Advancing the Ball Arena Campus: A Historic Opportunity for Downtown Denver

The Downtown Denver Partnership is pleased to announce our support of the Ball Arena Campus redevelopment as six key measures head to Denver City Council for approval on Monday, October 21. The upcoming Council considerations come directly after the adoption of an unprecedented Community Benefit Agreement (CBA), an important layer of programmatic terms for the development that deepen commitments of the project to affordability, workforce development, cultural capital, and reconciliation with displaced and marginalized communities. The CBA, developed through the work of the Ball Arena Community Benefit Advisory Committee (BACBAC) — of which we have been proud members represented by the Partnerships Vice President of Planning & Community Impact, Andrew Iltis —ensures that this redevelopment will not only enhance our urban landscape but also address critical needs such as housing affordability, economic opportunities, cultural amenities, and infrastructure improvements. Our collaboration with the community and developer has enabled a plan that prioritizes the long-term sustainability, livability, and resilience of downtown Denver. The CBA embodies our commitment to ensuring that the Ball Arena Campus becomes a diverse and dynamic addition to the city, incorporating:

• Affordable Housing options that support residents from all income levels,

• Economic Resources that bolster community prosperity,

• Cultural Amenities that enrich Denver’s cultural landscape, and

• Infrastructure Enhancements that facilitate multimodal transportation and support green, active spaces.

This is a project that not only addresses present needs but builds a foundation for Denver's future growth. The project closely mirrors the objectives set forth in the Downtown Area Plan, which has long outlined a vision for the redevelopment of key downtown spaces. The 2018 amendment to the Downtown Area Plan, focusing on the Central Platte Valley-Auraria area, calls for diversity in housing, active open spaces, park development, and infrastructure that encourages alternative modes of transportation. The Ball Arena Campus delivers on all of these, reflecting the community's aspirations for a more inclusive, connected, and prosperous urban center. As Denver and the surrounding region continue to face socio-economic challenges, projects like this are more critical than ever. Investment in downtown is essential for maintaining the vibrancy and economic resilience that will allow Denver to flourish in the years to come. The Ball Arena Campus redevelopment has the potential to serve as a catalyst for positive, transformative growth, not just for downtown but for the entire region. The bills that are up for consideration before Denver City Council on Monday, October 21, include several key approvals that are vital to moving this project forward. These include:

• Ball Campus rezoning (24-1140)

• The Old City Hall View Plane Amendment (24-1141)

• The Ball Campus Development Agreement (24-1142)

• The River Mile Development Agreement Amendment (24-1143)

• The Arena Trust Agreement (24-1144)

• The Ball Metro District Service Plan (24-1169)

Click here to read our letter of support to Denver City Council.

We believe these proposals are in harmony with the broader vision for downtown Denver and align with our goals for fostering a more prosperous, inclusive, and vibrant city. With City Council's support, the Ball Arena Campus redevelopment will represent a landmark achievement in shaping Denver's urban future. The Downtown Denver Partnership remains committed to working with our city’s leaders, businesses, and residents to realize a downtown that is welcoming and beneficial to all.