Denargo Market Opens 4 Acres of Riverfront Parks and Plazas
DENVER, CO – After two years of construction and more than $190 million invested in upfront infrastructure, Denargo Market has officially opened the first phase of its 17-acre redevelopment along the South Platte River in RiNo. The milestone marks the debut of over four acres of parks, plazas, and community amenities, a “public realm first” approach in large-scale urban redevelopment.
Photo Courtesy of Denargo Market
A Public Realm First Approach
Before a single residential or office building has broken ground, the development team delivered a complete network of open space. The new public realm includes a nature-based playground, a dog park and sport courts, a fire pit and pop-jet fountain, and a half-acre event lawn designed to host year-round gatherings.
At the center of the site is Rhingo, a 30-foot-tall climbable steel rhino sculpture co-designed by Sasaki and fabricated locally by JunoWorks and Eldorado Walls. The interactive art piece was named by the community earlier this year and is already positioned as a landmark for the new neighborhood.
Linking Downtown and the River
Spanning 17 acres between Union Station and the RiNo Art District, Denargo Market has long been considered one of Denver’s most significant infill opportunities. Historically the site of the city’s wholesale grocery market, the area was devastated by a four-alarm fire in 1971 and remained largely vacant or industrial for decades.
The new parks and plazas reconnect the riverfront with downtown and Brighton Boulevard through new sidewalks, bike lanes, and open space, while providing public amenities in a pocket of the city that has historically lacked them.
“This public realm-first approach demonstrates our commitment to making Denargo Market a true destination from day one,” said Laura Newman, Vice President of Investment & Development at Golub & Company. “We wanted to open the parks and plazas first so that the community could begin to enjoy this site even before the buildings arrive.”
Photo Courtesy of Denargo Market
Linking Major Redevelopment Areas
The strategic location of Wynkoop Crossing also reflects its role in Denver’s next wave of urban growth. On one side, the bridge connects directly into the fabric of Lower Downtown and Union Station, one of the city’s most active mixed-use districts. On the other, it lands within the emerging Arena District and the River Mile redevelopment, both expected to transform the riverfront with new residential, office, entertainment, and cultural spaces in the coming decades.
By establishing connections now, the project positions Wynkoop Crossing as a foundational piece of public infrastructure that supports long-term private investment. The concept illustrates how mobility, open space, and large-scale redevelopment can be integrated rather than treated as separate efforts.
Next Phases of Development
Denargo Market is ultimately planned to deliver more than 3 million square feet of residential, retail, hospitality, and office space. Future phases will rise around the parks and plazas now open, bringing thousands of new residents and businesses to the riverfront.
Developers say the upfront investment in environmental remediation, stormwater infrastructure, utilities, and public amenities lays the foundation for a connected, sustainable neighborhood.
“This is just the beginning of what will become one of Denver’s most dynamic riverfront communities,” said Sean Campbell, CEO of Formativ. “The opening of these parks is a celebration of creativity, community, and the future of the South Platte.”
Photo Courtesy of Denargo Market
Development Team
Owner: Golub & Company, Formativ
Developer: Sasaki
Associated with: JunoWorks, Eldorado Walls
All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
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All project information was sourced from publicly available site plans, renderings, and permitting documents.
4 minute read • After two years of construction and more than $190 million invested in upfront infrastructure, Denargo Market has officially opened the first phase of its 17-acre redevelopment along the South Platte River in RiNo.