Hundreds tour CU Denver's new Independence Plaza headquarters

Hundreds of CU Denver students, faculty, and staff walked through the corridors of Independence Plaza on Friday, October 23, marking the first public open house at the university’s newest campus building.

The event offered the community its first physical look at the space, which sits along the pedestrian section of 16th Street. Attendees joined guided tours led by student staff to explore key areas of the 19-story structure.

The acquisition of the building in August 2026 positioned the university as a central higher education partner in the Denver metro area. During the gathering, participants were asked to visualize potential uses for the facility.

Ideas collected on sticky notes covered a wide range of concepts. Handwritten suggestions in the university’s signature teal blue included calls to create community, provide built-in experiential learning, and establish a flourishing space for all university members.

Chancellor Kenneth T. Christensen and other university leaders were present to field questions and share their own visions for the building. The atmosphere included live music from the College of Arts & Media alumni band Hunters and Gatherers.

The Housing and Dining team provided lunch and sweet treats for attendees. The open house served as a foundational step in defining how the new space will support the university’s academic and community roles.