National Western Center Redevelopment

The National Western Center is an integral part of the history of Denver and the Old West and is home to significant and nostalgic resources. In 1881, the Denver Union Stock Yard Company was founded as a central unit of sale and commerce in Denver. The site had three major rail lines parallel to the South Platte River, making it the ideal location for a bustling livestock market. With rail came booming opportunities for trade, the open range, and rich mountain soil for cultivation. 

Today, these historic buildings and features on the National Western Center site tell the story of the stockyard and early show days, creating longstanding landmarks of the community.

Integrating and connecting the revitalized National Western Center to the surrounding communities was one of the primary focuses of this massive project. As the grounds continue to transform, we worked alongside the CCD to deliver a new three-span bridge over the South Platte River that connects the campus, neighboring communities and South Platte River Regional Trail. The bridge features public art as part of the city's public art program. Local artist David Ocelotl Garcia created the Peoples' Bridge of the Sun, which connects the Hispanic heritage of the region's many residents to the physical environment. This bridge is the first multiple Jacobs plans to deliver, joining the National Western Center to the broader city.

Jacobs is also working to revitalize a 6-acre segment of the South Platte riverfront alongside this infrastructure, making it accessible, healthy and safe for recreation — for residents and visitors alike year-round. This restoration has enhanced public access, provided open space amenities, flood protection and enhanced wildlife habitat. The new riverfront open space will feature signage to educate an estimated 2.2 million visitors annually about the South Platte River's history and how conservation partners helped improve this cherished river's functionality and resiliency.

While Jacobs has provided integral support for the first two phases of this impactful project, there are many milestones ahead. As program manager, we’re delivering the ambitious goals set by the National Western Center Master Plan, including full rehabilitation of the site and creating a new series of green and healthy spaces that will help launch a new era for the National Western Center, adjoining neighborhoods, and securing and growing the National Western Stock Show for the next century as Colorado’s largest agricultural convention, as well as providing year-round educational and agricultural programming.