A bill for an ordinance changing the zoning classification of 709 South Delaware Street in Baker. Approves a map amendment to rezone property from C-MX-16 to PUD-G 39, located at 709 South Delaware Street, in Council District 7. The Committee approved filing this item at its meeting on 11-12-2025.

Summary

This ordinance rezones approximately 5.98 acres (260,387 square feet) at 709 South Delaware Street in the Baker neighborhood from C-MX-16 (Urban Center – Mixed Use – 16 Stories) to PUD-G 39 (Planned Unit Development – General 39). The primary purpose is to facilitate the construction of a new soccer stadium for the Denver Summit FC, an expansion team of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), along with supporting commercial uses.

Key PUD-G 39 Provisions for Stadium Development:

• Maximum building height: 150 feet, aligning with the Washington Park View Plane.
• Setbacks: 0 feet on all sides (Primary Street, Side Street, Side Interior, Rear) to accommodate the stadium's design on the tight site.
• Parking: No required parking due to the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) designation, encouraging multimodal transportation. Surface parking is not a primary permitted use.
• Fencing: Maximum 12 feet high with up to 60% opacity on eastern and southern frontages, balancing security with visual permeability.
• Signage: Customized allowances for larger, electronic, multi-media displays, animation, flashing, and off-site advertising on the eastern and southern frontages, subject to an approved Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) to mitigate adverse impacts.

The rezoning is consistent with the Denver Comprehensive Plan 2040, Blueprint Denver (identifying the area as a Regional Center for growth), and the I-25 and Broadway Station Area Plan. The broader project is supported by a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) projected to deliver over $7 million in community benefits over 10 years, and includes a city capital investment of $50 million for land acquisition and public infrastructure, with potential for an additional $20 million for off-site improvements. The project is anticipated to generate $82 million annually in economic activity and create approximately 1,100 jobs.

Citizen Impact

This rezoning enables the construction of a new NWSL soccer stadium, bringing a major sports and entertainment venue to the city. Residents will benefit from new job opportunities, increased economic activity, and improved public access to a previously vacant industrial site through enhanced pedestrian and bike connections. The project also includes a Community Benefits Agreement addressing local priorities like sustainability and transportation.

Confidence

high