In early 2024, Historic Denver learned of the State’s intention to build a bridge symbolically connecting the State land of the Capitol grounds with City-owned Civic Center, “bridging City and State,” according to the concept document. The two levels of government would be symbolically connected as the centerpiece of Colorado’s 150th and America’s 250th birthdays. This symbolism is admirable, but we could not see how it would be brought to life by an elevated bridge without destroying the quiet dignity of Civic Center, the only National Historic Landmark within Denver limits.
Nevertheless, the concept document provided reassurance: “As the walkway traverses the Civic Center National Historic Landmark, it will adhere to specific design guidelines for the state of Colorado, state Historic Preservation Commission, the National Park Service, and the Denver Landmark Commission.”
Fast forward 18 months and the concept document has been translated into something that looks quite appropriate in the Winter Olympics but wildly out of place in front of the state Capitol. The national, state, and local design guidelines have been steamrollered – or perhaps shredded by the metaphorical bobsled hurtling down its track. The meandering layout has been created by an out-of-state firm, leading many to question why Colorado’s birthday is being celebrated by a project designed in Illinois.
The City of Denver was not keen, so the bridge only connects state land with state land, losing the original symbolism. Public reaction has been fierce and Historic Denver’s own petition of opposition has received over 2,000 responses. In the face of criticism about the clear lack of purpose, the bridge’s proponents pivoted to labor the need for wheelchair accessibility. Yet, accessibility is not mentioned once in the original concept document. To compound matters, the only accessibility advocate to publicly support the project retracted his views and stated he felt “used.” The State had a budget deficit prior to the passing of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” in D.C. and the governor has highlighted that this will make the situation worse. Surely now is the time to exercise financial restraint.
In response to all this, the Governor’s Office is finally asking for public feedback – but for only one week. We encourage the public to vote “no” in the first question, which asks whether Colorado should build a walkway at the state Capitol.
Historic Denver has a track record in reconciling the historic past with a vibrant present and future. We support a city initiative to rehabilitate the Greek Theater just across the park from the proposed bridge. We agree with the Governor’s Office about the importance of the 2026 anniversaries and the merits of drawing upon our state’s art and culture to celebrate this unique moment – after all, the creative industries contribute more to Colorado’s economy than the ski industry. However, we firmly believe that these objectives can be accomplished at ground level without the need for an elevated walkway.
A largely designed and broadly supported initiative already exists in Denver – the 5280 Trail.
Conceived in 2017 and promoted by the Downtown Denver Partnership and the City and County of Denver, the trail aims to “link neighborhoods and connect people by reimagining underutilized streets into the essential Downtown experience, uniting urban life with Colorado’s outdoor culture.” The route passes state Capitol grounds, running down Sherman Street.
What better way to achieve the original concept of the pedestrian bridge, to symbolically link city and state, than by integrating the story of Colorado into the 5280 Trail adjacent to the state Capitol.
The trail then continues its journey through Denver, linking several of the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. The original concept of the bridge remains both admirable and achievable, but instead of giving up on our streets and pushing people into the sky, let’s celebrate street-level vitality and invest in the 5280 Trail.
Historic Denver and our state-wide partners at Colorado Preservation Inc. stand together in opposition to the pedestrian bridge.
John Deffenbaugh is the president and CEO of Historic Denver.
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