Denver City Council unanimously approved the rezoning of approximately 70 acres of land around Ball Arena on Monday, allowing for the development of mixed-use buildings, shops, restaurants, office space, and parks. The project, which could break ground in 2026, aims to transform the existing parking lots into thin skyscrapers holding apartments and condominiums, with 18% of the units designated as affordable housing.
Despite concerns about changing view planes to preserve Rocky Mountain views, the council voted to proceed with the project, which involves extending agreements to keep the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets in the city until 2050. Kroenke Sports, the owner of Ball Arena, plans to create connections between downtown and the South Platte River, along with a large park that will also serve as an event and concert space.
Community members, including Councilmember Amanda Sawyer, voiced concerns about the precedent of changing the view plane, but a majority of councilmembers and the public supported the project. Kroenke Sports signed a community benefits agreement with nearby neighborhood organizations to support job development, local artists, and descendants of historically displaced communities.
The Ball Arena redevelopment project aligns with Denver’s vision for increased density and mixed-use developments in the Central Platte Valley/Auraria area. The project is seen as a step towards addressing the city’s housing deficit and promoting alternative transportation methods. With the view plane change passed, Kroenke Sports can proceed with construction, focusing on creating a vibrant, inclusive, and modern neighborhood around Ball Arena.
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