MSU Denver Housing & Retail Building
ABOUT THE PROJECT
MSU Denver is constructing a 12-story student housing building. The building will include a floor dedicated to the Classroom to Career Hub (C2 Hub), which, in collaboration with Community College of Denver, connects students with career opportunities and industry partners. The ground floor will house multiple food and beverage options for students, faculty, staff, and community members.
The building will also provide additional opportunities for MSU Denver students to live on campus addressing growing concerns about soaring housing costs in Denver. Student housing aligns with MSU Denver’s mission to make higher education more accessible, addressing the critical need for affordable on-campus living. With rising living costs and limited housing in Denver, this initiative removes barriers, fosters belonging and enhances student engagement and retention.
Project Impacts & Updates
🚧 Lane & Sidewalk Impacts: Auraria Parkway (March 23 – May 18)
As part of ongoing infrastructure work, lane and sidewalk impacts will occur along Auraria Parkway between 9th Street and 11th Street.
Lane Closures (Phased)
- Location: Auraria Parkway (between 9th St & 11th St)
- Dates: March 23 – May 18
- Details: Rolling lane closures will occur throughout the project, including:
- Double right lane closures
- Double left lane closures
- Single left lane closures
- Reason: Fire line installation
- Note: Lane closures will shift throughout the duration of the project. Please follow posted signage and use caution when traveling through the area.
Sidewalk closure (March 31 – April 8): A temporary sidewalk closure will be in effect along Auraria Parkway between 9th Street and 11th Street.
Closure Details:
- Location: Auraria Parkway (between 9th St & 11th St)
- Dates: Tuesday, March 31 – Tuesday, April 8
- Reason: Fire line installation
Pedestrians are advised to follow posted detour signage and allow for additional travel time when navigating the area.
Construction Update (March 2026): Construction work hours have been extended to Monday-Friday, 6-9 p.m. There are currently no new road closures or additional impacts associated with this adjustment.
NOISE IMPACT: Mock evacuation drill to take place on 2/25/26, mid-morning
The contractor for this project is planning a mock evacuation drill for the project site on Wednesday, 2/25, around mid-morning.
During the drill, an air horn will sound until the site is evacuated.
This is only a drill.
2/9 Walnut Street Lane Closure Notice
Start Date: February 9, 2026
End Date: February 21, 2026
Hours: 24/7 (All day and night)
Location:
Walnut Street – lane closure on Walnut St only
Description of Work:
This closure is required for the removal of an unforeseen Xcel Energy gas line and the installation of a new 8-inch fire line as part of the MSU Denver Housing & Retail Building – Living and Learning Hub Project.
Noise Impact:
No major noise impacts are anticipated. Minor equipment noise may occur.
Accommodations & Safety Measures:
Appropriate road-closure provisions will be in place, including barriers and signage, to help guide traffic and ensure pedestrian safety throughout the duration of the work.
Please be advised that the Living and Learning Hub Project will require a temporary intersection closure on 11th Street, and Walnut Street, Feb. 2 – Feb. 6. Please see the following map for closure image, with the closed area highlighted in green.
Starting January 5 through January 31, Walnut Street between 10th and 11th will be closed for water line maintenance tied to this project. Signage and barriers will denote the closure.
RTD 11th and Auraria Bus Stop Closure – Alternative Options
The construction team is working on a plan to limit impacts to the campus community. There will be noise, it is unavoidable, but they are working to time the loudest work during appropriate times.
Starting July 21, 2025, and continuing until project completion: In late July, the campus community will begin to see fencing installed, contractor trailers positioned, and the site secured.
The 11th Street meters between Auraria Parkway and Walnut Street will be permanently closed, as will one metered space on the southeast corner of Walnut and 11th.
Additionally, the sidewalk on 11th Street between Auraria Parkway and Walnut Street will be closed.
Project Overview
| Anticipated construction start | 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 |