City and County of Denver officials have a proposal at hand for a massive project at the National Western Center. The project includes the development of an equestrian center along with other additions to the complex. An agreement has been proposed between the City and the Center authorities.
Highlights
- Construction of the Equestrian Center project at the National Western Center is under consideration in Denver.
- The estimated cost of the project is between $350 million and $400 million.
- If the construction of the project begins this year, it is expected to be completed by 2028.
New Developments are Planned for the National Western Center
The City and County of Denver is going to observe voting for a proposal regarding the construction of an equestrian center. There will be a partnership between the City and County of Denver and the National Western Center Authority for the Equestrian Complex project.
Mayor Mike Johnston and Center authorities will pitch the proposal in front of the voting committee on Wednesday. The project includes multiple components with a main equestrian center, and the overall estimated cost is between $350 to $400 million. If the plan for the complex gets approved, it will be a massive development at the Center site.
The CEO of the National Western Center Authority, Brad Buchanan, believes that this project will be a great attraction for visitors. The Equestrian Center project will add to the holistic outlook of NWC. Also, the planning is community-driven, which is proven by the key components and features of the project.
Community Activation Partners and a group of contractors, including Toronto and Denver-based development firms, will handle the development of the project.
- Fengate Asset Management
- Hensel Phelps Construction
- McWhinney Real Estate
- Sage Hospitality
The City’s Department of Finance is involved in managing the cost breakdown. The project will be financed over 35 years, with an annual payment of $23 million.
Key Features of the Proposal
The Equestrian complex will include different elements to make it an overall convenient development. There will be an equestrian center, a hotel, housing for the workforce, and parking spaces. So far, the proposal presentation mentions these components. Affordable housing option is considered as well. The details of how the project will look are mentioned here.
- Equestrian Center: A state-of-the-art equestrian center will be designed with 4,500 seats, a 570-stall stable, and multi-functional warm-up paddock spaces.
- Hotel: A full-service hotel with 160 rooms will be included in the complex.
- Workforce Housing: 30-40 income-restricted housing units will provide essential accommodation.
- Parking Garage: 580 parking spaces are planned to facilitate smooth access to the complex.
The CEO of National Western Center revealed that it is anticipated that if the construction of the project starts this year’s fall, then the goal is to complete it by 2028. The project is under the control of the South Platte River Committee, which will vote this Wednesday on forwarding the proposal to the council.
As the land for the project is owned by the city, the City Council of Denver will have a final say regarding the planning, design, finance, etc. Maintenance and management of operations will fall under the National Western Center Authority.
