Colorado Community College System Offered Lowry Campus Site
Officials issued a request for proposals to redevelop the 145-acre site straddling Denver and Aurora.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Higher Education
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In September 2026, the Colorado Community College System released a formal request for proposals for the 145-acre Lowry campus. The property, which currently hosts classes for the Community College of Aurora and the Community College of Denver, sits on the border of the two cities.
Why it matters
The redevelopment of this significant land parcel serves as a major transformation for the region, as the project is expected to become the second largest in the history of the area. This initiative marks a new chapter for the former military site.
The campus property encompasses 145 acres and spans the municipal border between Denver and Aurora. This site has been a fixture of the area since the closure of the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in 1996.
The players
Colorado Community College System
This is the state-wide governing body responsible for overseeing and operating community colleges across Colorado.
Community College of Aurora
This institution provides higher education and workforce training programs for students in the Aurora region.
Community College of Denver
This public community college serves the metropolitan Denver area with diverse academic and technical programs.
The details
The Colorado Community College System initiated the formal process to invite developers to reimagine the expansive property. Currently, the site remains an active academic hub utilized by both the Community College of Denver and the Community College of Aurora.
Timeline
The Fitzsimons Army Medical Center closed in 1996.
The Colorado Community College System issued the request for proposals in September 2026.
Culture Shift
This development project follows the long-term transformation pattern established by the 1996 closure of the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center. It represents a significant pivot toward redeveloping former institutional properties into modern urban spaces.
Residents in the Denver and Aurora area should monitor upcoming public forums regarding the project, as the development will likely change local infrastructure and access to campus sites. The selection process will eventually dictate how these 145 acres are integrated into the existing city neighborhoods.
The takeaway
The move to redevelop the Lowry site indicates a significant shift in land use for the Denver-Aurora corridor. Stakeholders and local residents should track the proposal process to understand the future footprint of educational facilities in the area.
Further reading
For more information on state academic facilities, visit Higher Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by BusinessDen.
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