Denver’s Next Chapter in Development

Last month, the Denver City Council approved significant parts of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment’s ambitious plan to transform the parking lots around Ball Arena. This massive mixed-use project will take the 55 acres currently dedicated to parking and develop it into what’s being called a “second downtown.”

Current Site of Ball Arena

The project will take over 25 years and is projected to increase Denver’s developable square footage by 40% by its completion. A key piece of this project is the 6,000 new housing units, 18% of which will be designated affordable, with an emphasis on the more family-friendly, 2-bedroom dwellings.

Rendering of Project Looking Across Speer Blvd

Another major development approved this fall is Cherry Creek West, a 13-acre project covering four blocks at the former site of Bed Bath & Beyond and Elway’s Restaurant. This ambitious project will include seven buildings, some reaching up to 13 stories, and is set to bring 800 new residences to the Cherry Creek area. In addition to housing, Cherry Creek West will feature a blend of office and retail spaces, all supported by underground parking. Unlike the longer-term Ball Arena project, Cherry Creek West is expected to take shape much sooner, with initial infrastructure work beginning this year.

Rendering of Cherry Creek West

These two projects have received zoning approval from the city, but many more are potentially coming down the pipeline. Near the KSE Development, River Mile would be a 62-acre mixed-use development at the current site of Elitch Gardens. Lastly, the Stadium District Master Plan, which reimagined the area surrounding Broncos Stadium, is on an indefinite hold as the football team determines whether they plan to stay at Empower Field.

One thing is sure: modern Denver has become known for constant growth, and it looks like the Denver of the future will be the same.