Burnham Yard Community Planning

Burnham Yard Community Planning Banner Image

 

As the Burnham Yard area and its surrounding neighborhoods sees significant changes over the next few years, the City and County of Denver as well as other partners will be leading multiple projects that will guide those changes. The inactive railyard was announced in September 2025 as the preferred site for the Broncos’ new stadium. 

A community process is active now and will continue through 2026 to inform the changes to come to Burnham Yard and the surrounding area.

Community input will be integrated in several ways, including city plans and policies for the surrounding area, Bronco’s designs for the stadium and mixed-use district, and partner-led community benefits agreement.

Get Involved! Sign up to receive information on the latest project updates, upcoming meetings and surveys, and ways to provide your ideas.

 


SHARE TODAY: Online Survey Live Now

Take a moment today to fill out this simple survey to tell us about your priorities around major factors like connectivity, environment, economic growth, and community livability – your input will shape 3 alternative plan approaches to the Burnham Yard study area that will be developed over the next few months.

Those who complete the survey will be eligible to win free tickets to the Denver Botanic Gardens, the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the Clyfford Still Museum. Be sure to enter your email at the end of the survey.

Quick Facts

Who’s paying for the stadium?
The stadium and mixed-use district around it will be privately funded by the Broncos ownership group. The City and State will provide support for public improvements, with no new taxes.

When is this happening?
The community visioning process kicked off in Fall 2025. The new stadium is targeted to open in 2031.

Why build a new stadium?
Rather than making major fixes to the old building, a new stadium (with a roof!) will bring in more jobs, events, and boost the economy.

What about community benefits?
Community input will be integrated into the city-led plans in the area. Additionally, the Broncos will enter a Community Benefits Agreement which will be negotiated directly with community members.

What will happen to the current stadium?
The City will get back control of Empower Field & surrounding parking lots, which opens up new neighborhood development opportunities down the road.

Download an overview 1-pager: 
Burnham-Yards-Community-Planning_Overview.pdf(PDF, 437KB)
Burnham-Yard-Planificacion-Comunitaria_Resumen-General.pdf(PDF, 442KB)

A Brief History & Look Ahead

1870 - 2016: Active Railyard
For 150 years, Burnham Yard served railroad operations. The use of the yard predates Colorado becoming a state!

2021: State Buys the Land
The State of Colorado purchased the yard to explore transportation infrastructure options.

2022 - 2024: Technical Study
A transportation planning study is completed, and determines using Burnham Yard mainly for transportation infrastructure wouldn’t be the right move.

2023 - 2024: Starting to Plan
The State began a community process to begin visioning what the yard could become. The project was paused.

2025: Broncos Announcement
The Broncos announce Burnham Yard as the preferred site for a new stadium and mixed-use district.

Now: A Community Process!
The City of Denver kicks off Burnham Yard Community Planning to create a shared vision for the future of Burnham Yard and steward impacts and opportunities for current residents.

2025 - 2026: Plans & Blueprints
Community ideas will be refined and documented as the Bronco’s designs for the stadium and mixed-use district, city plan for the surrounding area, and legally binding community benefits agreement.

Future: Long Term Planning
Community ideas will be refined and documented as the Bronco’s designs for the stadium and mixed-use district, city plan for the surrounding area, and legally binding community benefits agreement.

I have concerns about being able to continue living or working here

Community members have made it clear in previous projects in this area that being able to afford to continue to live and work in this historic neighborhood is a top concern and priority. The Burnham Yard Community Planning process will address planning and policy impacts that can reduce the risk of pushing people out.

There are resources already available that can be accessed today:

Resident Resources:
Resources are available to keep you in your home, such as tax relief, rent and utility help, eviction or foreclosure help, and more.
Contact: housingstability@denvergov.org

Small Business Resources
The city is focused on supporting the La Alma-Lincoln Park neighborhood, among others, with resources for small businesses, non-profits, and community groups.
Contact: NEST@denvergov.org

 


Explore the links below to get connected to all the projects that will touch Burnham Yard and its surrounding area.