The foundation is being set for a sweeping new development along Denver’s riverfront. The 17-acre project Denargo Market, situated north of downtown Denver, broke ground this week.

Touting the development as one that will become a “day-to-night” destination, project owners said they are set to bring up to 3 million square feet of office, residential, retail and hospitality space along the South Platte River in the next few years.

The owners/developers are a joint venture between FORMATIV and Golub & Co.

“We all want a city that is vibrant,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in a news release. “That means that it is active, engaged, where people are present and enjoying all the city has to offer. Denargo Market will add that vibrancy to this neighborhood and to downtown.”

The first phase of development will focus on infrastructure. The developers must remediate a landfill site, install utilities and storm water management, build out streets and sidewalks, and create protected and elevated bike lanes.

The first phase will also bring four acres of open space to the site. Denargo Market will offer public open space and amenities — such as sports courts, a dog park, a pedestrian plaza, a half-acre lawn, a splash pad, and a nature-based playground — in addition to perks for tenants, according to a news release.

Developers are also planning one of the largest public art installations in Denver, which is slated to be interactive. The Denver Urban Gardens has partnered with Denargo to install a community garden as well.

“Designed as a true community gathering space, we’ve intentionally protected mountain and city views, open green spaces and riverfront accessibility to ensure these vital elements will forever be part of the public experience at Denargo Market; we’re thrilled to be kicking off that work today,” Laura Newman, vice president of Investment & Development at Golub & Company, said in the release.

Johnston went on to say the project helps Denver work toward its climate goals by adding density, while also creating walkable and bike-able communities. The building is close enough to the downtown and the River North (RiNo) neighborhood that people can get to work without driving or needing transit, he said.

Office space will range from 200,000 square feet to 1.5 million square feet. The “day-to-night” approach will be delivered through 80,000 square feet of retail.

In 2025, project owners plan to break ground on a 16-story multifamily development bringing 380 apartments to the area. Those plans advanced out of the City of Denver’s Planning Board in early September, according to a news release. The development will add 1,000 residential units once fully completed.

A 56-unit affordable housing project also broke ground in January and will provide services for resident through a partnership with TGTHR, a Boulder-based organization providing supportive housing for people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are homeless.

It’s unclear how many buildings will eventually rise from the Denargo Market site. 

“Developing 17 acres of prime riverfront space here in Denver is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and the culmination of years of development work in this area for our team,” FORMATIV CEO Sean Campbell said in a news release. “This is the largest infill taking shape in Denver right now, and it will be a game-changer for inclusivity in our city.”