The fall semester at Metropolitan State University of Denver isn’t just the start of another exciting academic year; it will usher in a new chapter in the Auraria Campus’ evolution. MSU Denver and campus partners are working on major projects that will enhance the student experience and strengthen connection to the community.
As construction gets underway, the projects are expected to involve some short-term impacts to campus, such as street and sidewalk closures, parking changes and office relocations. Check out the Stay Connected section (below) for information on how to access updates.
MSU Denver in :60, featuring COO Leanne Bokinskie
MSU Denver in :60 is an employee-focused video series designed to connect, inform and engage MSU Denver faculty and staff members. In just one minute, each episode delivers quick, engaging updates that highlight the University’s mission in action and spotlight colleagues making an impact.
In this first episode, COO Leanne Bokinskie discusses the major projects underway to transform our campus and student experience.
MSU Denver Projects
Two transformational projects led by MSU Denver that will launch this fall include:
| MSU Denver’s first student residence hall Groundbreaking scheduled for September; work to conclude in summer 2027. Where to find updates: Building Auraria project site | This new building next to the Tivoli Garage marks a historic first for MSU Denver: on-campus student housing. Crews are already preparing the site, with an official groundbreaking set for September. The 12-story residence hall will feature modern living spaces, expanded dining and retail options and a dedicated floor for the Classroom to Career Hub, integrating student services with daily campus life. Learn more. |
| The Gina and Frank Day Health Institute December through May 2027 Where to find updates: Building Auraria project site | With groundbreaking set for early 2026 next to West Classroom, this five-story facility will unite MSU Denver’s 10 health-related academic departments under one roof. With state-of-the-art labs, advanced technology and a collaborative, interprofessional approach, the institute will prepare students to enter — and lead — Colorado’s No. 1 job sector: health care. It will also serve as a hub for hundreds of community partnerships and health initiatives. Learn more. |
Beyond the construction of these new buildings, ongoing upgrades are ensuring that campus facilities remain functional, welcoming and ready for the future. This includes a major renovation of the Auraria Event Center, where the campus’ long-dormant aquatics facility will be transformed into a divisible, fully accessible 500-seat event space for activities and gatherings.
Auraria Campus projects
The Auraria Higher Education Center is leading a number of other major construction projects on campus beginning this fall:
| Campus Safety Center Groundbreaking scheduled for September. | Located at the northwest corner of Curtis and 7th Street, a 32,000-square-foot facility is being constructed for: – The Auraria Campus Police Department – Criminal Justice classrooms and labs – 24/7 study and student-lounge spaces |
| Workforce-housing building and Early Learning Center Design phase underway in 2025; project completion scheduled for 2027. | A dual-purpose 12-story building that will be next to MSU Denver’s new residence hall. It will feature: – More than 300 housing units available to income-qualified residents, including campus community members. – A state-of-the-art Early Learning Center, expanding the current center’s capacity by about 30%. |
| 5th Street Garage Department of Revenue renovation Ongoing through October. | Since the 5th Street Garage was built in 2014, there has been an empty office space on the southwest corner of the structure. The Colorado Department of Revenue will renovate and lease this space beginning in fall to operate a Regional Service Center. The center will house: – Department of Motor Vehicles driver’s-license services – Taxpayer services – Lottery Claims Office – Cashier and Tax Remittance Office The Department of Revenue will have dedicated parking spaces on the third floor of the 5th Street Garage for agency employees and customers. The campus community will be able to access the Service Center, a convenient amenity. |
Completed work
Ahead of the fall semester, Auraria Campus wrapped up several major improvements over the summer designed to make the campus safer, more welcoming and more sustainable.
Several construction projects are still in progress, so employees and students may notice detours, equipment and crews working in various areas. Improvements to heating, ventilation and air conditioning remain an ongoing priority, with additional modernization projects being scoped and resourced; updates will be shared as work continues.
Parking and RTD updates
Auraria Campus is rolling out several important parking changes, upgrades and policy adjustments this semester. Meanwhile, the next phase of the Regional Transportation District’s Downtown Rail Reconstruction Project will begin Sept. 2, resulting in temporary train-route changes for many Auraria Campus commuters.
Here’s what you need to know to plan and avoid surprises:
- Daily-rate increases: Following approval by the Auraria Campus Board of Directors in June, daily rates increased by 25 cents July 1. Increases will continue to be implemented over a three-year period.
- Event Center parking changes: Of 13 spaces currently for service and loading, 11 are becoming metered parking (managed through ParkMobile). Two spaces will remain vendor parking.
- Expanded 7th Street Garage permit area: The permit-only zone near the Walnut Street entrance on the first floor is more than doubling from 68 to 150 spaces.
- New parking spaces and accessibility improvements: In May, 11 new parking spaces were added near the 11th Street kiosk area, along with improved accessibility features.
- ParkMobile fee changes for nonaffiliated visitors: Nonaffiliated parkers (not registered students, faculty or staff) will pay the greater of 45 cents or 10% of the parking rate per transaction.
- RTD train rerouting: Track reconstruction near the Colfax at Auraria station mean all D Line trains will be rerouted to Union Station and H Line trains will terminate at Southmoor Station, where campus commuters will have to transfer to the E Line to continue their trip downtown. The route to Union Station includes stops at Auraria West and Ball Arena, providing convenient access to campus. The temporary changes, scheduled for September through November, are similar to the rerouting that occurred during last year’s track maintenance. However, unlike last year, trains will maintain their 15-minute frequencies.
As a reminder, employees are encouraged to register up to two vehicles to ensure that they benefit from the affiliated rates and avoid premium fees during nights, weekends or events. Processing takes two to three business days.
Stay connected
As construction progresses, the campus community will have multiple ways to stay informed. Project updates and information about potential impacts will be shared through the Early Bird, RED and the University and AHEC websites:
- Building Auraria: Progress in Motion – project-related updates
- Auraria Campus News – campus updates and announcements
Recent construction/facility updates impacting MSU Denver will also be announced on the Faculty and Staff Hub.
