Latest news with #NationalWesternCenter
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
National Western Center to begin expansion on equestrian center, hotel
DENVER (KDVR) — The National Western Center has planned on building an equestrian center, hotel and more on its campus in Denver, and now, construction is set to start soon. On Monday, Denver announced that the city council approved the launch of the project, committing more than $800 million over the next 35 years, according to the Denver Business Journal. This marks the final step to completing the initial phases of the 2015 voter-approved master plan to expand the campus. Hundreds brave snow as livestock parade through Denver for National Western Stock Show Right now, the campus is known for hosting the historic National Western Stock Show every January, however, the plan is to expand capacity for year-round programming with a new 4,500-seat equestrian center, a 160-room hotel, income-restricted workforce housing and a parking garage. Here's what it is planning to look like: 'There is no more cherished tradition in Denver than the Stock Show,' said Mayor Mike Johnston in a press release. 'Today, we are further committing to carrying that feeling throughout the rest of the year with events, entertainment, and a renewed dedication to putting people to work and improving the lives of neighbors through sustained – and lasting – trust and partnership.' New CSU campus at National Western Complex stacked with variety The mayor's office said that based on a recent economic impact study, the center and CSU Spur campus could bring in nearly $3 billion in gross domestic product for Colorado along with $2.1 billion in personal income and support more than 11,000 jobs over a five-year period. The project will begin soon in the Elyria Swansea neighborhood. The mayor's office said the equestrian center is set to begin in the fall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
7 days ago
- Business
- CBS News
Denver City Council backs $800M equestrian center project at National Western Complex
Denver's City Council approved two measures on Monday, advancing plans for a new equestrian center and hotel at the National Western Complex, the site of the popular National Western Stock Show each year. The decision came after multiple delays in voting, and it marks a significant step in a redevelopment effort that could cost more than $800 million over the coming decades. The expansion is expected to grow the campus's capacity for year-round programming with a new 4,500-seat equestrian center, 160-room hotel, income-restricted workforce housing, and a parking garage. The funds were set aside in a voter-approved measure in 2015, when about 65% of voters backed the investment. A map shows plans for future expansion of the National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado, which was approved by Denver City Council on Monday, June 2, 2025. National Western Center via City of Denver Over the course of 16 days every January, the stock show brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors. Advocates say the equestrian center is part of a larger effort to transform the National Western Complex into a year-round destination. "There is no more cherished tradition in Denver than the Stock Show," Denver Mayor Mike Johnston said in a statement. "Today, we are further committing to carrying that feeling throughout the rest of the year with events, entertainment, and a renewed dedication to putting people to work and improving the lives of neighbors through sustained -- and lasting -- trust and partnership." The National Western Stock Show complex in Denver, Colorado is seen on Jan. 8, 2017 during the National Western Stock Show, which was established in 1911. Jason Connolly/AFP via Getty Images "The new equestrian center will provide year-round opportunities to attract not only equine enthusiasts but also some of the nation's most prestigious horse shows to Denver," said Wes Allison, president and CEO of the National Western Stock Show. "It will solidify Denver's reputation as a premier destination with state-of-the-art facilities designed to serve the industry and community for generations to come." But neighbors have concerns about the scope, cost, and impact on the surrounding neighborhoods. Alfonso Espino lives near the complex and spoke to CBS News Colorado last month about his concerns about the expansion. "We didn't always not have a grocery store. We didn't always not have sidewalks. These are things that have been taken from us, and these are things that could be returned and built here again," he said at the time. "If you compare what we've been able to gather from that so far, it's like not even a drop in the bucket when you're talking about billions of dollars in investment into these facilities through public dollars." Construction on the project is expected to start in the fall and will likely take 2 to 3 years to complete. You can read more about the plans on the City of Denver's website.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Denver mayor announces furloughs, $250M budget shortfall over next 2 years
DENVER (KDVR) — Denver Mayor Mike Johnston announced major budget shortfalls for the city over the next two years, and said city employees will experience furloughs amid the cuts. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday morning, Johnston said the city is facing 'structural financial challenges,' like economic downturn, revenue flattening and increased government spending seen across the country. Johnston said in 2025, the city will have a $50 million revenue gap and a $200 million deficit to manage. Live updates: Coloradans react to House passage of Trump's policy bill In 2025, the city has seen just a 0.3% revenue increase, short of the projected 3.6% estimate and even further short than the previous 5% average growth before 2024. Some steps to increase revenue include the new National Women's Soccer League stadium, the National Western Center and increased downtown reinvestment. Johnston also said cutting cost measures include a tiered furlough system in 2025 for around two to seven days. All city employees will take two furlough days, then, based on income, the highest-paid employees, including Johnston himself, will take the seven days. The city will also enact a hiring freeze until mid-September. In 2026, some measures on the table to 'rightsizing budget' include layoffs, Johnston said, as well as program elimination and department consolidation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
