DENVER (KDVR) — Most of the fences are down at the former 16th Street Mall, and while some have sworn not to step foot downtown due to their fears of safety, thousands came to the opening weekend of 16th Street.

What was known as the 16th Street Mall was under construction for years, with fences up along the strip. For years, businesses struggled to stay open due to the decreased foot traffic and safety on the street, but after reopening most of the street at the start of June, the ongoing project was considered a success.

What’s now known as 16th Street reopened at the end of May, with blocks from Market Street to Glenarm Place open along the strip. For the reopening, the Downtown Denver Partnership, in collaboration with the city and county of Denver, hosted the 16th Street Summer Kickoff.

The kick-off marked the grand opening of the new 16th Street, and while many have said the construction is a waste of money, and some still fear for their safety downtown, the partnership considered it a "resounding success."

How many people came back to 16th Street?

During 16th Street's opening weekend, which hosted performances, live music and local vendors, the partnership said 40,000 visitors attended, and downtown also attracted nearly 100,000 visitors with four events during the first weekend of June.

"The street was buzzing with music, laughter and the kind of community spirit that makes our downtown so special," the partnership said.

Meanwhile, 16th Street Grand BAZAAR vendors saw a total of $133,000 in sales. While businesses have said there's an improvement in business after new public safety efforts, the street isn't completely done.

There are still four unfinished blocks, and the entire project is expected to be finished by this fall.