The Triangle: A Community-Led Campaign for Land Reclamation
In 2015, the City of Denver released plans to redevelop the 16-acre plot known as “The Triangle,” located between I-70, Brighton Boulevard, 47th Avenue, and the RTD N Line. These plans proposed handing over large portions of the land to a single developer, prioritizing entertainment venues and big-box arenas with little to no connection to the surrounding community.
The development offered no housing and lacked public amenities, creating vast areas meant for occasional visitors rather than the daily needs of residents. As a result, the plans have been heavily criticized for promoting displacement and deepening the divide between the National Western Complex and the Elyria-Swansea neighborhood.
The GES Community Vision for the Triangle
In contrast, GES Coalition and Tierra Colectiva have organized a community-driven campaign to reclaim and repurpose The Triangle for neighborhood benefit. Their vision is rooted in community ownership and long-term stewardship. Instead of big-box venues, the community plan includes affordable housing, local businesses, gardens, plazas, and other public spaces designed for everyday use and cultural connection.
This people-powered vision reflects the values and needs of the GES neighborhoods — centering equity, healing, and sustainability. The goal is to repair the damage caused by past displacements and ensure that this land finally serves the community it surrounds.
Read the Community Plan for the Triangle
Meeting With the Mayor
The GES Coalition has been actively engaging with city officials, including Mayor Mike Johnston, to advocate for community-led development of the “Triangle” parcel—a 65-acre area near Brighton Boulevard and I-70 in Denver—with a vision that includes affordable housing, local businesses, and public spaces like a “People’s Plaza,” all managed through their Tierra Colectiva Community Land Trust to prevent displacement and ensure long-term community ownership.
In March 2024, the Coalition organized a neighborhood tour for the mayor to showcase existing community-led developments and present their comprehensive plan for the Triangle. While Mayor Johnston expressed support for community ownership, he stopped short of committing to transferring full control to the land trust, instead suggesting a collaborative approach involving multiple stakeholders.
Get Involved
If you are interested in getting involved in our campaign for community ownership of the land at The Triangle, reach out to alfonso@ges-coalition.org or join us at one of our public meetings. Our committee of neighbor leaders meets every Tuesday, and we hold monthly public meetings on the last Thursday of each month at 5:30 PM at 4700 Claude Ct., Denver, CO 80216. Your voice matters — let’s reclaim this land together.
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