Latest news with #equestrianCenter
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.
CBS News
14-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Denver City Council postpones vote on new equestrian center and hotel at National Western Complex
Denver City Council was at max capacity Monday night for a wide range of agenda items. Still, many stayed through the 6 hour meeting to discuss the home of the National Western Complex. More than $800 million could be spent over the next few decades to build a new equestrian center and hotel. And while this could bring in millions in revenue, those who live nearby want to make sure they're not forgotten. National Western Stock Show CBS Throughout 16 days every January, the National Western Stock Show brings in hundreds of thousands of visitors. But for 365 days, those who live nearby have concerns about their community. Alfonso Espino lives in one of those neighborhoods. Now he's part of a community investment fund advocating for more funding as the stock show complex grows. "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," Espino said. But some funds are going to residents' needs. Right now, dollars rounded up at the stock show can support the neighborhood, but locals want a bigger share. "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 when you're talking about billions of dollars in investment into these facilities through public dollars," Espino said. CBS So, when Espino saw Denver City Council discussed giving the National Western Complex millions of dollars, he went to listen. The CEOs of the National Western Stock Show and National Western Center Authority were also at City Hall Monday night. "This is funding for the equestrian center, the hotel and workforce housing, which is another big need in north Denver and all over Denver and a parking structure," stock show CEO Brad Buchanan said. Buchanan says those buildings would be a big piece of the improvements discussed to keep the show in Denver after leadership considered leaving in 2011. "The National Western Stock show is an institution in Denver. I mean, that's why voters so broadly supported keeping it in our city. It's also where urban and rural meets," Buchanan said. In a statement in part, Wes Allison, President and CEO of the National Western Stock Show said, "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. 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." Buchanan says they've also held dozens of resident meetings leading up to this project. They've agreed to a room night fee from the hotel for the local fund and a new community meeting space. But neighbors are hoping for a bigger seat at the table. "If you are in favor of investing into the National Western center, that does not mean that you have to be against investing in our people as well," he said, "We could develop our neighborhood so that we can not only coexist, but we can thrive together." Denver City Council has postponed the vote to next week. If approved, construction on the equestrian center project could start next year and finish by 2028.
