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
May 14

Is Good Food Enough for a Denver Restaurant to Thrive?

Between Michelin stars and James Beard Awards, it’s safe to say that Denver has secured its place in the food world. But, a lot more goes...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 13

Is Denver Constantly Watching You? Plus, Unvaxxed Singles and Bike Riders: Make Your Voices Heard!

Flock cameras have been dominating Denver’s recent conversations about surveillance technology, but since 2008 the city has been watching...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 12

AI Talks End in ‘Near-Total Rewrite,’ Trump vs. Denver’s Assault Weapons Ban, and New Scooter Problems

The 2026 Colorado legislative session is in its final week, so we’re looking into the hot-button issue of AI, which continues to divide D...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 11

After the Bandstand Fire, the Key to City Park’s Future Lies in the Past

After City Park’s iconic bandstand was damaged beyond repair in an overnight fire in late March, the park’s neighbors and city leaders ha...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 10

'Your City Could Be Better': Philly's Bold Nightlife Experiment — Presented By City Cast Denver

Denverites, would your city be better if the bars stayed open later? This summer, Philadelphia is anticipating a record-breaking number o...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 8

Big Money in the Governor's Race, Sexual Assault Bill Breaks Through, and Gym Sued for Grunting Noises

New fundraising totals for the governor’s race show Attorney General Phil Weiser’s campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet’s, bu...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 7

What Does Denver Taste Like? Debating Our Claims to Food Fame

Little Man Ice Cream just announced plans to start shipping its beloved sweet treats nationwide, inviting the country to get in on Denver...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 6

How to Lure the DNC to Denver. Plus, Why Workers Were Furloughed from a City-Backed Downtown Project

A delegation of higher-ups from the Democratic Party is in town this week evaluating Denver’s bid to host the DNC in 2028, and Mayor Mike...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 5

BRT Construction vs. Small Businesses, Asia Center Redevelopment Updates, and Little Man Goes National

Construction on the Bus Rapid Transit project on Colfax has officially moved into Aurora, and the end is in sight! So, we are looking ahe...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
May 4

Conservatives in Colorado Have a Secret Influence Machine. And It Might Be Working.

Democrats in Colorado are expected to retain control of the state legislature, governor’s mansion, and  every statewide office this year,...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art