Old Hampden Utility Improvements

Project Overview

Old Hampden needs some love, both above and below ground. This street and its aging underground water and stormwater pipelines run directly through the Wellness District of Downtown Englewood serving Craig Hospital, Swedish Medical Center, nearby businesses and residents, office workers, and visitors with its assortment of retail stores and restaurants. Upgrading old infrastructure and enhancing public safety, accessibility and options for getting around the Old Hampden area are key priorities for the City of Englewood and the Englewood Downtown Development Authority.

The Old Hampden Utility Improvements project will begin to address these priorities by replacing aging utility infrastructure and planning for future streetscape improvements to better accommodate all modes of travel through the corridor.

After the Old Hampden Utility Improvement project is completed, the next phase of streetscape improvements will begin in Summer 2025 and continue into Summer 2026. Learn more about Old Hampden Complete Streets here.

Image of CCTV footage of stormwater pipe full of debris.

Aftermath of a water main break on Hampden and Washington.

Infrastructure Improvements

Many of Englewood’s water and stormwater pipes were built in the 1950s. They are nearing the end of their useful life and need to be upgraded or replaced. Water main breaks and stormwater-related flooding have both occurred as a result of aging and undersized infrastructure.

Because of these issues, the replacement of aging infrastructure along Old Hampden has been identified as a top priority for the City of Englewood through its master planning process. In 2020, the City of Englewood developed Master Plans for each of the three utilities which identified the following priorities:

• Stormwater Master Plan
  • Replacement of stormwater pipelines along Old Hampden and the possible addition of a new, enlarged storm sewer outlet to Little Dry Creek was identified as one of the top three critical infrastructure improvements.
• Water System Master Plan
  • The Clarkson and Hampden Booster Pump Station and Old Hampden water main were identified as being in need of rehabilitation and replacement.

To help reduce the cost of these critical infrastructure projects and limit construction-related disruptions, the Public Works and Utilities Departments have partnered to make these improvements to the stormwater and water lines at the same time.

Streetscape Improvements

Streetscape improvements and utility improvements have been separated into two projects. Please view Old Hampden Complete Streets Project page to view the project details for streetscape improvements.

The underground pipeline improvements will pave the way for a redesign above ground following Complete Streets design principles.

Green infrastructure (GI) along Brighton Boulevard in Five Points. This GI captures excess stormwater while also providing seating for pedestrians and other street users. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)

Example of proposed streetscape design

Community Input

A key piece of this project is public input. An e-survey on this page in 2022 resulted in public comments that have directly informed preliminary plans. A stakeholder advisory committee, comprised of corridor residents, businesses, hospitals, neighbors, people with disabilities and advocates for safety, sustainability and accessibility has also provided input.

You can view their meeting presentations under “Documents” on this page. To stay informed on the latest project information, subscribe to the project email list at the top of this page.

Stakeholders meeting in the project area. Stakeholders meeting in the project area.

Project Scope

Stormwater Improvements

• Design improvements for 2,300 feet of stormwater pipeline, inlets and manholes on Old Hampden Avenue between S. Clarkson Street and Lincoln Street
• Design improvements for 400 feet of stormwater pipeline on Lincoln Street south of Old Hampden Avenue to the outfall on Little Dry Creek
• Construction of improvements to occur in 2024-2025.

Project Funding

A variety of funding sources will be necessary to complete the design and construction of all aspects of this project, including federal, state, and local sources. Design costs are being funded by Water and Stormwater Funds along with funds from the city’s Public Improvement Fund for the preliminary design of the Complete Streets concept.

Project Schedule

The Old Hampden Complete Streets Project is scheduled to begin in January 2025 and continue through Summer 2025.