If you’ve spent any time near Speer Boulevard lately, you’ve probably noticed a shift in the skyline—and it’s just getting started.
The planned redevelopment of the Ball Arena parking lots is one of the largest infill projects in Denver history. It’s more than a facelift. It’s a full-scale reimagining of how people will live, work, and experience downtown in the next decade.
As a Denver Realtor with deep ties to both the urban core and the city’s creative culture, I’ve had countless conversations lately with clients, investors, and fellow agents asking the same question: What’s coming—and what does it mean for real estate?
Let’s take a closer look at the Ball Arena redevelopment project and why this is such a pivotal moment for Denver.
The Vision: Urban Density Meets Walkable Culture
The redevelopment plan, led by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and the City of Denver, will transform 55+ acres of underutilized parking lots into a vibrant mixed-use district.
Key elements include:
- 3,000+ new residential units, including a significant number of affordable housing options
- A new street grid that reconnects the site with the surrounding downtown neighborhoods
- Restaurants, retail, and entertainment venues built into walkable blocks
- Sustainable infrastructure including green roofs, tree-lined streets, and pedestrian-first design
- Access to public transportation, including light rail and bike lanes
- Potential future entertainment venues, hotels, and office space
This isn’t just about what’s being built—it’s about how it’s being built. The Ball Arena redevelopment follows a nationwide trend of repurposing central city land to create walkable, connected, lifestyle-driven neighborhoods.
Why This Location Matters
Let’s be clear: this is prime downtown real estate.
The site sits between LoDo, Jefferson Park, and the Auraria Campus, with easy access to:
- Union Station
- Empower Field
- Elitch Gardens
- The South Platte River Trail
- The existing Ball Arena and Pepsi Center light rail stop
Once completed, this district will effectively stitch together areas of the city that have long been divided by infrastructure—and create a seamless flow of commerce, culture, and community from Riverfront Park to the heart of downtown.
What It Means for Real Estate
We’ve seen this story before in Denver. And we’ll be exploring other major developments like this throughout the summer.
Take a look at what happened to real estate in Jefferson Park after the construction of Empower Field and its surrounding development. What was once a sleepy neighborhood of post-war bungalows is now a sought-after pocket filled with modern townhomes, rooftop decks, and skyline views.
The Ball Arena project is likely to spark a similar wave of appreciation—especially for properties in nearby neighborhoods like:
- Riverfront Park – Modern luxury living with walkability to the trail and Union Station
- LoHi – Vibrant dining scene, walkability, and unique architecture
- Golden Triangle – Known for its art institutions and evolving residential towers
- Lincoln Park & Baker – Historic charm with rising interest from younger buyers and investors
Whether you’re a buyer looking to get in ahead of the curve or a seller wondering how your
home value might shift—this development is one to watch.
A Cultural Hotspot in the Making
Let’s not forget—this is still Ball Arena. Home to epic concerts, Avs and Nuggets games, and memories that span generations.
But imagine what this space becomes when it’s no longer just about parking and events.
Envision a district that feels like a true urban village—where your go-to coffee shop, favorite live music venue, and condo with mountain views all exist within a few blocks of each other. That’s what’s on the table here.
This also opens up opportunities for new performance venues, creative retail, and potential gallery space—something I’m personally excited about, given my own background in the music industry and my love for urban arts infrastructure.
Final Thoughts: The Time to Pay Attention is Now
Major urban redevelopment projects don’t happen overnight—but they do shift the momentum of a city in very real ways.
The Ball Arena redevelopment is still in the early stages, but it’s already creating buzz among urban planners, investors, and residents who recognize what’s at stake.
If you’ve been thinking about buying in or near downtown Denver—or just want to understand how city planning and design influence lifestyle and long-term value—I’d love to share more.
Because in a city like Denver, where the line between lifestyle and investment continues to blur, these big moves tell a deeper story about where we’re headed.
Let’s talk about how you can be part of it.
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