Trees planted along 16th Street Mall as part of massive renovation project in downtown Denver

Crews planted trees between Market and Larimer streets along the 16th Street Mall on Tuesday as part of the massive renovation project to the downtown Denver landmark. The City of Denver launched a $150 million remodel of the 16th Street Mall intended to revive downtown more than a year ago. 

The remodel is set to last about three years. On Tuesday, part of that project had crews planting new trees along the mall. The future 16th Street Mall canopy will include a diverse range of 10 species including elm, oak, honey locust and maple. 

"The arrival of these first trees is just the beginning," said Mike Swanson, Denver City Forester said in a statement. "Our residents and visitors are going to enjoy ten different varieties of trees we've hand-selected for this project to provide diversity and varying beauty and shade throughout the year, and the trees are getting a better growing environment in which to thrive." 

The trees are dormant and expected to take root and leaf out in the spring. This latest improvement takes the mall's canopy from 150 trees to more than 200 along the 13-block corridor. 

"Not only do trees enhance the aesthetic appeal of our center city, but they also contribute to economic prosperity, well-being and environmental advantages that grow over time," said Kourtny Garrett, Downtown Denver Partnership's President and CEO in a statement. "A robust tree canopy leads to better air quality, enhanced street safety, increased revenue for businesses, lowered stress levels and shaded sidewalks for downtown patrons."