As I meet with clients across the Denver Metro area, two major developments consistently spark conversation: the Ball Arena redevelopment in downtown Denver and the emerging downtown district in Greenwood Village near the Denver Tech Center. Both projects will significantly reshape our commercial landscape and create meaningful opportunities for businesses considering their office space needs.
Ball Arena Redevelopment: Transforming Downtown Denver
Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s plan for the 55 acres of surface parking lots surrounding Ball Arena represents one of the most ambitious urban transformations in Denver’s history.
Project Scope
- 10–12 million square feet of mixed-use development including office space, housing, hotels, and retail
- Over 20% of dedicated to parks and open spaces, including a five-acre Signature Park
- Reimagined RTD stations and up to six new pedestrian bridges, including one spanning Speer Boulevard
- Enhanced street design featuring wider sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and a circulator shuttle system
With City Council approval secured in late 2024, groundbreaking could begin as early as 2026, though complete development will unfold in phases over many years.
What This Means for Office Tenants
Office spaces within this development will offer several distinct advantages:
- Connectivity: The integrated transportation improvements will simplify commuting for employees and visitors alike
- Workplace experience: Proximity to parks, dining, and cultural venues supports both productivity and work-life balance
- Space design: New construction allows for purpose-built environments that accommodate evolving workplace needs
- Strategic positioning: For companies prioritizing downtown presence, this represents a rare opportunity to secure space in a landmark project
For businesses considering this location, I recommend starting conversations now with developers and brokers. Early involvement often provides greater input into space configurations and potentially more favorable terms.
Greenwood Village’s Downtown Vision: DTC’s Next Chapter
Just south of Denver, Greenwood Village is actively developing its own downtown district adjacent to the Denver Tech Center.
Project Highlights
- New office towers (including Westray Tower 1) and mixed-use developments enhancing the existing business district
- The Greenwood Entertainment District (GED), established in 2019, has attracted numerous restaurants and retail spaces
- The Marilyn Hickey property redevelopment at I-25 and Orchard Road will bring commercial space (including a grocery anchor) and residential townhomes
- Ongoing mobility improvements to connect the district and improve pedestrian accessibility
This transformation is already underway, with the entertainment district seeing significant growth since 2019 and multiple projects in various stages of development.
What This Means for Office Tenants
The evolving Greenwood Village downtown offers distinctive benefits:
- Business ecosystem: Proximity to the established DTC business community provides access to talent, partners, and clients
- Amenities: The growing entertainment district creates a more vibrant, walkable environment beyond traditional office hours
- Market timing: Current development patterns suggest opportunities for favorable lease terms as new projects complete
- Regional access: The location provides convenient access to both downtown Denver and the southeast corridor
The southeast market has added nearly 12 million square feet of space since 2011, with retail vacancy at historic lows and office demand showing encouraging recovery patterns.
Looking Forward
Both developments reflect a broader trend toward mixed-use environments that blend work, residential, and lifestyle amenities. For businesses evaluating their real estate strategies, these projects deserve consideration not just for their physical spaces but for how they might enhance recruitment, retention, and overall workplace experience.
As you consider your own real estate needs, I’m always available to discuss how these or other developments might align with your business objectives.
Cheryl Stafford specializes in tenant representation for office clients throughout the Denver Metro area.
*Photo credits for Kroenke Ball Arena Plans https://visionplan.ballarena.com/
