A ‘City of the Future’ Is Rising Around Denver International Airport

Denver International Airport (DIA), one of the busiest airports globally, is set to become more than just an air travel hub; it’s on the path to becoming the center of a thriving “aerotropolis.”

While DIA is approximately a 45-minute drive from downtown Denver, or a $10 train ride away, the area surrounding the airport has remained largely undeveloped. This vast expanse of land is now the focal point of an ambitious development plan that aims to transform the airport’s surroundings into a bustling, fully-functional city.

An “aerotropolis” is a city built around an airport as its core. The Colorado Aerotropolis proposal emphasizes “collaborative, responsible development,” aiming to attract businesses that benefit from close proximity to air transportation. Targeted industries include advanced manufacturing, aerospace, agriculture, renewable energy, and healthcare. The project is supported by various regional partners, including Adams County, the City of Denver, and the City of Aurora.

Currently, there isn’t much development around DIA. However, this new initiative could lead to significant economic growth in the region, enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and services. This would not only benefit travelers with quicker and easier navigation through the airport but also provide entertainment and amenities for those with long layovers.

The concept of an aerotropolis is not unique to Denver. Other major cities have successfully implemented similar models. For instance, Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is developing its own aerotropolis, complete with a tourism center. Singapore’s Changi International Airport features the Jewel, a massive entertainment and shopping complex with an on-site hotel and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Munich’s aerotropolis includes high-tech businesses, a shopping area, a beer garden, restaurants, and a mini-golf course.

The Colorado Aerotropolis project stems from a ballot initiative in which Colorado voters approved the development of 1,500 acres around the airport. The goal is to generate additional tax revenue and create jobs for the Denver area. This long-term project is expected to bring in approximately $630 million in tax revenue by 2040.

As this futuristic mini-city takes shape, Denver International Airport is poised to become a model of modern urban development, blending air travel with business, leisure, and residential life.