Construction Updates

Beginning Nov. 10, 2025, McNichols Civic Center Building will be closed for a revitalization project that also includes neighboring Civic Center Park. 

Originally constructed from 1907-1910 as a Carnegie Library, the building was reopened in 2012 as an arts and culture hub and event space. Denver Arts & Venues (DAV), the city agency that owns and operates the building, aims to transform the building's second floor into a showcase of Denver's history and culture with the addition of a museum space. 

Additionally, the City of Denver, in partnership with the Denver Downtown Development Authority (DDDA), has approved  $100 million in new investments to revitalize downtown Denver — including $30 million dedicated to Civic Center Park.  

Of those funds, $7 million has been allocated to partially fund the revitalization of the McNichols Building, renovating the ground floor to create a restaurant, outdoor garden dining space, and an arts marketplace to further activate Civic Center Park as a destination for visitors to Downtown. Future use will also include an artist-in-residency pilot program. Our goal is to reopen McNichols Civic Center Building alongside the reopening of the renovation of Civic Center Park in late 2027, at which time we look forward to welcoming bookings for private events on the third floor once again. 

Business Opportunities

DAV will be issuing requests for proposals for various projects related to the revitalization of the McNichols Civic Center Building – stay tuned to artsandvenues.com for more information regarding these and other opportunities. 

Signature Restaurant at McNichols Civic Center

• Denver Arts & Venues (DAV) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to identify an experienced restaurateur to lease and activate the first floor and outdoor patio of the historic McNichols Civic Center Building. This RFP presents a unique opportunity to establish the first full-service restaurant in Denver’s Civic Center Park, offering a signature amenity that serves downtown workers, residents and visitors.

• Responses due March 27, 2026

• Interested parties can view the RFP, including submission instructions, response form and supporting documents, under the “Request for Proposal” dropdown menu under the heading "Request for Proposal for Restaurant at McNichols Civic Center" on the City of Denver's Real Estate Division website.