Denver Water's Big Move to Elyria-Swansea

Denver Water is making a significant shift, planning to build a new operations campus in the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood. This move is tied to the Denver Broncos' plans for a new stadium and entertainment district. The utility has agreed to provide 25 acres of its current campus to the Broncos, who will cover the relocation costs. The new campus will be spread across two lots. Lot A, covering 15. 5 acres, will house a large warehouse, pipe storage, fleet maintenance, and a trades shop. Lot B, on 6 acres, will host a meter shop. The utility will also need to install new water mains, sewer lines, detention ponds, and private roads. They might even widen Josephine Street north of 41st Avenue. Denver requires developers to set aside land for parks or open space. Denver Water plans to dedicate more than 10% of the land as open space, but with a catch—the public can only view it, not access it. This is to keep the operational facilities secure. The utility's board approved the purchase of these parcels in September, with sales expected to close soon. The land Denver Water is acquiring has a history. One parcel was once an AT&T facility, and the other is currently owned by a private individual. The funds for this purchase will come from the utility's 2025 and 2026 budgets, to be reimbursed by the Broncos later. Initially, Denver Water tried to buy nearby parcels, even sending out offer letters. However, they withdrew most of these offers after the Broncos found alternative locations with the city's help. The Broncos need the land for their new stadium and mixed-use development at Burnham Yard, a former rail yard. This move is part of a larger plan to accommodate the Broncos' new stadium and surrounding development. It's a complex process involving multiple stakeholders and significant investments. The outcome will shape the future of the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood and the broader Denver area.