Denver City Council Hearing Determines Fate of Ball Arena

KSE-Ball Arean Redevelopment Concept Plan, Learn More.

The area around Ball arena has been an interest to developers and owners, Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, for some time now. Today, Monday, September 23rd, 2024, the owners will go before the board of Denver City Council to find approval for a major 55-acre redevelopment plan. Originally, the owners filed the redevelopment plans in 2022, flash forward to today, the City of Denver might see a path forward to a brand new development –  one that will change the face and Denver skyline.

Key Points of the Ball Arena Redevelopment Proposal with Denver City Council

1. Affordable Housing as a Central Focus: The inclusion of affordable housing is a key part of the proposal. Under Denver’s current agreement, buildings cannot exceed five stories. However, the affordable housing initiative could negate this restriction, permitting the construction of taller buildings. This aligns with the city’s goals of increasing housing availability, but it also introduces concerns about the potential impact on the surrounding area and residents.
2. Residents’ Concerns About Height and Views: Several residents have expressed concern about the height of new developments, especially given Denver’s iconic mountain views. There is fear that taller buildings could obstruct these views, which are a distinctive part of the city’s character. To mitigate this, planners propose the construction of “tall skinny towers” with restricted floorplate dimensions to preserve view corridors, allowing for more compact structures while accommodating higher density through vertical development.
3. Potential Impacts on Existing Property Owners: Some property owners have raised concerns that allowing for taller buildings, contrary to existing ordinances, could undermine their long-term investments. Many have relied on the city’s commitment to these regulations when making decisions about their properties.
4. Public Hearing and Approval Process: The proposal will go before the Denver City Council, with a public hearing scheduled for October 21 if the council approves moving forward. This provides a platform for both supporters and opponents of the plan to voice their opinions, and it will be a critical step in determining whether the project proceeds.

Residents are concerned about changing the city’s Skyline

One of the biggest concerns about this redevelopment is the threat of change to Denver’s iconic skyline. While the city’s hi-rise buildings are demure and packed closely together, they create a recognizable feature of the city being modern but also close to the mountain range. Several residents have expressed concern about the height of new developments, especially given Denver’s iconic mountain views. There is fear that taller buildings could obstruct these views, which are a distinctive part of the city’s character. To mitigate this, planners propose the construction of “tall skinny towers” with restricted floor plan dimensions to preserve view corridors, allowing for more compact structures while accommodating higher density through vertical development.

In another sense, the inclusion of affordable housing to many of these higher rise buildings would be a benefit to the developers. The city of Denver has building restrictions, stopping developers from producing structures that exceed five stories. However, the inclusion of affordable housing effectively negates that restriction and allows developers to build to any height. 

Preserving the Mile High Vibe

Preserving the mountain views is a significant concern for Denver residents when it comes to the Ball arena redevelopment project. Even though the plan calls for multiple hi-rise buildings, there is little information about what constitutes a ‘tall skinny tower’. Regardless of what measures are taken, there will still be an impact on the local area’s skyline and surrounding areas’ views of the Rockies. 

Still nonetheless, homeowners and developers alike have been very adamant about keeping the Mile High vibe alive when building in this great city. Emphasizing the bueety of nature and the mountains to be a part of our home life is one of the main characteristics that made us fall in love with Denver and Colorado. We will see what changes will come for the Ball arena that Kroenke Sports and Entertainment are proposing and what implications will result of it. The proposal will go before the city council on Monday and, if approved, a public hearing will be held on October 21st.

Since preserving mountain views is a significant concern for residents in the Ball Arena area, you can market your expertise in designing homes that maximize natural views, incorporate sleek modern designs, and blend with the city’s western aesthetic. Highlight your ability to maintain the aesthetic balance between luxury and the natural environment, something highly desirable to high-end clients.

Building for a Sustainable Future

As the Ball Arena redevelopment progresses, there’s no doubt that changes to the local skyline will impact the views and aesthetics of the surrounding neighborhoods. However, this presents a prime opportunity for homeowners in nearby areas to invest in their properties. By enhancing your home now—whether through a luxury remodel or adding features that capitalize on the natural beauty of Denver’s iconic mountain views—you’ll be taking proactive steps to increase the value of your property. With the influx of new shops, restaurants, parks, and businesses set to transform the area, demand for homes with a balance of modern design and a connection to Denver’s natural surroundings will rise. Improving your home now means positioning yourself ahead of the curve, ensuring you benefit from the upcoming boom while preserving that beloved Mile High vibe that so many cherish. This foresight could make your home a standout in a rapidly evolving urban landscape.