Real Estate in Denver and the Suburbs

Throughout the 13+ years that I have lived in Highlands Ranch (moved here in 1995 from the south east Denver area) I have been practicing real estate in different capacities.  But the majority of time at least 75% of my business has been in Highlands Ranch.  With that in mind, you can imagine that over the years I have heard it all in regards to development speculations.  And quite frankly, most of it doesn't phase me anymore.  I have heard it all and the majority of it has always been rumors.

A few weeks ago I heard some rumblings that there may be a Target or other big box store coming to build in Highlands Ranch, somewhere near Westridge.  Honestly at first I thought it was most likely just one of those little rumors that I hear so often.

But about a week ago my wife asked me if I knew anything about it - she had gotten an email from a friend stating that in fact it was on the agenda to be presented at the next Development Review committee for the HRCA in June. 

I started my digging and before even needing to make any calls I found that it had in fact on the May 7th Agenda - looking like the beginning of it being brought up.

So what do I know?  Not much.  I actually haven't perused too much on this, yet.  In the last few days both my wife and I have gotten various emails about the proposed Super Target - and I understand there is a flier circulating the neighborhoods as well, although I haven't seen it yet.

What I do know is this:
I have heard that the proposed Super Target is being proposed for the east side of Lucent somewhere south of Plaza Drive.  Rumor on location?  I don't know but it seems like a logical place and it is on that May 7th agenda.

It has always been my understanding that the area in question is zoned for commercial use.  So big re-zoning initiatives most likely will not need to take place.

I have also heard that the proposed traffic route for truck deliveries would be Town Center Drive.  Rumor?  I hope so.  My kids are almost old enough to cross the street without an adult at Foothills Canyon and Town Center for the very popular Highline Canal Trail head and quite frankly there is enough truck traffic already - most of which speeds and refuses to stop in the pedestrian crosswalk.

I do know that there is a very nice existing Target, recently renovated, 2.9 miles east and I was able to travel the distance from what I believe to be the site to the existing Target in 4 1/2 minutes.  My route was Lucent to C470, get off first exit at Broadway.  North on Broadway to County Line Rd - east to Target.  Yes, I had mostly green lights, so we can say the average trip could be in the 4 - 7 minute range.  Rumor?  No.  I clocked it.

All I really do know is that there is another meeting on June 4th at 6:30 pm at the Southridge Rec Center for the Development Review Committee.  (NOTE - THIS IS A CHANGE IN LOCATION AS STATED ON THE HRCA WEBSITE.)  I have heard that this will be on the agenda but I have not seen a printed agenda yet to confirm.  If you are interested in the prospect of this development one way or another, I think attendance at the meeting would be something to consider.

I know a lot of people are asking each other how they feel about this.  I personally feel that I don't have all the facts and while I do not see a need for yet another store like this (when another is 2.9 miles away) I am going to keep an open mind until I get the facts at the meeting.

Being that I sell Highlands Ranch real estate for a living, I know that it is only a matter of time before I get calls asking about potential home values in the area in regards to this potential project.  I am not going to jump the gun on that - let's see what is really going on first.

If you know something for sure, I welcome you to share it here.

EDITED - I have updated this post to show that the meeting is now at the Southridge Rec Center as it is stated on the homepage of the HRCA website.