this November’s ballot that would create a sales tax to support the proposed Front Range Passenger Rail, but around...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: A St. Paul Cell Phone Ban Teens Might Actually Like — Presented By City Cast Denver
Another Denver school year has begun — how are cell phones being handled? In Minnesota, one high school is demonstrating that a strict no...