Auraria Campus Explores Expansion Near Ball Arena

Proposed 11-story mixed-use building would include housing and commercial space.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:31pm

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The Auraria Campus, home to three universities in Denver, is exploring the development of an 11-story mixed-use building on a triangular parcel of land near the parking lots around Ball Arena. The proposed building would include 75 housing units and commercial space, and is part of the campus's efforts to support its educational mission, generate revenue, and advance its long-term vision.

Why it matters

The Auraria Campus expansion represents an opportunity for the universities to grow their footprint and offerings in a prime location near downtown Denver and the popular Ball Arena. It also signals the campus's commitment to providing more student housing and commercial amenities to support the educational experience.

The details

The Auraria Campus, an arm of the Colorado state government, is examining "potential development scenarios" for the state-owned parcel near Ball Arena in collaboration with Infrastructure Strategies LLC and Clark & Enersen. The proposed 11-story mixed-use building would cross Auraria Parkway and be located closer to the arena, featuring 75 housing units and commercial space.

  • The concept plan for the development was submitted to the city of Denver in 2026.

The players

Auraria Campus

A college campus in Denver that is home to three universities and is an arm of the Colorado state government.

Colleen Walker

The CEO of the Auraria Campus.

Infrastructure Strategies LLC

A consulting firm that worked with the Auraria Campus on examining potential development scenarios for the land near Ball Arena.

Clark & Enersen

A design firm that worked with the Auraria Campus on examining potential development scenarios for the land near Ball Arena.

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What they’re saying

“The study examines how the land could support the mission of our higher education partners, generate potential revenue, and advance the campus's long-term academic and cultural vision focused on student success and the future of the campus.”

— Colleen Walker, CEO, Auraria Campus (9news.com)

What’s next

The Auraria Campus will continue to evaluate the feasibility and details of the proposed 11-story mixed-use development near Ball Arena.

The takeaway

The Auraria Campus's exploration of expanding its footprint near Ball Arena demonstrates its commitment to providing more housing, commercial amenities, and opportunities to support its educational mission and the student experience.