Denver Nonprofit Pitches $350M Aerial Gondola Network for Downtown

Den-Vair proposal aims to connect key landmarks and boost foot traffic with gondolas, Ferris wheel, and amphitheater.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:19pm

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A highly stylized, geometric illustration depicting the towering, streamlined forms of gondola towers and stations against a gradient background evoking the Denver skyline, capturing the grand scale and sweeping vision of the proposed transportation network.An ambitious plan to connect downtown Denver with a network of aerial gondolas aims to draw visitors and workers back to the city center.Denver Today

A local nonprofit in Denver has unveiled a ambitious $350 million proposal called Den-Vair to build an 8-mile aerial gondola network with 15 stations across downtown, including a 500-foot Ferris wheel and new amphitheater. The plan aims to draw visitors and office workers back to the city center, with funding potentially coming from a mix of fares, advertising, and public-private partnerships.

Why it matters

Denver's downtown has struggled with declining foot traffic in recent years, and this bold gondola proposal is an attempt to reinvigorate the urban core by providing a unique transportation option and new attractions. However, the project faces skepticism over its visual impact, maintenance costs, and privacy concerns from residents and businesses.

The details

The Den-Vair concept calls for three connected gondola loops with about 15 stations, linking key downtown landmarks like Union Station, Civic Center Park, Auraria campus, Elitch Gardens, and Coors Field. The nonprofit behind the plan estimates construction costs between $167 million and $363 million, with gondolas accounting for $120 million to $340 million of that. Funding could come from a mix of fares, advertising, and public-private financing, though city officials say they have not yet formally reviewed the proposal.

  • The Den-Vair proposal was unveiled to the public on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Denver's Downtown Development Authority has set aside $570 million for downtown investment that could potentially help fund the Den-Vair project.

The players

New Downtown Denver

The local nonprofit that developed and is promoting the Den-Vair aerial gondola proposal for downtown Denver.

Ryan Ross

The author of the Den-Vair proposal, who has invited gondola manufacturers to showcase their technology at a public event.

Denver Downtown Development Authority

The city agency that has set aside $570 million for downtown investment, which Den-Vair backers say could help fund planning or matching costs for the project.

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What they’re saying

“Denver needs bold, attention-grabbing moves.”

— Ryan Ross

What’s next

City planners and the Downtown Development Authority representatives say they have not formally reviewed the Den-Vair proposal yet, but backers plan to continue courting investors and city leaders as they seek to advance the project into formal review and potential scoping studies.

The takeaway

The Den-Vair gondola proposal represents a high-stakes gamble to revitalize downtown Denver, but it faces significant hurdles around funding, public acceptance, and technical feasibility that will need to be addressed before the plan can move forward.