Denver Pavilions is set for a major refresh, with approximately $3 million in capital improvements planned for its parking garage, roof, signs and a mural along 15th Street, the Denver Downtown Development Authority announced Friday.

The largest share of the investment, about $2.4 million, will go toward upgrades in the parking garage, including replacing the carbon dioxide system, fixing areas of degradation and upgrading the gate and payment system. Technology improvements have been completed, while the remaining work is anticipated to begin by July and continue for about 18 months.

During that time, certain areas of the garage may be closed temporarily, but officials say adequate parking will remain available throughout the duration of the project. Signs and flaggers will be used to help maintain safe and efficient traffic flow.

Roof maintenance and repairs, totaling about $350,000, are scheduled to begin in August or sooner and are expected to take several months to complete. The roofing work is not expected to impact shoppers or tenants significantly.

The refresh also includes a $300,000 investment in public art along 15th Street. That work will involve removing and replacing the existing Clyfford Still mural on the south-facing side of the Pavilions. Local artist Olive Moya has been selected to design a new mural, which is expected to be installed this summer. At the same time, the DDDA will conduct facade improvements.

The two escalators at the Pavilions also are being repaired. The escalator to the Regal Cinema is now in working order, and repairs to the second escalator near Lucky Strike are set to begin in June.

Denver Pavilions also is expanding efforts to attract visitors through new events.

“Bodies – The Science Within,” a touring exhibition that has drawn more than 5 million people in over 60 cities across Europe and Central and South America, made its U.S. debut at the Denver Pavilions on May 17. The exhibition is scheduled to run through June 28, although strong early ticket sales could prompt an extension through September.

The authority also said the Pavilions is working with tenants and the Downtown Denver Partnership to activate Glenarm Plaza this summer, which is expected to include space for sports watch parties and outdoor games such as cornhole and slackline.

Additionally, the DDDA engaged the Urban Land Institute’s Advisory Services Program this year to explore development visions for the Pavilions. The full report of the panel’s recommendations is expected by early July.

“These capital improvements support our primary goal of improving the experience of tenants and patrons at Denver Pavilions and ensuring the best business environment possible as we manage the ongoing operations of this vital retail center,” said Bill Mosher, chief projects officer for the city of Denver.

The DDDA acquired the Pavilions and two adjacent surface parking lots late last year, retaining an additional $8 million in DDA funds for property improvements, leasing and redevelopment planning.

The Pavilions — along 16th Street between Welton Street and Tremont Place, is expected to play a key role in anchoring and revitalizing Upper Downtown, according to the announcement.

As part of that effort, the authority said it aims to protect existing tenants’ leasehold interests, strengthen the surrounding business environment and support a new vision for the Pavilions and the adjacent parking lots.

Denver’s expanded DDDA began accepting applications in 2025 for major projects that will redefine the downtown experience and attract new residents, businesses and visitors. As a result, the authority’s pilot year has been highly successful, awarding $166 million in investments across 13 projects in four award cycles. Today, the DDDA is involved in nearly 20 projects across its boundaries.

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