Large commercial developments—in particular, office and mixed-use work—topped the list of the largest projects to break ground in the Mountain States in 2015. The annual Top Starts ranking, based on the construction cost of the projects as reported by contractors, also includes higher education and highway projects and several hospital additions.
At the head of this year’s list is the long-awaited start of the controversial Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center, near Denver International Airport in Aurora, Colo. Led by joint-venture contractor Mortenson/WELBRO, the $530-million, 85-acre development, which overcame several lawsuits seeking to block its tax rebates, includes a 1,500-room hotel, more than 1.9 million sq ft of hospitality, retail, commercial and convention space, and an indoor-outdoor water park.