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City of Greeley Celebrates Completion of 16th Street Improvements

September 4, 2026

Ribbon cutting will kick off Old Campus Bear Bash on September 18

GREELEY, Colo. — Downtown Greeley and the University of Northern Colorado are hosting the first Old Campus Bear Bash on Friday, September 18. To celebrate the completion of the 16th Street Enhancement Project, the City of Greeley will kick off the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The free event will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. on the lawn outside UNC’s Skinner Music Library and will coincide with the third annual WeldWalls Mural Festival.  

The 16th Street project improves the area between downtown Greeley and UNC. The project includes:

  • Wider and smoother sidewalks.
  • New landscaping and lighting.
  • Better parking.
  • Street changes to slow traffic.
  • Safer ways to walk and bike along 16th Street.

“The 16th Street Enhancements project, funded by state grants and local funds, serves as a gateway to UNC campus and helps bridge the gap between UNC and downtown. This celebration of the project completion highlights how this beautiful street welcomes residents and visitors to what's great about Greeley. We provide safe, effective ways for people to access school, shopping, work, and play regardless of whether you are driving, taking the bus, walking, or biking,” said Steven Younkin, chief engineer with the City of Greeley’s Public Works Department.

The project was completed through the work of the City’s Public Works team, Wadsworth Construction, and other project partners. Artist Mario Miguel Echevarria created sculptures for the street. Catenary lighting fixtures will be installed with the art installations.

“Ralph L. Wadsworth Construction is honored to have had the opportunity to partner with the City of Greeley on enhancements to the 16th Street Corridor,” said Justin Johnson, construction superintendent with Wadsworth Construction. “We’re grateful for the strong relationships built throughout this project with the City of Greeley, CDOT, our subcontractors, and the many stakeholders involved. RLW is proud to have helped improve Greeley and is excited to continue our partnership with the City of Greeley on ongoing projects.”

The September 18 celebration begins at 4 p.m. with UNC’s marching band and cheer team, followed by remarks and the official ribbon cutting at 4:15 p.m. The Bear Bash will continue with live music and activities at 16th Street businesses. WeldWalls artists will also be at work on murals along the corridor throughout the evening.

Learn more about the 16th Street ribbon cutting and September 18 celebration at https://greeleyco.gov/events/greeley-events/207130531/.