The rumors have been swirling for weeks about the future of the Cable Center. Built with a long-term lease on University of Denver land, The Cable Center is being acquired by the University of Denver. The move by DU is a logical step to consolidate capital assets and add needed office, academic and event space.
The facility opened in 2001, off Buchtel Avenue, and is adjacent to what is now Peter Barton Lacosse Stadium. Cable industry leaders from Denver were instrumental in supporting Dan Richie’s efforts to infuse needed capital into the rebirth of the University of Denver campus. Dan Ritchie, one of Denver’s cable godfathers. played a key role in securing the Cable Center at the University of Denver as well. The facility has always been a bit misunderstood by locals who likely believed the facility was owned and operated by the University of Denver. While no formal announcement has been made on the future of the facility by DU, a Welcoming Center with adequate parking and visibility seems to be a practical option. Also, several academic disciplines could be moved to the location. Mass Communications on the opposite side of campus is in desperate need of new facilities and may be a logical tenant to the facility, as well.
The building is currently occupied by the Syndeo Institute and houses the history of the cable business. A crew from the cable Syndeo Institute, will continue to occupy the fourth floor for several years until they move to a new, permenant space. The facility currently contains and documents the evolution of the cable industry and its history. The building has a cable library and an extensive collection of cable artifacts. The building was used for lectures and meetings and featured an expansive atrium, meeting rooms and auditorium. The facility was also rented for various social events and weddings along with select University of Denver events.
Photos: Courtesy of The Cable Center
Good to see DU owning this. A dedicated DU visitor/welcome center/admissions facility is a great use of this space, as is Mass Comm. Now that DU will own it, they can also sell the balcony for LAX games, perhaps with a cash bar for the people who don’t have Gold Club.
The building never really became the big cable hub as envisioned, as the cable business declined fast as the internet grew.
Mmmmm…ok but…it is far from being a legacy industry, cable is the backbone of the modern digital economy. In 2024, the U.S. cable sector generated $568.7 billion in economic output, supported 1.3 million jobs, and delivered fixed internet service to 59% of American households.
Through more than $355 billion in broadband investment over the past two decades, cable providers have built the high-capacity networks that power AI, cloud computing, remote work, 5G infrastructure, and the connected home. Innovations such as the 10G platform and DOCSIS 4.0 will deliver multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency, ensuring cable networks continue to meet the growing data demands of the future.
At the same time, the industry plays a critical role in powering data centers, enabling 5G deployment, strengthening cybersecurity, and expanding high-speed access to rural and underserved communities.
The cable industry is not a relic of the past. It is the infrastructure powering what comes next. And thanks to the generosity of cable pioneers, many buildings across the University of Denver campus stand as part of that legacy.
Yes, good news for DU. I’m sure the university will put it to good use.
The cable industry’s monument to “didn’t see that coming”
Awesome news. Great article 5BWest.
Actually, the cable industry did see it coming.
The cable industry pioneered (and profited from) the explosive growth of high speed internet by providing the high speed cable bandwidth to consumers and businesses, and the cable systems bundled the content.
But eventually, content became king, streaming became the norm and cord-cutting ensued as people tired of large cable bills…
Wouldn’t mind seeing them do some modifications to the exterior to blend the building into the typical exterior materials used on other campus buildings. I remember when the cable center was completed, I wondered when they were going to finish the exterior. The solid concrete look confused me, but then again I’m easily confused by strange decisions.
Yeah no one apart from my grandfather would be too excited about a building called “the Cable Center” – rename that shiz and get the MFJS students out of their current 1970s south campus asbestos palace
Yes please do a major overhaul of the facade.
Also has there been any movement on DU redeveloping the eastern side of the Ritchie Center along University? I’m sure the student housing is nice/needed but there is basically zero indication you are at the campus until University and Evans. I remember a long time ago there were lofty plans for that area
The master plan had the three acres on the northeastern corner of Buchtel and University as a Welcomin Center and graduate housing. I think the Cable Center would be an ideal welcoming center. I know DU is working on adding a hotel. This clearly would be the best option for the property. My bet (guess) is a hotel at the gateway to DU. It is the last great piece of property available for development.