From Concept to Action in 2026
Thank you to all the community supporters who have made everything in this update possible.
When we started this effort, progress was frustratingly slow. The central obstacle was bridge ownership: without a clear path to resolving it, city agencies couldn’t fully engage, engineering firms couldn’t commit, and the project couldn’t move forward. That all changed last August.
The Gamechanger: Delgany Bridge Restoration, Inc.
Eight months ago, we created a special purpose entity — Delgany Bridge Restoration, Inc. (DBR) — with a single mission: take ownership of the bridge and lead its restoration. That one move unlocked everything.
With a credible entity willing and able to own the bridge, support came quickly from across the city: Parks & Recreation, theDepartment of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI), the City Attorney’s Office, the Mayor’s Office, and Councilman Chris Hinds. Mayor Johnston and his staff have been instrumental in moving this effort forward, and we’re grateful for their partnership.
What We’ve Accomplished
- City Agreement: A binding agreement — in final draft review with the City Attorney’s Office — establishes DBR’s ownership for restoration, with transfer to the city upon completion for ongoing maintenance. We expect to execute this agreement very soon.
- Martin & Martin Engineering: Through pro bono services, Martin & Martin worked with DOTI to develop construction criteria incorporated into our binding agreement and the conceptual engineering plans used for pre-construction planning and our Landmark Preservation application.
- Kiewit Corporation: Through pro bono services, Kiewit developed a detailed, line-by-line cost estimate placingthe project at $1.4 million. We are actively working to refine that figure by engaging community-mindedcontractors and completing a separate estimate for lead paint abatement. We are committed to raising and stewarding every dollar responsibly while delivering a restoration that meets the highest
- Landmark Preservation Approval: Last month, the Landmark Preservation Commission approved our restoration design and issued a Certificate of Appropriateness. The approved design features a 15.5-foot-wide concrete deck —significantly wider than the current 10-foot wood deck — with simple picket
- Lead Paint Abatement: Testing is complete and we are actively reviewing scope and soliciting abatement
- Community Partners: We’ve been joined by The Greenway Foundation, LoDoNA, Historic Denver, Denver’s Museum of Contemporary Art, and KSE — partners whose support adds credibility and reach to our efforts.
- Fundraising: We’ve engaged a professional fundraising developer with a comprehensive strategy targeting major donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Our goal is to complete fundraising by the end of 2026.
The Path Forward
We are on track to complete restoration in the first half of 2027 and reopen this beloved bridge to the community.
In 2025, this community donated over $60,000 — every dollar from private donors. That strong show of community commitment is what has earned the broad support of the city and our private-sector partners. Please consider making a gift in 2026 so our momentum continues.
