A pedestrian overpass connecting two empty lots near I-25 and S Broadway — dubbed the “Bridge to Nowhere” — may finally lead somewhere with the planned development of a new women’s soccer stadium in the area.
A Brief History on the ‘Bridge to Nowhere’
The structure was built around 2023 as part of the Broadway Station project that planned to transform the property of the former Gates Rubber Factory into a mixed-use development featuring residences, office space, and retail.
However, the Broadway Station project never broke ground on the buildings, leaving behind a purposeless bridge and becoming the latest in a long line of attempts to bring the land back to life.
Developers have been looking to bring mixed-use projects to the I-25 and S Broadway area since 2005, but have been foiled by chemicals in the soil, the 2008 recession, and the 2020 pandemic. Even an effort to make the old rubber factory — which was built in the 1900s — into a historic site failed.
Finally, A Bridge to Somewhere?
The latest update for the property includes plans for a 14,500-seat soccer stadium for Denver’s new professional women’s team (yet to be named), as well as a large park, restaurants, retail, and residences.
Westword reports that the owners of the soccer team, Rob Cohen and Project Level, are financing the stadium and aim to open it in 2028.
City Cast Denver listener Ruth P., of Athmar Park, voiced her support for the project, especially if it connects the bridge to the stadium so she can bike to games.
“I'm excited the old Gates Rubber Factory land will finally get put to use,” Ruth said. “I live nearby and watched it get demolished with excitement, only to now look at an empty lot with no work going on every time I drive by.”
City officials echoed Ruth’s excitement.
“This stadium and redevelopment project will bring much-needed vitality to the area, which we believe will also jump-start development of the southern portion of the site, including making sure the ‘bridge to nowhere’ is finally connected and put into use,” said Nancy Kuhn, a spokesperson for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure.
Here’s hoping the newest owners have more luck in revitalizing the property and giving the Bridge to Nowhere a true purpose!
