Denver Water quietly began the process of acquiring more than 20 properties near its campus this spring, just as the utility and the Broncos were discussing a potential deal to use some of its current land to build a new stadium.
Denver Water’s board authorized the acquisition plans — for 23 properties spanning roughly 18 acres that are a stone’s throw from its complex south of downtown — in April and May. Its members didn’t publicly discuss the items before voting.
The Broncos are considering the state-owned Burnham Yard and the surrounding area among potential options in metro Denver for a new stadium to replace Empower Field at Mile High as the expiration of the team’s lease approaches in early 2031.