In 2011, Denver nearly lost its legacy Stock Show. The National Western Stock Show organization was exploring other options after outgrowing its outdated facilities. In 2012, Denver came up with a plan not only to keep it but also to transform the 250-acre site into so much more. Five major partners—the City of Denver, Colorado State University, The National Western Stock Show, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, and History Colorado—worked with the public to create a new master plan. In 2015, the citizens of Denver approved funding of nearly $1 billion to transform the site with 2.2 million square feet of new facilities as the future home for a convergence of food and agriculture innovation, education, and entertainment in the National Western Center.

Colorado Springs lies an hour south of Denver amid some of Colorado’s most breathtaking natural landscapes. Visit the recently completed United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum (designed by Diller Scorfidio + Renfro)—one of the most accessible museums in the world. Then visit Weidner Field (a 10,000-seat urban stadium home to the United Soccer League Champion Colorado Springs Switchbacks) to learn about urban stadium development in mid-market cities. Lastly, tour current urban renewal and downtown development authority areas (residential and commercial) and the creative district to understand the local efforts and tools used to create public/private partnership redevelopment opportunities.

Denver’s Lower Downtown (LoDo) Historic District is home to some of the most innovative approaches to historic downtown development. This tour visits McGregor Square, which offers office and retail space, dining, and events near Coors Field. Dairy Block is a historic block, once home to Windsor Dairy and now a vibrant micro-district that boasts 11 shops, 19 restaurants, eight bars, a luxury coworking space, and a 172-room hotel. Market Station offers residences in the heart of LoDo, as well as office and retail space.

For more than 60 years, the Downtown Denver Partnership has convened, collaborated, and led a bold vision to build an economically powerful center city. The Partnership believes providing venues for residents, workers, and visitors to gather, relax, and play in the public realm is a key component of fostering a balance between urban life and the outdoors and adding vitality to urban spaces. Over the years, the Partnership has led efforts to make Skyline Park accessible and inviting through activations including the Downtown Denver Ice Rink, the Skyline Beer Garden, Putt-Putt Golf, a dog park, and much more. Now, the Partnership is working alongside Denver Parks & Recreation on the Skyline Park Improvements Project to ensure that the public space serves the need of those who live, work, and play in the center city. Come learn about the future of the park that is at the heart of downtown Denver!