Exploring CSU Spur:
An Anchor Institution Hub for Innovation and Community Engagement

May 7, 2025
Melissa Levy

During the 2025 Economic Development Conference for the EDA Denver Region, attendees had the opportunity to take a mobile workshop tour of the Colorado State University (CSU) Spur campus—and it did not disappoint. Spur is an innovative campus that blends aspects of being a cultural facility, a higher education campus focused not just on undergraduate education but on lifelong learning from “pre-k to gray,” and a bridge between rural and urban Colorado. Located in zip code 80216 around the Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea neighborhoods, CSU Spur sits in one of the most polluted and historically disinvested areas in the U.S., shaped by decades of redlining and environmental neglect. Despite this history, CSU Spur has become a catalyst for regeneration.

The history of the Spur campus is connected to the larger economic development opportunities related to the redevelopment of the National Western Center. Voters first approved a proposition to revamp the 250-acre National Western Complex in 2015 to transform the entire campus into a year-round destination for agriculture, food, education, and entertainment. The University has been involved with the National Western Stock Show since it first began in 1906 so CSU’s expanded presence at this historic area just makes sense.  Crews broke ground on the CSU Spur project in 2020, and Vida, the first of three main buildings, officially opened during the 2022 National Western Stock Show. Terra opened later that spring and Hydro, the final building, was completed in January 2023. More than 127,000 people visited the CSU Spur campus in 2024.

Spur is located in the 80216 zip code of Denver which is home to Globeville, Elyria, and Swansea neighborhoods. These neighborhoods have a rich and proud history but are also faced with significant concerns related to health, transportation, and economic opportunities. This area is part of the historically redlined areas of Denver and has been a Superfund site due to a history of heavy industry. To help address these issues, CSU Spur has adopted the anchor institution framework.  CSU Spur plays a vital role in supporting the surrounding community through long-term investment, collaboration, and intentional inclusion. The campus is committed to:

  • Community engagement and co-creation
  • College readiness and access for all learners
  • Support for small businesses and local procurement
  • Hosting public events and educational programming
  • Cultivating generational wealth and opportunity

One standout example of its local economic impact: CSU Spur has pre-approved over 20 local caterers for the many events held on campus, boosting small businesses and keeping money in the community. CSU Spur has offered discounts or free events for 80216 organizations, provided scholarships to CSU programs including summer camps and $10,000 scholarships to attend any of the CSU campuses for students in 80216, performed volunteer and community service days, donated over 4,000 pounds of produce, and offered free sessions to youth at the Temple Grandin Equine Center.

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A Living, Learning Innovation Ecosystem

The tour included visits to three main buildings on campus, each focused on a different theme:

  • Vida – Focuses on animal and human health and includes a partnership with the Humane Colorado Veterinary Hospital, which offers hands-on learning for all ages. It also houses the Temple Grandin Equine Center, which provides equine-assisted therapy—covered by Medicaid in Colorado.
  • Terra – Dedicated to food, agriculture, and sustainability, Terra is home to the world’s largest publicly accessible research green roof, showing how urban spaces can be used for plant and food production. The greenhouse is home to koi, demonstrating the potential to integrate aquaponics (fish production) into hydroponic (vegetable production) systems. Terra is also home to the Food Innovation Center, which is helping entrepreneurs develop and refine food products and find markets. The center includes the Ardent Mills Teaching and Culinary Center which is a commercial kitchen used for both education and industry partnerships, a sensory testing lab, the Leprino Foods Dairy Innovation Center, and other multi-purpose labs.
  • Hydro – Explores water science and policy and houses Denver Water, a unique university-utility partnership that expanded analytical capabilities of Denver Water while exposing learners of all ages to potential careers in water. Hydro’s rooftop also has a green roof that is used to facilitate research in agrivoltaics, a growing field that involves producing food crops and solar energy in the same space. 

The Shop, a former meatpacking facility and mechanic shop, now serves as a home for nonprofit partners, educational organizations and artist studios. It features maker spaces, summer camps, and entrepreneurship labs to inspire the next generation of innovators. These programs also showcase the value of higher education and STEM careers.

Innovation, Research & Sustainability

CSU Spur is home to a few cutting-edge research initiatives and community-focused programs:

  • Farm Lab – An industrial partner focused on soil testing and bagging
  • Soil Carbon Solution Center – Offers carbon finance bootcamps and industry-academic discussions
  • MARC (Metro Agricultural Research Center) – Works on aquaponics and greenhouse research
  • Companies renting lab space – Supporting a thriving innovation ecosystem

From agrivoltaics and green roofs to climate resilience research and water collection/testing, the campus is actively working to bring ideas out of the academy and into the world.

Public Engagement Through Art, Food & Fun

Community is at the heart of CSU Spur. Here are just a few of the ways they invite public involvement:

  • 2nd Saturdays – Free, family-friendly community events with food trucks, interactive science exhibits, and hands-on fun
  • Community Food Systems and Food Access – Supporting healthy food access and local vendors
  • Taste Testing at the Food Innovation Lab – Residents are paid to participate in taste testing new food products.
  • Public Art – Funded through 1% of its total state funding ($2.5 million out of $250 million, sourced from repurposed hotel tax revenue)
  • Career Walls – Every building features displays to inspire visitors by highlighting career paths in science, agriculture, water, veterinary care, and more
  • Public Education – Spur is focused on public education, research and community outreach, connecting K-12 students with scientists through observation and hands-on activities. CSU Spur works with K-12 students and teachers from across the state to provide career discovery opportunities.

A Commitment to the Future

With its strategic location near Denver International Airport, CSU Spur also serves as a convening space—hosting trade groups, industry partners, and collaborative forums. Ultimately, CSU Spur is making a “long play”—not just building a campus but investing in a future where we can collaboratively tackle the grand challenges facing the world. Through co-creation, access, and investment, it’s helping turn a once-overlooked area into a vibrant hub of innovation and opportunity.

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