July 18, 2025 Posted In
Leadership on a National Stage
Every year, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Spring Meeting convenes the most influential minds in real estate, development, land use, and public policy. It’s where visionaries gather to explore challenges, spotlight innovation, and collaborate on solutions that shape the future of our cities and communities. In 2025, the ULI Spring Meeting came to Denver — a city that has become a national model for urban reinvention — and McWhinney was honored to be at the center of it all.
With more than 4,000 leaders in attendance, this year’s Spring Meeting addressed critical issues facing cities today, such as the evolving role of downtowns and placemaking in a post-pandemic era. For McWhinney, a company deeply committed to creating places people love, the event was both a platform and a proof point.
Our presence at ULI underlines our long-standing belief in the power of place. We’re proud of what we were able to share and the visibility we brought to the national stage. Events like this remind us why we do real estate differently.
McWhinney in Action at ULI
Over three days, we participated in nearly 30 sessions, panels, and tours, sharing insight across sectors including hospitality, housing, infrastructure, sustainability, and creative placemaking.
Our involvement was a testament to our leadership and influence in the industry. From shaping national conversations to hosting immersive experiences, our team was recognized for not just building places but building relationships and advancing ideas.
Key Highlights from the Week
1. Hotel Development Council Fireside Chat
McWhinney Co-Founder and CEO Chad McWhinney joined Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Sage Hospitality CEO Walter Isenberg for a memorable panel discussion with ULI’s Hotel Development Council. In a fireside chat format, the trio explored Colorado’s leadership in tourism, hospitality, and real estate, and why cities like Denver continue to attract national attention.
Chad shared reflections on McWhinney’s early role in transforming Denver’s Union Station and how visionary partnerships laid the groundwork for thriving, inclusive destinations. “We wanted to showcase Denver and Colorado and bring out our best,” he said.
The conversation touched on the value of partnerships and the need for experience-driven places in today’s urban environments. “We’re going to give you something that is different and visionary.”
2. Leadership Dinner with Mayor Mike Johnston
Another defining moment was a leadership dinner featuring Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who joined developers, city leaders, and community advocates to address the timely question: What makes Denver a destination—and where do we go from here?
“You have to defend it, and you have to invest in it, and you have to grow it for the next century,” he said. “We’re actually doubling down on the belief that downtown is the economic center of the city. It is the cultural and emotional heart of the city.”
That sentiment deeply resonates with McWhinney’s philosophy. Our approach to development considers not just today’s needs, but the next generation’s opportunities. Whether it’s supporting civic space, championing local businesses, or creating art-forward experiences, we believe in investing where it matters most: community.
3. Dairy Block Tour: Experiencing Place in Action
To bring that philosophy to life, McWhinney hosted ULI attendees on a guided tour of Dairy Block in Denver’s historic LoDo District — a national case study in mixed-use development and creative placemaking.
Led by General Manager Scott Vollmer and partners at NINE dot ARTS, the tour highlighted how art, design, and hospitality can work together to create immersive experiences that attract both locals and visitors. Dairy Block exemplifies the idea that a single block can become a destination, powered by thoughtful curation and community collaboration.
Why ULI Matters to McWhinney
At its core, ULI is about advancing responsible land use and shaping thriving communities. That mission aligns directly with McWhinney’s values and long-term vision.
From our master-planned communities like Centerra and Baseline, to our hospitality, residential, and commercial investments across the country, we believe in the importance of connection, creativity, and sustainability. Events like the ULI Spring Meeting allow us to share what we’ve learned, learn from others, and elevate ideas that can be applied nationwide.
What’s Next in Placemaking
The ULI Spring Meeting affirmed our core beliefs: the future of cities is being written by those who build with intention. At McWhinney, we’re proud to be part of that movement. We remain focused on delivering places that balance economic opportunity with livability, sustainability with style, and commerce with culture.
Through continued partnerships and bold thinking, we’re helping to define what’s next for placemaking in Denver and beyond.
To learn more about our community-forward developments, our partnerships, and our perspective on the future of real estate, we invite you to follow McWhinney’s journey — and be part of shaping the places people love.
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