Kensington Development Partners, in partnership with IM Properties, has acquired a 150-acre land parcel in Denver for the creation of Link 56, a transformative mixed-use development. Strategically positioned in the premier Green Valley Ranch/DEN International Airport submarket and high-growth corridor, this dynamic project is poised to redefine the area with a mix of retail, residential and open space, anchored by a commitment from Target.
When fully realized, Link 56 will feature approximately 250,000 square feet of commercial development and around 2,000 rental units, seamlessly integrated into a thoughtfully designed master plan on the northwest quadrant of 56th Ave. and Tower Road. The development will also include approximately 27 acres of parks and open space, offering residents and visitors direct access to the Peña Station light rail stop and the Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Preserve.
“Link 56 represents an incredible opportunity to bring a vibrant, well-balanced community to one of Denver’s fastest-growing corridors,” said Jared Eck, Development Partner of Kensington Development Partners. “With high-quality retail, exceptional housing options, and unparalleled connectivity, this project is a perfect example of our commitment to delivering impactful developments that enhance communities and create long-term value.”
Kansas City-based NSPJ Architects is the architect of record for the project. Construction on Phase I of Link 56 is set to begin immediately, with an estimated investment of $235 million. This initial phase will include:
- Target: A 150,799-square-foot Target store offering a diverse selection of products, including food and beverages, apparel, home goods, electronics and more. The store will join Target’s network of over 1,978 locations nationwide.
- 214-unit Class A Multifamily Development: A mix of two- and three-story garden-style apartments across 13 buildings, designed for modern living.
- 170-unit Class A Built-To-Rent (BTR) Townhome Community: A thoughtfully planned collection of two-story townhomes across approximately 11 acres.
- Retail & Dining Destinations: A combination of stand-alone and multi-tenant retail pads featuring a dynamic mix of prospective tenants. Lease negotiations are underway with brands spanning the restaurant, coffee, general retail and automotive sectors.
Beyond Phase I, Link 56 will expand with additional retail and residential components, further solidifying its status as a premier mixed-use destination. The completed development will incorporate 27 acres of open space, including neighborhood parks and First Creek open space, directly linking to the extensive 15,000-acre Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Preserve.
Strategically located within the aerospace, engineering and technology hub of Denver, Link 56 is surrounded by a thriving community of nearly 123,000 residents within a five-mile radius, boasting an average household income of $82,000. It is located less than 800 feet from the Peña Station light rail stop, which provides direct access to downtown Denver and DEN International Airport. The area is also home to approximately 43,000 daytime employees, with major corporations such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Microsoft, Zyn, Whole Foods and Amazon establishing a presence in the region. United Airlines, for example, is developing a 113-acre corporate campus adjacent to Link 56, expected to accommodate up to 5,000 employees at full buildout—further reinforcing the area’s robust economic growth.
With seamless transit access, premier retail offerings, and a diverse range of housing options, Link 56 is set to become a landmark development that shapes the future of this dynamic Denver corridor. Link 56 is Kensington and IM Properties’ second project in Colorado.
