Regency Athletic Complex at MSU Denver

Transforming a challenging brownfield site into a premier collegiate athletics complex and community asset.

Developed for the Auraria Higher Education Center, this multi-sport athletics complex transformed approximately 13 acres of former industrial property into a state-of-the-art recreational and competitive sports destination. Designed to support NCAA Division II athletics while serving the broader campus community, the project demonstrates how innovative planning and environmental stewardship can convert a challenging site into a valuable community resource.

Located on the northeast edge of campus, the site presented significant environmental remediation challenges associated with its industrial history. Extensive cleanup and soil abatement efforts were required before construction could begin. The project’s specialized remediation strategy successfully addressed contaminated materials while preparing the property for long-term educational and recreational use, creating a model for sustainable brownfield redevelopment.

The completed complex includes a relocated baseball field, competition soccer field, soccer practice field, and eight lighted tennis courts designed to meet collegiate athletic standards. State-of-the-art synthetic turf systems provide durable, high-performance playing surfaces that support year-round use and reduce maintenance requirements.

Supporting amenities include press boxes, concession facilities, locker rooms, training spaces, and an 800-square-foot prefabricated restroom building. Additional site improvements included retaining walls, sidewalks, sports lighting systems, and the construction of a new Denver city street that enhances access and connectivity throughout the area.

The project also included grading and infrastructure improvements to support future phases of development, ensuring the site could continue evolving alongside the needs of the campus and its athletic programs.

The result is a modern athletics complex that expands recreational opportunities, supports collegiate competition, and demonstrates the successful transformation of a former industrial property into a vibrant community asset.

This project received the 2016 Mayor’s Design Awards for Sustainable Style from City and County of Denver Community Planning and Development.