KSE 55-Acre Development Around Ball Arena

The Kroenke Sports and Entertainment ( KSE ) is looking to revitalize the vicinity surrounding Ball Arena through its development strategy. With oversight of Ball Arena, the Denver Nuggets and the Colorado Avalanche KSE envisions creating a ” sports mile ” that links three sports facilities. A coalition comprised of, than twelve neighborhood and community organizations has come to terms with KSE regarding the effects, on the community and local businesses.

The landscape architecture company, Wenk Associates envisions that the project will contribute 5 million square feet of spaces such, as offices and residential areas, to downtown Denver’s landscape. The goal of this endeavor is to transform the 55-acres of downtown Denver by introducing skyscrapers that will reshape the city’s skyline.

Greenlight to build skyscrapers

This week saw the Denver City Council granting Stan Kroenke the greenlight to build skyscrapers, on the parking lots near Ball Arena – home, to the Nuggets and Avalanche teams. The development is set to include 30 to 40 story buildings and aims to alleviate Denver’s housing shortage by introducing 6000 residential units.

City Council to Vote on View Plane

The initial significant move, by the council involved a modification to the city regulations that excluded the project from being bound by the height restrictions imposed by the view plane around Old City Hall area. The aim of this view plane is to maintain views towards the west from Larimer streets where the old city hall used to be located. However, the city planners pointed out that the structures of Auraria Higher Education Center, along Speer Boulevard have already obstructed these views.

The Kroenke’s now has the approval it needs for rezoning before they turn the 55-acre parking area into a district. They have agreed to ensure that 18 percent of housing units are affordable and that 20 percent of project contracts go to businesses owned by minorities or women. The development also promises to provide significant funding for community benefits, like public art scholarships internships and housing assistance.

Not everyone is on board

Some people are not in favor of the plan due to concerns raised by residents living in downtown Denver’s Larimer Place high-rise building which stands at 31 stories. They are worried about loss of views decreasing, property values and a rise in vacant units, within the surrounding high-rise buildings.

Construction start

Next year marks the commencement of construction with plans, for kicking off by constructing a hotel and an entertainment venue with a seating capacity of 5,000 seats before moving on to buildings.

In May 2022, KSE started the process by presenting their development proposals to the city council. The council has recently approved changes, to the agreements regarding the arena ensuring that the Nuggets and Avalanche will stay at Kroekne’s Denver venues until 2050. Additionally, the council has decided to align the development schedules for the River Mile property, which is partially owned by Kroekne with the timeline of events, at Ball Arena.

The process was started by KSE when they presented their development plans to the city council in May 2022.. The city council recently approved amendments to arena agreements that guarantee the presence of the Nuggets and Avalanche, at Kroenes properties in Denver until 2050. Additionally, the council extended the development timelines, for the River Mile property door, which is partly owned by Kroene to align with the Ball Arena schedule.

The gratitude expressed by Kroenuke towards Mayor Mike Johnston and the Denver City Council shows appreciation, for the support received for a project that is expected to bring job opportunities and new horizons for the community.

Artist rendering of the proposed redevelopment of a 70 acre parcel of land near Ball Arena in downtown Denver.

Development Around Ball Arena: Project Factsheet

Project Overview

Developer: Kroenke Sports and Entertainment (KSE)

Location: Downtown Denver, surrounding Ball Arena

Total Area: 55-acres of redevelopment (70 acres total property)

Project Timeline: Construction starts 2025, agreement extends to 2050

Development Scope

Total Development Area: 5+ million square feet

Building Heights: Up to 30-40 stories

Land Use: Mixed-use development including:

Residential units

Office space

Retail space

Entertainment venues

First look: A rendering of the shops and bike track planned near Ball Arena

Housing Components

Total Units Planned: ~6,000 residential units

Affordable Housing: 18% of total units

Unit Types: Mix of apartments and condos

Development around ball arena: Phase 1 (2025)

Hotel

5,000-seat music venue

Initial residential buildings

Community Benefits

Business Opportunities: 20% of contracts allocated to small, minority-owned, or women-owned businesses

Community Investment:

Public art funding

Youth scholarships

Internship programs

Housing assistance programs

Sports & Entertainment

Guarantees Nuggets and Avalanche presence through 2050

Creates “sports mile” connecting major venues

Enhances game-day experience

Increases year-round activity in the area

Development around ball arena planning & zoning

Exemption from Old City Hall view plane restrictions

Requires rezoning approval

Aligns with Denver’s 2018 Downtown Area Plan

Promotes walkable neighborhoods

Supports mixed-use development

Key Stakeholders

Kroenke Sports and Entertainment

Denver City Council

Mayor Mike Johnston’s office

Local community groups

Neighborhood associations

Development around ball arena project goals

Downtown Denver expansion

Housing shortage relief

Economic development

Community integration

Enhanced urban connectivity

Additional Information

Community Agreement: Signed with committee representing dozen+ neighborhood and community groups

Related Development: Coordinated with River Mile property development (also partially owned by Kroenke)

Project Status: City Council approved initial phases in 2024