Denver City Council has unanimously approved the rezoning of the west side of the Cherry Creek Shopping Center for the Cherry Creek West project. This 13-acre mixed-use community will include offices, apartments, retail space, and open areas. The approval comes after concerns from residents about traffic congestion and high density were addressed by the developers, who have committed to maintaining the scale of the project as initially proposed.
The project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the city, with over a million square feet of new space and 100 affordable housing units. Developers have also promised to implement a traffic demand management plan to reduce congestion by 17.5%. However, some critics believe that the focus on this project may divert resources from revitalizing downtown Denver.
The Cherry Creek West project is set to begin infrastructure work and design, with a projected buildout timeline of up to a decade. The next steps include finalizing designs, demolishing existing buildings, and beginning construction by summer 2026. Meanwhile, another major redevelopment in Denver, the transformation of Ball Arena’s parking lots into a 55-acre neighborhood, is also progressing through City Council.
Councilmember Amanda Sawyer defended the Cherry Creek West project, highlighting its benefits of walkability, affordable housing, and community amenities. Although some residents and community leaders believe there was a missed opportunity to create a more innovative and special development, overall, the project has been met with cautious optimism and support.
Source
Photo credit denvergazette.com
