West Denver Rising
We’re partnering with local businesses along South Federal Boulevard to celebrate the cultural diversity of this corridor while improving traffic safety and the pedestrian environment.
Officially designated the Little Saigon Business District, this area is home to Asian and Latinx restaurants, grocery stores, and shops. In partnership with the local community, The Vietnamese American Community of Colorado, and West Denver Renaissance Collaborative, the Denver Streets Partnership identified and installed two temporary placemaking enhancements in the district that support the dignity and enjoyment of people walking and accessing transit along Federal Boulevard. These demonstrations coincided with the Little Saigon Night Market and the Mid-Autumn Festival, where residents experienced the temporary safety and walking enhancement projects while celebrating local multicultural flair.
Current efforts of the Friends of Little Saigon partners include supporting the family-owned restaurants in this area that are struggling during COVID-19. Small businesses are the lifeblood of any community and, in Denver, the places we’re trying to get to by foot, bike, or bus. Little Saigon is full of delicious, locally-owned restaurants. Making sure they have the tools and resources to stay afloat during COVID-19 is a top priority of ours.
Learn more about our work to support small businesses
Read the 2021 West Denver Small Business Report Executive Summary
We’re also working with business owners to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in the area. Across the United States, Vietnamese-American communities have come together to create Little Saigon districts to celebrate Vietnamese culture, history, and businesses. The Federal Boulevard corridor has the potential to be the next great Little Saigon by:
Creating a strong sense of place and pride in the Little Saigon district, reflecting its unique and vibrant cultural diversity
Supporting thriving, locally-owned businesses that provide economic opportunities for area residents
Fostering community engagement with residents and businesses
Contributing to the community’s overall health by encouraging increased walking, biking, and transit
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Denver Streets Partnership has launched an online resource to support the family-owned, local businesses in the Little Saigon Business District that are open for take-out and delivery. These unique restaurants and businesses offer authentic experiences that can’t be found anywhere else in Denver.
Support these family-owned restaurants in one of Denver’s most culturally-rich areas by visiting LittleSaigonDenver.com
Related Resources
From Parking Lots to Patios
We’re supporting our small businesses in Little Saigon, Westwood, and East Colfax in repurposing space from parking to patios. Check out our new video!
Supporting local businesses with outdoor seating
When you need something juicy, something to spice up the menu of life, it’s time you considered our work supporting small businesses and local main streets across Denver. We’ve been busy.
Little Saigon Report
The “Friends of Little Saigon” initiative, led by the Denver Streets Partnership and the West Denver Renaissance Collaborative, is focused on community beautification and stewardship of the pedestrian environment along Federal Boulevard between Alameda and Mississippi in Southwest Denver. This area is formally designated as the “Little Saigon Business District.” As part of this initiative, […]