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
September 28

Who Is Funding This Year’s Conservative-Backed Ballot Initiatives?

Ballots are hitting mailboxes soon and the campaign money is flowing. But where is it coming from and where is it going? In his investiga...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 27

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One Oregon City is Lowering Energy Costs — Presented By City Cast Denver

What’s a seemingly small project in Denver that’s made a big difference? In the Oregon suburb of Tualatin, a drinking water pipe has just...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 25

The Unwritten Rules of Surviving and Thriving in Denver

What are the things you need to know to thrive in Denver? You know, like remembering to bring a jacket regardless of the weather – which...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 24

It's Film Fest Season! Plus, Red Rocks Ticket Troubles and Our Concert Recs

Sundance Film Festival’s Colorado debut is just months away, but there are plenty of homegrown film fests happening this fall and winter....

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 23

A Local Landmark Melts Away, Ball Arena’s New $135M Lobby, and Vegetarian Hot Dogs

Ball Arena is set to get a $135 million makeover, complete with more escalators and a giant LED screen outside for fans to watch the acti...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 22

A New Owner Bought Park Hill's Most Notorious Strip Mall. Is Gentrification Coming Next?

A grocery store or a bar? This is the question at the center of the future of The Holly, a shopping center in Northeast Park Hill. The ge...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 21

The Spicy Story Behind One of Denver's Most Famous Green Chiles

Green chile is a staple of Colorado cuisine – both the pepper itself and the spicy, soupy stew used to smother everything from burritos a...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 20

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Philly Is Reducing Violence With Parks — Presented By City Cast Denver

Would Denver be better with fewer vacant, blighted lots? In Philly, the answer is overwhelmingly yes, with significant drops in crime and...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 18

Could City Workers Get A Raise? Plus, New Buyers for The Mercury Cafe, and Another Bear Attack

The Mercury Cafe is back! Again! This time around, the buyers are asking the community what they want from this legendary space before mo...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art
September 17

Denver’s Shining Star Chefs, Burrito Haters, and Is Downtown a Convention Destination?

Denver chefs and restaurateurs celebrated this week when both the Michelin Guide announced its 2026 winners and the New York Times droppe...

City Cast Denver podcast episode art