
Denver International Airport (DIA), one of the busiest transit hubs globally, has long been recognized for its vast, undeveloped surroundings. Today, the vision for transforming these empty plains into a bustling economic corridor has taken a significant step forward with the official launch of the “Colorado Aerotropolis.”
The Vision
Local officials have been nurturing the concept of an aerotropolis—a commercial district centered around the airport, tailored for businesses seeking proximity to their supply chains. This vision, referred to as the “Colorado Aerotropolis,” aims to create a thriving business community with unparalleled access to the airport’s logistical advantages.
The Launch
On Tuesday, the Colorado Aerotropolis initiative reached a new milestone with the launch of a revamped website designed to attract businesses by showcasing the extensive development opportunities available within this economic corridor. The initiative, which has been in development for over a decade, aspires to elevate the region to the prominence of other major business districts in Denver, such as downtown Denver, Cherry Creek, and the Denver Tech Center.
Strategic Marketing
“This marketing campaign is to raise awareness among site selectors and businesses looking to expand,” said Adams County Commissioner Emma Pinter. The campaign highlights the availability of various parcels of land, each offering unique access to rail, roadways, and the airport itself, making it an attractive proposition for businesses.
The Aerotropolis Concept
The aerotropolis model, a term coined by University of North Carolina professor John D. Kasarda in 2011, reflects a growing trend where airports serve as central nodes around which commercial and industrial activities develop. This model has been successfully implemented in cities like Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, Detroit, Memphis, and Chicago, despite constraints of limited land and financial resources. Colorado’s advantage lies in the expansive, undeveloped land surrounding DIA, presenting a unique opportunity to fully realize this concept.
Economic Impact
“This project leverages the economic activity generated by our amazing airport and drives economic prosperity for the surrounding community for decades to come,” stated Denver’s Executive Director of Economic Development and Opportunity, Adeeb Khan. The Colorado Aerotropolis is a collaborative effort among multiple municipalities, including Denver, Thornton, Commerce City, Aurora, Adams County, Brighton, and Federal Heights, all working together under the Aerotropolis Regional Committee.
Challenges and Branding
A significant challenge has been the coordination among various municipalities, making it difficult for businesses to navigate and understand the full scope of the Colorado Aerotropolis. To address this, the regional collaboration has branded the initiative as the “Colorado Aerotropolis,” a name that builds on the original “Airport City Denver” concept introduced by former Denver Mayor Michael Hancock in 2012. “We know that having a clear, compelling brand is what gives the development longevity,” said Jenni Hall, Adams County’s community and economic development director.
Development Potential
The Colorado Aerotropolis boasts over 16,000 acres of developable land, predominantly owned by DIA. The airport itself holds the second-largest land ownership of any airport in the world, with 53 miles of land, half of which is earmarked for commercial development. According to Ken Cope, DIA’s senior vice president of real estate development, about 1,500 acres are available for lease, offering flexibility in parcel sizing and leasing options.
Target Industries
The initiative aims to attract industrial and commercial companies to establish business parks, office buildings, distribution centers, and hotels. Key industries targeted include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare, all of which could significantly benefit from proximity to the airport and the surrounding Foreign Trade Zone.
Corporate Interest
United Airlines, a major player in the region, purchased 113 acres near DIA last year, intending to use part of the land for additional pilot training facilities while keeping other options open for future development.
Residential Projects
In addition to commercial developments, the Colorado Aerotropolis will include residential projects such as the Aurora Highlands, a 4,000-acre community within the corridor. Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman highlighted the potential for growth in Aurora, particularly with projects like the Fitzsimmons Innovation Community, which could expand into the Aerotropolis region, fostering manufacturing and research development.
Infrastructure Investment
The region is investing heavily in infrastructure to support its growth. Recent developments include the renaming of a major interchange to “Aerotropolis Interchange,” reflecting the area’s commercial activity and its growing economic significance. Other infrastructure projects aim to enhance connectivity between the airport and the business district.
Conclusion
The Colorado Aerotropolis represents a transformative vision for the Denver region, leveraging the strategic advantages of DIA’s vast landholdings to create a dynamic economic corridor. As the initiative gains momentum, it promises to drive economic prosperity and establish Denver as a central hub for business development in the 21st century.
This ambitious project, marked by regional collaboration and strategic marketing, is poised to redefine the relationship between airports and urban development, setting a precedent for future aerotropolis models worldwide.