Denver Central Market Green Alley

Denver’s first permeable paver “green” alley creates a vibrant gathering space in the RiNo District.

For the past decade, Wenk Associates has been working with the City, the River North (RiNo) Business Improvement District, and various developers to create pedestrian-focused streets, active plazas, and gathering spaces, along with stormwater green infrastructure throughout the RiNo District. Our work for the various entities has allowed us to bring disparate projects together to create lively, connected open spaces that are unique to RiNo.

One of these projects includes the Denver Central Market Green Alley -- Denver’s most popular and photographed alley, home to an international mural festival. In the adaptive reuse spirit of the RiNo District, Wenk Associates used leftover, “waste” material donated by the manufacturer Pavestone to create Denver’s first permeable paver “green” alley. The vacated alley serves as a leisure pedestrian thoroughfare and potential outdoor café space from adjacent restaurants and businesses. The permeable pavers infiltrate stormwater from the adjacent roof downspouts and parking lots and filters the water before returning to the storm pipe. The paving pattern takes cues from the adjacent building architecture and parcel lines to help facilitate locations for cafés. Wenk Associates and Pavestone partnered together to donate the design and all materials for the project.