JLL selected to lead developer solicitation for mixed-use transformation of one of metro Denver's largest remaining infill sites
News release
CCCS launches search for master developer of 145-acre Lowry campus redevelopment
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Authors
Gréta Kieras
Key Takeaways
- The Colorado Community College System is issuing a Request for Proposals to select a master developer for the approximately 145-acre Lowry Campus, straddling Denver and Aurora on the Quebec Street corridor
- The site represents one of the largest remaining infill redevelopment opportunities in the Denver/Aurora region, with approximately 136 acres available for redevelopment by the end of 2028
- JLL is serving as exclusive real estate advisor to CCCS
The Announcement
DENVER, Sep. 10, 2026 – JLL announced today the launch of a competitive solicitation process to select a master developer for the redevelopment of the Lowry Campus, a 145-acre property located on the border of Denver and Aurora. The Request for Proposals, issued through BidNet Direct and due November 16, 2026, seeks an experienced developer or development team to create a cohesive, phased vision for transforming the site into a vibrant mixed-use environment.
JLL, serving as exclusive real estate advisor to CCCS, will manage the solicitation and negotiation process.
The campus is divided between 28 acres in Denver and 117 acres in Aurora along the Quebec Street corridor. Approximately 136 acres will become available for redevelopment or reuse by the end of 2028, when all CCCS uses will be relocated off-site or consolidated on the remaining nine acres. The site includes 18 primary buildings totaling approximately 566,000 square feet, some suitable for adaptive reuse.
"The Colorado Community College System is excited for the next chapter of the Lowry property," said CCCS Chancellor Marielena DeSanctis. "This property is an incredible asset for the Aurora and Denver communities, and it will enrich the surrounding neighborhoods and wider metropolitan area. The State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education, which governs CCCS, has provided essential leadership and oversight throughout this process, and their commitment to responsible stewardship of this public asset has been instrumental in reaching this milestone."
The site's strategic location offers compelling advantages for redevelopment. Surrounded by established residential neighborhoods, parks and mixed-use districts, the campus benefits from proximity to major employment centers, transit connections and regional amenities, including the Fitzsimmons Medical Campus, Stanley Marketplace and Denver's cultural institutions. The Lowry trade area has experienced 28.1% population growth since 2010, with residents demonstrating exceptional affluence and education levels that exceed city and national averages.
“This development is a rare, large-scale infill opportunity that with the right partner will catalyse sustained community investment, serve as a long-term tax base generator and provide more amenities to both the Aurora and Denver communities,” Trofka commented.
JLL's team is led by Karlen Beitman, Senior Vice President, Public Institutions Advisory; Education Lead, Krista Trofka, Vice President, Government and Education Advisory; Kurt Liss, Senior Vice President; and David Zehr, Associate, Public Institutions Advisory.
"The Lowry Campus opportunity combines scale, location and market fundamentals that are increasingly rare in established urban markets," Beitman said. "The selected developer will have the chance to create a true master-planned community on a site with demonstrated demand and strong demographic trends."
FAQs
Answer: The RFP will be issued on September 10, 2026, with proposals due November 16, 2026. CCCS will evaluate submissions, conduct interviews with top-ranked proposers, and select a master developer to enter into a 90-day Exclusive Negotiating Agreement.
Answer: CCCS is seeking mixed-use development proposals that maximize economic value while creating a vibrant environment aligned with community goals. The current zoning in Aurora (MU-OI) allows residential and commercial activities, while Denver's Special O-1 zoning will require the developer to lead entitlement efforts.
Answer: The site's existing water, wastewater and stormwater systems date to the 1940s and require full replacement and modernization. The developer will be responsible for all offsite and onsite infrastructure improvements, including utility connections and roadway reconstruction. Public financing tools such as Tax Increment Financing and metro districts may help offset costs.
About JLL
JLL (NYSE:JLL) is a leading global commercial real estate services and investment management company with annual revenue of $26.1 billion, operations in over 80 countries and a global workforce of more than 112,000 as of June 30, 2026. For over 200 years, clients have trusted JLL, a Fortune 500® company, to help them confidently buy, build, occupy, manage and invest across a variety of industries and property types, including office, industrial, hotel, multi-family, retail and data center properties. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAY. Powered by rich global datasets and leading technology capabilities, we provide coordinated, end-to-end delivery of real estate services for a broad range of global clients who represent a wide variety of industries. Through LaSalle Investment Management, we invest for clients on a global basis in both private assets and publicly traded real estate securities. For further information, visit jll.com.