Pearl Street Mall & Decades of Success

Since its opening dedication in 1977, Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall has been an example of the beauty, sense of community, and economic success that can come from prioritizing the pedestrian experience. The Mall was designed during a time of turmoil in Boulder’s Downtown area and across the country, as suburbanization and white flight prevailed and less public investment was being prioritized in downtowns. The pedestrian space was used to unify and revitalize the downtown.

Forty five years later, Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall continues to be a destination for residents and tourists alike. The iconic red bricks along four city blocks lead pedestrians along a rich corridor of shops and restaurants that encapsulate the culture of Boulder. Maintained by Boulder's Parks and Recreation department, and set to the backdrop of the majestic Flatirons, the Malls' holiday lights and flower beds are seasonal attractions, and children’s play, public art, and lively buskers bring thousands of residents to the Mall daily. It is known as an international example of how social and economic change can come from the transition of a multi-modal space to a pedestrian-only space. Architectural and preservation guidelines for development along the Mall have protected the character of what most people consider the core of downtown.

The Mall has also been a platform for community-building programming and events, such as the Bands on the Bricks (a popular event since 1996), the Munchkin Masquerade, the Pearl Street Arts Fest, Fall Fest, and the Pearl Street Stampede. The remainder of the Vision Plan aims to honor and build on this historic legacy of the success and popularity of the iconic Pearl Street Mall, while also preparing for the space’s 50th anniversary in 2027 through strategic planning for projects, programming, and identity. This Plan's intent is for the Pearl Street Mall and larger downtown area's residents, visitors, economy, and environment to continue to thrive for the next 50 years.