May 21, 2015
CONGRATULATIONS Class of
VOLUM E 70 | IS S UE 28 | 50 ¢
2015
SPECIAL TRIBUTE INSIDE A DA M S C OU N T Y & J E F F E R S ON COU N T Y, COLOR A D O
A publication of
WestminsterWindow.com
THORNTONFEST WAS HOPPING
Megan Owens of Golden competes with her dog Tesla in the Rocky Mountain DockDogs competition on Saturday during Thorntonfest. The annual event brought thousands of people to Carpenter Park Fields for entertainment, shopping, food and music. Photo by Ashley Reimers
Mall site to be built in blocks Negotiations with California developer didn’t work out By Ashley Reimers
areimers@coloradocommunitymedia.com
POSTAL ADDRESS
WESTMINSTER WINDOW
(ISSN 1072-1576) (USPS 455-250) OFFICE: 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210 Westminster, CO 80031 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Adams County and Jefferson County, Colorado, the Westminster Window is published weekly on Thursday by MetroNorth Newspapers, 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210, Westminster, CO 80031. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT WESTMINSTER, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 8703 Yates Dr., Ste. 210 Westminster, CO 80031 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legals: Fri. 11 a.m. Classifieds: Mon. 5 p.m.
PL E ASE RECYCLE T HI S C OPY
The City of Westminster is taking a new approach in the development process of the future downtown area. For several months the city was in negotiations with OliverMcMillan, a San Diego-based developer, but was unable to reach an agreement. Now Westminster is switching to a blockby-block approach in developing the 105-acre site located at U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard. “We respect the developments that OliverMcMillan has done around the country, and we worked hard to find a way to bring them to the site,” said Westminster City Manager Don Tripp. “But ultimately we could not agree on a deal that worked financially for the city and would help us achieve this bold vision of an urban downtown.” The city was initially going to take a blockby-block approach, before being approached by OliverMcMillan. Deputy City Manager Jody Andrews said by switching back and working with a variety of developers, instead of just one, the downtown area will have a vibrant mix of residential, retail and office uses. Within days of announcing the new approach, Andrews said several developers, both local and national, showed specific interest in the site. “Downtowns traditionally have developed on a block-by-block basis, and that’s key to achieving our goal of a true downtown,” he said. “Because we control most of the land, we can bring a great synergy to discussions with potential development partners.”
Artist rendering of the future Westminster downtown. Courtesy photo Westminster Mayor Herb Atchison said the timing was right for the block-by-block approach. “We’re taking the lead in this development in a time where our Colorado economy is quickly expanding,” he said. “We’re confident we are on the right track to achieve our community’s vision for a vibrant downtown.” The Westminster Downtown Specific Plan, SPD, approved by city council last year, will not change with the new block-by-block development approach. The SPD will continue to be the guideline for all of the developers. “Because there will be multiple developers, the blocks will actually be more interesting,” Andrews said. “Each block will have individual
expression, but still fall within the SPD guidelines.” Because of the switch in the development approach, vertical construction is being pushed from spring 2016 to fall 2016. However, multiple blocks could be going up at the same time. Construction of the first phase of roadways and utilities begins this summer. As major construction begins, Andrews said residents will quickly see the site taking shape as a traditional downtown grid. “The community will feel renewed optimism for the site as they see the roads and utilities being built,” he said. For more information on the Westminster downtown area, visit www.westminstercenter.us.
STEPPING INTO THE FUTURE Westminster 2015 graduate Monica Gomez pauses for just a moment, until faculty member Lottie Wilson gives her the pat on the arm that means it’s her time to step forward and receive her diploma at the May 15 ceremony, held at the 1stBank Center. Photo by Glenn Wallace