MSU Denver Projects

Metropolitan State University of Denver is planning to construct an approximately 550-bed student-housing building on the Auraria Campus, part of the first on-campus housing project in the University’s history. The development on the campus’ north end, across from Ball Arena and just east of the Tivoli Garage, will also include a second building, owned by the Auraria Campus, that will offer workforce-housing units for mixed-income residents, including qualifying MSU Denver faculty members, staff members and students. With planned retail, food and beverage space, the mixed-use development aims to create a vibrant, community-centric downtown environment while addressing growing concerns about soaring housing costs in Denver.

• Anticipated Construction Start Date – June 2025
• Anticipated Construction End – March 2027
• Budget – $115 million
• Funding Source – Student housing revenue as well as state allocations and philanthropic contributions
• Architect/Engineer – SAR+
• Contractor – PCL

View the Project Spotlight in MSU Denver’s RED Newsletter

View Renderings of the Student Housing & C2 Hub Project

View the timelapse footage here

View newest drone footage here 

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MSU Denver is constructing a new 70,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility designed to expand health-related academic programs and enhance student success. The building will house advanced simulation technology to reduce reliance on limited clinical placements, helping students graduate more quickly. It will also support interdisciplinary learning and research, host community-serving clinics, and strengthen partnerships through collaboration with the Community College of Denver and industry leaders via events and seminars. This transformational space will serve as the new home for the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute and consolidate 10 health-focused departments, including nursing, nutrition, behavioral health, physical therapy, and social work. By increasing available space and resources, the facility will allow MSU Denver to accept and graduate 32% more students annually—addressing urgent demand in programs like nursing and social work.

• Anticipated Construction Start Date – November 2025
• Anticipated Construction End – May 2027
• Budget – $65 million
• Funding Source – State of Colorado funding, grants, and donations
• Architect/Engineer – Smith Group
• Contractor – Adolfson & Peterson Construction

Learn More About the Gina and Frank Day Health Institute

View project renderings here

MSU Denver is undertaking a campus planning project to better understand how our spaces are used today and how they can support future growth. Through campus tours, surveys, and stakeholder engagement, we’re gathering insights on current space conditions, usage patterns, and evolving academic needs. This process includes exploring different scenarios for space improvements, campus development, and policy alignment. The goal is to create thoughtful, data-informed recommendations that will help guide future investments and ensure our campus continues to serve students, faculty, and the community effectively.

• Kick-Off to start March 2025
• Final Report December 2025
• Budget –
• Funding Source –
• Architect/Engineer –

MSU Denver is reimagining part of the Auraria Campus Event Center to better support student and community events. This renovation will transform the former aquatic facility into a flexible, dividable event space with seating for up to 500 people. The project also includes the repurposing of underused racquetball and squash courts, additional storage areas, and improvements to the building’s exterior—such as replacing the existing glass wall and potentially adding a new vestibule. The revitalized Event Center will offer a more versatile and accessible venue for programs, performances, and campus gatherings.

• Kick-Off meetings to start Summer 2025
• Anticipated Construction End – TBD
• Budget – $10 – 13 million renovation
• Funding Source – Debt financing, no fee increase is required to support this new debt
• Architect/Engineer – TBD
• Contractor – TBD

MSU Denver is exploring energy performance contracting as a way to improve the efficiency and sustainability of campus facilities. The project begins with a detailed audit to assess opportunities for energy and water savings, including upgrades to systems and the integration of renewable energy. Based on the findings, recommendations will be made for potential improvements. If pursued, the selected contractor would guarantee savings, implement the upgrades, and verify that the projected energy and water savings are achieved—helping MSU Denver reduce utility costs and advance its commitment to sustainability.

• Contractor to start end of April 2025
• Implementation projected for January 2026
• Budget –
• Funding Source –
• Contractor – CEG Solutions