“This is our community. We care about education, we care about the local economy,” says Wendy Manning, director of marketing and business development for Denver Premium Outlets. “We need to leave this place better than we found it.”
Shopping at Denver Premium Outlets, located at 13801 Grant St., just east of I-25 and north of 136th Avenue, is only part of the story. Beyond more than 80 stores and restaurants—including major draws like Nike, Tory Burch and Coach—the center has become a gathering place where nature, art, education and local partnerships bring people together.
Connections Through Nature
Take a walk through the Outlet’s center and step on a paver path made of algae—among the first of its kind in the world. Wander past one of two pollinator gardens, alive with native grasses and colorful blooms from spring through fall. Or pause at the gigantic 20-foot-by-23-foot “Colorado Lifecycles” mural painted by local artist Kerry Cesen, who spent more than 100 hours meticulously illustrating Monarch butterflies, hummingbirds and Colorado plant life.
Local Partnerships
The algae brick path was created by Boulder-based Prometheus Materials, an innovative company focused on sustainable building. The Butterfly Pavilion, celebrating 30 years this year, partners with the Outlets to provide free STEM-based programming with nature components and kid-friendly offerings during the summer.
“We can empower our community to positively impact pollinator protection and conservation, while promoting greater biodiversity,” says Jennifer Quermann, Butterfly Pavilion’s senior director of communications and marketing. “Denver Premium Outlets is a meaningful partner with shared values in protecting these animals and our ecosystems.”
Shared Experiences
For families, the center offers playful and surprising moments—from a gigantic free play park to live reindeer visits during the holidays. Summer programs weave in science and exploration. Shoppers can stop, linger and connect in ways that go beyond retail.
The stores themselves play a role too. Tory Burch, for example, hosts special events to build connections among its shoppers.
“At the Denver Premium Outlet Tory Burch, we believe our role extends beyond the walls of our store,” says Staci Maj, general manager. “We are passionate about creating meaningful events for our clients, such as celebrating International Women’s Day and honoring heritage by featuring a Día de las Madres event.”
For International Women’s Day in March, the store hosted two local esthetician entrepreneurs—supporting women-owned businesses while connecting shoppers to community stories.
“Through these purposeful moments, we aim to inspire, support local growth and strengthen community connections,” says Maj.
Sustainability for the Neighborhood
Denver Premium Outlets also strives to connect globally while staying rooted locally. Last year, the center received the Adams County Gamechanger Sustainability Award and installed Thornton’s first e-bike smart hub. A “Sustainability Scavenger Hunt” invites guests to explore other green features, such as a 1,700-plant living wall. These initiatives encourage healthier, more connected neighborhoods.
“We want you to have an experience,” Manning says.
So—come for the shopping, stay for the chance to connect, learn and be part of a community.
“We need to leave this place better than we found it.”