Downtown Denver Has a Case of Development Fever

With construction cranes dotting downtown Denver's skyline, the area's growth is apparent to anyone gazing skyward. A new report released this week on the "State of Downtown Denver" quantifies the area's "unprecedented growth".

1 minute read

September 14, 2013, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


"There are 26 projects under construction in downtown Denver, representing $1.8 billion in investment from the public and private sectors, according to a report released Wednesday," writes Howard Pankratz.

The third annual report [PDF], presented by real estate service firm Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, "shows Downtown Denver’s progress in creating an environment attractive to drivers of the new economy, such as the Millennial generation and start-ups..." The area's attraction is reflected in its surging residential population, which has grown 142 percent since 2000. 

"Downtown Denver continued to see unprecedented growth over the past year," said Tami Door, president and CEO of the Downtown Denver Partnership. "The strength, vitality and vibrancy of cities are critical to the success of our regions, because this is what ultimately attracts companies, employees, residents and visitors, and spurs growth in the state and region."

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 in The Denver Post

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

September 30, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

The mayor of Baltimore speaks into a microphone in front of a rally for more state transportation funding from Maryland.

‘Going backwards:’ Baltimore mayor, students rally against state's transit funding plan

Maryland's proposed six-year plan provides no funding for Baltimore’s BMORE bus program and reduces its road maintenance funding.

October 2, 2026 - Baltimore Sun

A rendering of the waterfront development, which shows a lit-up stage by the waterfront and people walking about.

Detroit to transform waterfront with $2.2 billion investment

Developers will convert about 18 acres of unused parking lot space into civic spaces.

October 2, 2026 - ABC 7

A worker supervises the dumping of waste at a landfill.

NYC’s landfills will soon overflow — expanding them invites health risks

In as little as 16 years, New York City will have to find new places to dump its trash.

45 minutes ago - Inside Climate News

A narrow road with signs for bike lanes with a mural of flowers in the background.

This Boston neighborhood is filling its roads with obstacles — intentionally

Somerville is embracing ‘extreme street makeovers’ to make its roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

1 hour ago - Boston Globe

A rendering of the courthouse. The middle section is glass, the far left and right pillars are white.

Planned $2 billion courthouse in MA sparks tension with local government

Springfield owns an essential piece of the land developers intend to build on, and some city officials do not want to see the project come to fruition.

October 5 - Boston Globe

FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?

After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.

Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold

The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.

Senior Planner

City of Thousand Oaks

Community Development Director

City of Wisconsin Rapids

Professor of Urban Planning

Harvard University Graduate School of Design