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
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.
UPDATE: AUG. 22
Partial lane closures on Walnut Street, near Tivoli Garage
Beginning Monday, Aug. 25, Xcel Energy crews will conduct work along Walnut Street between 11th Street and the east entrance of the Tivoli Garage.
- Traffic impact: Expect partial lane closures on Walnut Street during this time.
- Tivoli Garage access: The Tivoli Garage will remain accessible from both directions, with flaggers assisting drivers as needed.
- Duration: Work is scheduled Aug. 25 – Sep. 25.
Please allow extra time when traveling in this area and follow posted signage and flagger instructions for safe access.
As work progresses on MSU Denver’s new student housing building east of the Tivoli Garage, more traffic disruptions around the construction site are expected through the fall semester
UPDATE: AUG. 26
Loud Construction Alert: Sept. 9 – 26
Dates: September 9 – 26, 2025
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Location: Student Housing Project Site
Potential Weekend Work: Makeup work may occur on weekends with prior approval.
As part of MSU Denver’s ongoing Student Housing Project, the installation of the Rammed Aggregate Pier (RAP) system, a central element of the building’s foundation, will take place from Sept. 9 through Sept. 23. This work involves installing 448 drilled piers using multiple drill rigs and hydraulic hammers. Bringing in multiple rigs will shorten the overall project timeline, but it will also increase noise levels during working hours.
What to Expect
During this period, campus can expect significant construction activity near the project site. The work will produce engine noise, backup alarms and repetitive hammering typical of heavy equipment operations. Trucks delivering aggregate will be moving continuously throughout the day.
Noise levels will be similar to highway construction, reaching up to 100 dB near the equipment, dropping to about 75–80 dB at 50 to 100 feet away. For comparison, heavy truck traffic is around 85 dB, and normal conversation averages 60 dB. Because of this, the work may cause disruptions, especially in the Hotel, City Heights Residence Halls, and, to a lesser extent, the Tivoli Student Union.
Recommendations
Those living, studying or working near the construction site should expect noticeable noise, especially in the early morning hours. To minimize the impact, consider using noise-canceling headphones, relocating to quieter areas of campus when possible or planning study and rest times outside of peak construction hours.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we continue improving the campus experience.
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 |