The history of Denver is closely intertwined with the South Platte River. From the city’s initial settlement along the riverbanks in 1858 to subsequent urbanization that altered its natural course, the South Platte has played a significant role in Denver’s evolution. For much of the 20th century, however, metropolitan development turned away from this vital waterway.
Now, through a handful of thoughtful, transformative developments, the city is reclaiming its relationship with the South Platte River. The projects promise to create dynamic urban landscapes for working, living, and recreation while seamlessly integrating with the natural environment. In essence, these developments are looking to spotlight the South Platte as a long-overlooked asset and a key to the city’s future.
Over the last few decades, a collaborative effort involving the city and county of Denver, the Mile High Flood District, The Greenway Foundation, the Colorado Water Conservation Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has laid the groundwork for revitalizing Denver’s urban riverfront. Rather than simply trying to coexist with the river, this collective vision presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for development that thoroughly embraces the river and creates a vibrant, sustainable link to the larger city.
Denver was always destined to be a “river city,” as evidenced by the diagonal downtown grid that perfectly mirrors the river’s flow. Several large-scale developments are now poised to fundamentally reshape the city’s long-standing relationship with the South Platte. At their core, these marquis projects represent a renaissance movement to reclaim the river as a vital amenity.
The River Mile: New gateway to the city
One of the first and most ambitious projects to kick off this transformation is The River Mile. In 2015, the developer saw an opportunity to deliver the restoration and flood mitigation recommendations of USACE’s Environmental Impact Statement on behalf of the city. Spanning 62 acres (25 ha) and programmed for nearly 15 million square feet (1.4 million sq m) of built environment, the development also has 1.3 miles (2.1 km) of riverfront, making it a natural partner to spearhead the restoration work.
Located along the South Platte between Speer Boulevard and Auraria Parkway, The River Mile will be the largest commercial project in the region and one of the largest urban redevelopments in the country. Currently, the area is an underutilized part of the city. While Elitch Gardens theme and water park occupies a significant portion, there are also swaths of surface parking lots.
The River Mile will replace these fragmented uses with a cohesive, mixed-use development that integrates seamlessly with the existing urban fabric, including 6.65 million square feet (618,000 sq m) of office, 5.58 million square feet (518,000 sq m) of residential, plus hospitality, retail, and cultural offerings, along with 32 acres (12.9 ha) of parks and open space that will breathe new life into that section of the river corridor.
The River Mile development team is currently seeking office tenants, with river restoration expected to be completed by 2025, and the first neighborhood—dubbed Headwater—planned in 2026 or 2027.
Denargo Market: Catalyst for change
While The River Mile promises to be an exciting new gateway for the city, several other large-scale projects are already underway just north of that development, creating other vital connections along the South Platte River.
One is Denargo Market, the largest infill project currently under construction in Denver. The 17-acre (6.9 ha) development will introduce more than four acres (1.6 ha) of public spaces connected by purposeful vertical development, including three million square feet (279,000 sq m) of residential, retail, office, and hospitality space—ultimately reshaping the skyline and becoming a key link between RiNo and Denver’s urban core.
Envisioned as a vibrant, day-to-night destination, Denargo Market won’t just exist alongside the river; it seeks to actively embrace it. The entire development—from the RiNo Promenade to the National Western Complex—will be oriented toward the South Platte, with seamless connections to the South Platte River Trail systems and the future River Mile trail network. Creating these interconnections is fundamental to Denargo Market’s vision of fostering a welcoming community among residents and visitors alike.
Groundbreaking for Phase I took place in September 2023, kicking off a two-year horizontal construction project. Besides building the necessary and extensive infrastructure, this phase also addresses environmental remediation, underground utilities, stormwater management, and a network of pedestrian-centric streets. When completed, the essential elements will include sidewalks, street lighting, protected/elevated bike lanes, and native Colorado landscaping—none of which currently exist in the place.
