ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — There’s a lot going on on Hampden Ave, just east of downtown Englewood. The blocks are full of houses, apartments, stores, restaurants, Craig Hospital, Swedish Medical Center and heavy traffic.

“The current structure of the corridor is very self-centered,” said Rachel Grafman, an engineer with Capital Projects.

The plan was driven in part by public feedback and hopes resolve some of the long-standing issues in the neighborhood, particularly the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. It includes:

• 78 ADA curb ramps
• Five upgraded bus stops, which will include shade structures, landscaping and benches
• 2,500 planters which will contribute to the fight against rainwater
• Three new rectangular, rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian crossings
• 4,100 linear feet of 10-foot-wide multi-use trail

Town of Englewood

“It’s important to the city that we give people the opportunity to use the mode of transportation that works best for them,” Grafman said.

The city said it has received concerns about the impact of a proposed median and road narrowing on emergency vehicle accessibility to hospitals.

“Our response to that is, among other things, ambulance access to Swedish, it’s actually on Girard. So even though there is ambulance activity here on Hampden, it’s not the “We hope that the ambulances will safely transport anyone in need of medical care in Swedish from Girard,” Grafman said.

Grow + Gather is a popular restaurant and market right down the road.

“It’s going to make this area beautiful and very modern, and I think it’s going to be great for all the businesses and residents in the area. That’s what I’m concerned about in the meantime,” said George, owner of Grow + Gather. Gastis, who is also a board member of the Englewood Downtown Development Authority.

Town of Englewood

Currently, it may be difficult to find street parking in the neighborhood.

“The hospital is hopping. We’re hopping, all the businesses around here. There’s still residents coming and going, and that’s when things can get a little tricky and crowded around here,” noted Gastis, who is worried about where all the construction crews are. is going to have to unfold and what the impact will be on neighbors and customers trying to reach businesses.

Even when construction is complete, Hampden will lose some street parking, including those right outside Gastis’ restaurant.

“Hoping we can find a good balance between progress and beauty and everything they’re trying to do, and as little interruption as possible to the people who live and work here,” Gastis said.

City officials say construction would take place in different phases to try to minimize the negative impact. The entire stretch of road will not be closed at once. They expect construction of the entire stretch to take about a year.

“The plans are 90 percent due to the city right around Thanksgiving. We will review them internally and provide feedback to the designer,” Grafman said.

If approved by the Englewood City Council, planners will begin coordinating with the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), with construction expected to begin in summer 2025.

Currently, the total estimated cost is approximately $8 million. A Denver Regional Council of Governments Transportation Improvement Project grant covers 80 percent of the cost, with the city of Englewood paying the remaining 20 percent.

Town of Englewood