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Architectural rendering of a 12-story student-housing building in a lively urban environment.
Campus Operations

MSU Denver to provide student housing as part of community-centered development  

New Auraria Campus project also includes workforce housing, C2 Hub, Early Learning Center and more.

Architectural rendering of a 12-story student-housing building in a lively urban environment.

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. 

Construction is expected to begin this summer and be completed in summer 2027. 

Headshot of Larry Sampler.

“This initiative marks an exciting new chapter for MSU Denver,” said project Co-chair Larry Sampler, special advisor to the president. “We are evolving alongside our city to ensure that our students and workforce have access to modern, community-focused living spaces that support their academic and professional goals.” 

MSU Denver is partnering with the Auraria Campus on the development of the 2-acre parcel, which will include two 12-story buildings. MSU Denver’s student-housing 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.  

Meanwhile, the adjacent workforce-housing building, led by the Auraria Campus in partnership with Columbia Ventures, will house the Early Learning Center — currently on the south side of campus — and about 300 workforce-housing units, helping to address affordability challenges for Denver’s workforce, including income-qualified members of the campus community. 

Addressing housing demand with neutral budget impact 

The MSU Denver student-housing building, projected to cost $115 million, will largely be funded through debt supported by revenue from student housing as well as state allocations and philanthropic contributions. Auraria Campus’ approximately $135 million workforce-housing building will leverage state P3 (public-private partnership) dollars and Proposition 123 funds, established by the state to help support housing accessibility.

“This and other campus infrastructure projects are typically funded through state funding, philanthropic contributions and debt financing,” said CFO Jim Carpenter. “Revenue-generating projects like student housing should have little impact to the University’s operational budget or student fees.” 

One-third of students who participated in a recent survey commute more than 40 minutes to campus, and more than 70% who rent or live with family members expressed interest in living on campus.  

Will Simpkins, Vice President for Student Affairs

“We know that housing has been and will continue to be a factor that influences students’ choice of university,” said Will Simpkins, Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs. “University-supported housing is good for not only our current students but prospective students as well. MSU Denver enjoys huge brand awareness across Colorado, and we hope students from the Western Slope to the Eastern Plains find an academic home here.” 

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, Simpkins said. 

“While the project is still in its early phases and may change slightly, the vision is clear: a mixed-use space that enhances access to education, workforce development and housing in one of Colorado’s most vibrant urban areas,” he said.