Phase I will also deliver more than four acres (1.6 ha) of public amenities, as well as expansive and much-needed parks and open space. Features will include modernized sport courts, a revamped dog park, an activated pedestrian plaza, an extension of the RiNo Promenade, a half-acre green lawn for entertainment, fitness and picnicking opportunities, and a pop-jet fountain. The plan also calls for a nature-based playground and one of the largest interactive public art installations in Denver. Through a partnership with Denver Urban Gardens, the development will also be home to a new community garden.
As with the other planned developments along the river, the impact of Denargo Market will extend well beyond its immediate boundaries. It will act as a vital nexus, stitching together previously disjointed areas of the surrounding neighborhoods. The improved connectivity will not only enhance pedestrian and cyclist circulation, but also strengthen the overall fabric of the neighborhood as an extension of Denver’s downtown.
Even before the buildings at Denargo Market go vertical, the new riverside greenspace and amenities will bring enormous benefit and value to the broader community. The development team is looking to activate this public realm with several events over the next year to enhance the neighborhood fabric ahead of the vertical construction.
Completion of Phase I is planned for Q3 2025, with a section of public parks opening in fall 2024, including a basketball and pickleball court, enhanced dog park, and picnicking area. The groundbreaking on the first for-rent multifamily building is being planned for later in 2025. While numerous factors will influence timing, the entire project is expected to be built out over the next decade.
A connected riverfront experience
The revitalization of the South Platte Riverfront extends beyond Denargo Market and The River Mile. Just north of Denargo Market lies RiNo ArtPark, which was spearheaded by the nonprofit RiNo Art District through a unique partnership with the city and county and serves as a testament to the power of community-driven development. The $7 million, three-acre (1.2 ha) project has redefined the urban landscape, turning city-owned buildings slated for demolition into lively community places, including a public library, affordable artist studios, an art gallery, the renowned Comal Heritage Food Incubator, and outdoor spaces that seamlessly connect to the riverfront.
Farther north along the river, Hurley Place—a seven-acre (2.8 ha) multi-phase, mixed-use project by Menalto Development—is poised to add even more density and vibrancy to the area. The first phase encompasses two 12-story towers with 320,000 square feet (29, 727 sq m) of office space, 202 residential units, and more than 30,000 square feet (2,787 sq m) of retail and mixed-use space. While specific details are still emerging, it’s clear that Hurley Place will contribute meaningfully to the overall connectivity of the riverfront.
The National Western Complex: Anchoring the vision
At the northernmost end of this developing corridor sits the National Western Complex, undergoing a significant transformation spearheaded by a public-private partnership involving the City of Denver, Colorado State University (CSU), and the Western Stock Show Association.
The bold redevelopment not only revitalizes the National Western campus, it also carves out a six-acre (2.4 ha) section of the South Platte riverfront specifically designed for community recreation and relaxation. These spaces include grassy open areas for picnics and performances, a 250-seat open-air amphitheater, and public art installations.
Additionally, the riverfront space will provide connectivity to the Backyard for CSU Spur’s Hydro building, expanding educational opportunities focused on water-related topics. This development will mark the first time the site connects to nearby neighborhoods and parks through new bridges and regional trails, significantly improving access to the riverfront for traditionally underserved neighborhoods.
A vibrant future for Denver
The collective impact of these riverfront developments will transform downtown Denver. They also mark the rebirth of a neglected natural treasure, and create a place where residents can connect with nature while building a sense of community.
In the not-so-distant future, families will picnic on the banks of the South Platte as cyclists zip along a network of interconnected trails and kayakers paddle in the water. This future is within reach, thanks to the vision of dedicated organizations, thoughtful developers, and a city ready to embrace its natural heritage. The South Platte River is Denver’s best-kept secret, and it’s finally time to celebrate its return to life.
For further reading:
Revitalizing Denver’s South Platte River Corridor
Parks that Protect: Leveraging Waterfronts for Resilient Communities
