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Denver’s Burnham Yard draft sets affordability and Native history goals as stadium review advances
Denver’s draft vision for the Burnham Yard area calls for affordable homes and businesses, better transit and trails, and meaningful recognition of Chicano and American Indian history. Public comments are open through Oct. 28, ahead of Planning Board and City Council reviews.
Denver has released a draft plan for the Burnham Yard area, outlining priorities for the neighborhood around the Broncos’ proposed stadium as the project moves toward further review and negotiations.
The nonbinding Burnham Yard Small Area Plan calls for a mix of housing that includes affordable options, accessible commercial space, job training, expanded transit and new trails. It also sets out goals to restore the surrounding environment, widen economic opportunities for residents and businesses, and recognize the area’s history.
That history includes longstanding ties between the South Platte River and Native communities, as well as Camp Weld, where Southern Cheyenne and Southern Arapaho peace chiefs met in 1864. The plan notes that the Third Colorado Cavalry departed from Camp Weld before carrying out the Sand Creek Massacre. It says American Indian community members who took part in focus groups emphasized the need for continued involvement throughout planning, design and implementation. Chicano communities’ connections to the area are also identified as part of the history the project should honor.
Mayor Mike Johnston said the vision reflects work by neighbors, the city and the Broncos over the past year. The city developed the plan with input from thousands of residents in nearby La Alma-Lincoln Park and Baker.
Residents can comment on the draft through Oct. 28. Denver’s Planning Board is expected to review it and vote on a recommendation within the next two months, followed by a City Council vote on adoption in early 2027. The schedule is later than an earlier city estimate, which anticipated Planning Board review in September and council consideration in November.
Adoption would help guide next steps, including rezoning and negotiations over a legally binding development agreement between the city and the team. The project still requires environmental remediation, consideration of an urban renewal district and an agreement on replacing part of Denver Water’s campus at the site. The location of a replacement emergency maintenance facility remains unresolved. The Broncos and neighborhood representatives are also negotiating a community benefits agreement.
The outstanding work matters to the team’s stated goal of having the project built by the 2031 NFL season. Construction would need to begin by next spring to meet that target. Broncos spokesman Patrick Smyth said details and decisions remain before the shared vision can become reality.
Councilwoman Jamie Torres, whose district includes Burnham Yard, described the small-area plan as foundational to other parts of the process. Community Planning and Development is accepting draft comments through Oct. 28, with additional opportunities to weigh in through the Planning Board and City Council.