Hundreds tour CU Denver's new 19-story building on 16th Street
University leadership invited faculty, staff, and students to the August acquisition to gather input on how the space will function for the campus community.
By Vikram Harrison ·
Hundreds of CU Denver students, faculty, and staff toured a new 19-story building on the pedestrian stretch of 16th Street on Friday, Oct. 23. The event offered the first chance for the university community to inspect the space inside Independence Plaza, which overlooks downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains.
The university acquired the building in August 2026. This purchase positions the institution as the anchor higher education partner in the Denver metro area. During the open house, participants filled a white wall on the 19th floor with handwritten notes in teal blue. Ideas included creating community, fostering a flourishing space for staff and students, and integrating experiential learning.
Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen and other university leaders attended the event to listen to questions and share ideas. Attendees took tours of key spaces led by Lynx guides. The Housing and Dining team provided lunch and sweet treats, while the Hunters and Gatherers, an alumni band from the College of Arts & Media, performed live music.
The gathering served as a direct feedback session for the university's leadership team. Participants were asked to imagine what was possible for the new facility. The sticky notes on the wall captured specific hopes for the building's role in student life and faculty work. The event concluded with conversations between employees, learners, and administrators.
The building sits along the pedestrian portion of 16th Street. The university views the acquisition as a milestone for its service to students and local communities. The open house format allowed for informal interaction alongside structured tours. Leadership used the opportunity to gauge reactions to the new environment before finalizing plans.
