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Hello GES residents, neighbors and friends,
Thank you to all who have participated to date in the procurement process for a public private
partnership (P3) developer to build the National Western Center phases 3-8, known as the Triangle
project. Over the past few months we have worked toward creating a public review process for the
Triangle equity package to directly integrate community interests into the project’s requirements. This
level of collaboration is new and innovative among projects of this type nationwide, and we have been
grateful for your honest participation. This recent work in 2020 built on nearly a decade of progress as
the city, its partners and the local community have pursued redevelopment of the National Western
Complex, with an eye on transforming it into a year-round, urban hub for food and agricultural
discovery.
The National Western Center Master Plan, adopted by City Council in 2015, outlined eight phases for the
completion of the campus. Phases one and two of the project are currently under construction. The
Triangle P3, as it was envisioned, incorporated the remaining phases 3-8 and included the design,
construction, and financing of a new approximately 10,000 seat arena, an expo hall, rehabilitation of the
historic 1909 Building to include a public market and other supporting public infrastructure, like roads,
parking, and bridges. It also included the long term operations, event programming, and maintenance of
the public facilities, and sought to fully-integrate a community-informed real estate development on the
southeast side of the campus.
After careful consideration, the city of Denver has decided to delay the current procurement process
for phases 3-8, the Triangle project. A delay is appropriate because of the economic impacts from
reduced tourism tax revenues due to COVID-19. Current construction on phases 1 and 2 of the National
Western Center project are proceeding. We look forward to pursuing completion of the campus under
more favorable economic conditions, as well as making adjustments to ensure equitable participation in
our community engagement process.
COVID-19 presents a challenge unlike anything we’ve ever seen. We realize Denver’s communities
continue to be affected by its impacts in many ways, and that the economic effects are just one piece of
the challenge for many.
Continuing in our commitment to transparency, we are sharing a letter that was distributed to the two
proposing project teams this morning.
While we are uncertain of when and how the Triangle procurement will resume, our work together over
the past few months has been well documented and will be utilized. The next phase of community
engagement will be well informed by what we’ve learned together through this process. The city will
maintain communication with our community partners in the coming weeks and months as we
determine our next steps toward our collaborative work together.
We believe in the incredible opportunity this campus brings to the Globeville and Elyria-Swansea
neighborhoods, greater Denver, and the entire region.
Join the Office of Performance Based Infrastructure on Zoom, as we share additional updates and answer any questions you may have.
WHEN: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 –– 5:30pm – 6:30pm
WHERE: Online via Zoom, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89266951366
Dial in Option: (669) 900-6833 Meeting ID: 89266951366
About the National Western Center Triangle
The National Western Center Master Plan, adopted by City Council in 2015, outlines eight phases for the completion of the campus. Phases one and two of the project are currently under construction. The Triangle project, as it is envisioned, incorporates the remaining phases 3-8 and included the design, construction, and financing of a new, approximately 10,000 seat arena, an expo hall, rehabilitation of the historic 1909 Building to include a public market and other supporting public infrastructure, like roads, parking, and bridges. It also includes the long term operations, event programming, and maintenance of the public facilities, and seeks to fully-integrate a community-informed private real estate development on the southeast side of the campus.
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