Council approves plans for Ball Arena development

Denver City Council has approved plans for a wide-ranging residential and commercial district around Ball Arena, home of the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche.

The council has approved a series of rezoning, development agreements and service plan ordinances for the project. The plans are being led by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), which owns the arena and its two tenants.

KSE has proposed a 10- to 12-million-square-foot development on the 55-acre property. The development will include thousands of high-rise residential units, 10 acres of green space, and four pedestrian bridges connecting the district to adjacent neighbourhoods.

The land is currently occupied by parking lots. The project is designed to increase Downtown Denver’s developable square footage by 40% and will offer new entertainment, dining, leisure and wellness options for locals. The project could break ground in 2026.

Ball Arena is located close to Empower Field at Mile High, home of the NFL’s Denver Broncos, and Coors Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies. KSE said the stretch of land from I-25 to Speer Boulevard will create a corridor of pedestrian-friendly spaces connecting the three venues.

KSE has negotiated a legally binding community benefits agreement with stakeholders from nearby communities to ensure that the concerns of locals are addressed at every stage of the project.

The agreement will ensure that at least 18% of all new housing units are affordable housing, at least 20% of businesses that lease on the property are women- or minority-owned, at least 20% of permanent jobs are prioritised for residents of low-income Denver neighbourhoods, at least $5m (£3.9m/€4.6m) is spent on public art, at least 5,000 square feet is community art space, and bike and pedestrian paths connect the new district to the rest of the city.

Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said: “This project will help transform Downtown Denver’s economic vitality, vibrancy, and affordability. The collaboration between the city and the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment team and their community outreach and engagement has been a remarkable and years-long effort.

“We are grateful for Stan Kroenke’s vision and his long-term investment in the future of Denver that makes this possible. The redevelopment will be a catalyst for Denver’s vibrancy by increasing the access and connection of the Ball Arena area development to the rest of downtown, adding an early learning centre, thousands of units of housing including over 1,000 that are affordable, and ensures that our Nuggets and Avalanche will continue thrilling Denver fans in a world-class sports district in the heart of our city until at least 2050.”

Stan Kroenke, owner and chairman of KSE, added: “Thanks to tonight’s decision by the Denver City Council, it is an honour to share that Ball Arena will not only continue to be home to our wonderful teams, but also will serve as the anchor of an entirely new neighbourhood. This development will create thousands of jobs and new opportunities for many and will be part of the vibrant transformation we see across downtown Denver.

“Thanks to Mayor Johnston, the City Council and the people of Denver for trusting us with such an important project. On behalf of me, Josh, and my family, and all of us at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, we look forward to working with the community to help shape the future of this magnificent city for years to come.”