DENVER — A massive redevelopment project for the area around Ball Arena has been in the works for years, and Monday night, parts of that plan went before Denver City Council.
Earlier this month, the council approved a measure to lift view plane restrictions for the redevelopment. Monday night, they unanimously approved a proposal to rezone the area, making it easier for the development to move ahead. They also approved an agreement allowing Kroenke Sports and Entertainment to redevelop the area.
KSE, which owns Ball Arena as well as the Colorado Avalanche and Denver Nuggets, is behind the 64-acre redevelopment project. They say it would create a new neighborhood with housing, bike lanes, open space and amenities like artist spaces and childcare facilities.
The proposal prompted hours of discussion at Monday night's city council meeting.
Not everyone was onboard with the plan.
"The unique beauty of Denver will be compromised forever with the addition of possibly 40 high-rise buildings blocking the view of the mountains from various points in the city," said Casey Pitinga, a Denver resident.
Others came forward in support of the plan, including the Downtown Denver Partnership, who said they're confident the development would re-energize the area in a way that would improve the city for the better.
"Investment that supports socioeconomic resilience and the overall vibrancy of our city has never been more important," said Kourtny Garrett, partnership president and CEO. "Based on KSE's efforts to achieve the downtown area plan's vision and the terms of the community benefits agreement, we are confident this project will result in transformative, positive growth for downtown that will be felt throughout the region."
Last month, KSE promised that in exchange for the rezoning and the building height limit exemptions, they would ensure the Nuggets and Avalanche stay in Denver until 2050.