16th Street Mall Business Incubators | 2024

As part of the $184 million renovation of Denver’s iconic 16th Street Mall, the ColoradoBuildingWorkshop in collaboration with the Downtown Denver Partnership (DDP), designed and built four distinctive kiosks. These kiosks act as business incubators, providing entrepreneurs with an intermediate step between managing a retail cart and establishing a brick-and-mortar location.

Each of the four kiosks is customized for a specific commercial use—retail, service, grab-and-go food, and made-to-order food. While each structure is unique, they share a cohesive design language that unifies their presence along the bustling pedestrian corridor. The primary design challenges were to create kiosks that are inviting and open during the day, while remaining secure and durable when closed at night and flexible to accommodate different vendors. Aesthetically, the kiosks were to be site-specific yet distinct. Additionally, they were required to be mobile, allowing for relocation along the mall via forklift.

To achieve these objectives, the ColoradoBuildingWorkshop employed a layered material approach. The outermost layer consists of glass-reinforced concrete, which provides durability and a striking visual identity. Beneath this, black Zalmag metal panels create a secure enclosure, protecting the kiosks when closed. Inside, the kiosks are lined with modular Baltic birch plywood, which fosters a warm and welcoming atmosphere when open. The plywood interiors are designed for flexibility, enabling vendors to reconfigure the space to meet their specific needs.

Four dedicated teams, each comprised of seven students, designed and built four kiosks. The structures were prefabricated on campus before being transported to their final locations on the 16th Street Mall. This project required students to navigate the complexities of meeting the needs of multiple stakeholders, including the DDP, kiosk vendors, and mall visitors. The ColoradoBuildingWorkshop kiosks exemplify thoughtful urban design by blending aesthetics, functionality, and adaptability. By supporting emerging businesses while enhancing the vibrancy of the 16th Street Mall, these kiosks play a vital role in Denver’s evolving urban landscape.