City Cast Denver logo
July 20, 2023

The Lost History of Downtown’s Secret Tunnels

City Cast Denver

The Lost History of Downtown’s Secret Tunnels

00:00:00
View all City Cast Denver episodes

Next time you find yourself in LoDo or wandering around near Union Station, look down. Just below the streets of downtown, there’s a maze of old, out-of-commission tunnels that used to connect our hotels, restaurants, and stores of yore. Glimpses of these alternative pathways still exist at street level, if you know where to look. Back in January, host Bree Davies spoke with Tracy Beach, author of “The Tunnels Under Our Feet: Colorado’s Forgotten Hollow Sidewalks,” about this turn of the last century phenomenon. Beach explains what the tunnels were used for, who used them, and how to spot the remnants of these lost transit spaces today. 


This interview first aired on January 5, 2023. 


Bree and Tracy discussed the racist anti-Chinese riot of 1880 (which Bree talked with Dr. William Wei about on this show in 2021). Bree also mentioned Children’s Hospital’s new policy on gender-affirming surgery and “Casa Beer.”


What do you think about Salt Lake City? Are they worthy of being our rival? Hit us with your hottest take on SLC, and you might hear it on the show soon. Text it to us or leave us a voicemail at the SLC Hotline: 720-500-5418


For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver by texting “Denver” to 66866


Follow us on Twitter: @citycastdenver

Or Instagram: @citycastdenver

Chat with other listeners on Reddit: r/CityCastDenver


Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:


Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Denver

Stay connected to City Cast Denver and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
October 22

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 21

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 20

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,...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 19

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 18

‘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 Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 16

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 15

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 14

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 13

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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
October 11

‘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...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art