In early 2024, Historic Denver learned of the State\u2019s intention to build a bridge symbolically connecting the State land of the Capitol grounds with City-owned Civic Center, \u201cbridging City and State,\u201d according to the concept document. The two levels of government would be symbolically connected as the centerpiece of Colorado\u2019s 150th and America\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the concept document provided reassurance: \u201cAs 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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 \u2013 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\u2019s birthday is being celebrated by a project designed in Illinois.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s own petition of opposition has received over 2,000 responses. In the face of criticism about the clear lack of purpose, the bridge\u2019s 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 \u201cused.\u201d The State had a budget deficit prior to the passing of the \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill Act\u201d in D.C. and the governor has highlighted that this will make the situation worse. Surely now is the time to exercise financial restraint.<\/p>\n
In response to all this, the Governor\u2019s Office is finally asking for public feedback<\/a> \u2013 but for only one week. We encourage the public to vote \u201cno\u201d<\/a> in the first question, which asks whether Colorado should build a walkway at the state Capitol.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s Office about the importance of the 2026 anniversaries and the merits of drawing upon our state\u2019s art and culture to celebrate this unique moment \u2013 after all, the creative industries contribute more to Colorado\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n A largely designed and broadly supported initiative already exists in Denver \u2013 the 5280 Trail.<\/p>\n Conceived in 2017 and promoted by the Downtown Denver Partnership and the City and County of Denver, the trail aims to \u201clink neighborhoods and connect people by reimagining underutilized streets into the essential Downtown experience, uniting urban life with Colorado\u2019s outdoor culture.\u201d The route passes state Capitol grounds, running down Sherman Street.<\/p>\n