$233M Colorado Convention Center Expansion Project Begins

DENVER, CO — Denver's Colorado Convention Center is set to undergo a 2-year renovation project, and crews will begin working on the expansion Saturday, the city's department of transportation and infrastructure said.

The $233 million renovation will allow for up to 25 additional events each year, which would generate an estimated $85 million for the economy, city officials said.

Crews are set to construct an 80,000 square foot multipurpose room and an outdoor terrace on the roof of the center.

Work will begin on Champa Street between Speer Boulevard and 14th Street, the city said. New markings will be installed on Champa, and the travel lanes will be shifted away from the center to make room for the first crane, which is scheduled to arrive over the next few weeks.

"Two lanes for vehicle travel and one for bikes will be maintained throughout the project; however, a few full closures of the stretch will be needed to establish the cranes as they arrive and keep the travelling public safe," the city's transportation department said in a news release.

"Construction is not expected to impact travel on 14th Street in front of the Colorado Convention Center."

Don't miss the latest news updates in Denver: Free Denver Patch Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook | Twitter

Funding for the renovation includes $104 million from Measure 2C, which was passed by voters in 2015, and $129 million in Certificates of Participation (tax-free bonds) that were issued in 2018. Repayment of the certificates is coming from Tourism Improvement District revenues, a portion of the seat tax and excess revenues from the Convention Center Hotel, city transportation officials said.

The renovation is set to be completed in 2023, the city said.

The project was originally scheduled to be completed in 2022; however, during the bidding period, there were allegations of collusion by private companies. The Denver District Attorney's Office found that there was an improper release of city documents and improper discussions, and an early contract was terminated.