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February 25, 2026

Is Downtown Cool Yet?

City Cast Denver

Is Downtown Cool Yet?

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Could downtown’s narrative finally be changing? From buying up the Pavilions to renovating Skyline Park, the city has been putting big money and energy toward making Denver’s urban core appealing again. Developers are following suit — real estate investor Asher Luzzatto recently announced plans to spend $300 million on renovating a whole city block, including the conversion of two aging office buildings into new housing, childcare facilities, commercial space, and more. So, what else is missing? We’re revisiting a classic episode from two years ago when we threw out our biggest, craziest ideas to bring life back downtown to see if city leaders took any notes. 


Bree mentioned the Cinderella City Project, pencil smokestack art, and Lawrence Halprin’s original Skyline Park design. She also talked about our episode on the likelihood of changing downtown’s empty office buildings into housing. 


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How do you think downtown has been feeling lately? Revitalized and cool again? Still not quite back? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418

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