Brighton

Growth is nothing new for the city of Brighton. Since its incorporation in 1887 with a population of 175, the city has hardly stopped expanding. Brighton – which straddles Adams and Weld counties – is one of Colorado’s fastest-growing regions, and not without reason.

Residents of Brighton are close enough enjoy many of the urban advantages Denver has to offer, while still having a rural retreat with a panoramic view of Barr Lake State Park.

Despite its proximity to the state capital, Brighton has made an effort to distance itself from the “suburb” label, focusing in recent years on setting design standards, strengthening environmental initiatives and channeling commercial growth to specific neighborhoods.

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The opening of the Prairie Center — the entrance of which is unmistakably marked with a 3,000-pound bronze bald eagle with a wingspan of 20 feet – has created opportunity for retailers and consumers alike. The 2-million-square-foot center brought to town JC Penney, Kohl’s, Super Target, Home Depot and Candlewood Suites, among numerous other retailers and restaurants. The Pavilions Shopping Center brought more stores downtown, as well as a 12-screen movieplex, the first theater built in the city since the 1970s.

Brighton has not let commercial growth go unchecked, however. The city’s “smart growth” plan was specifically designed to protect its small town feel. It included a revitalization of downtown and protection and improvement for its quaint Main Street, an area complete with railroad tracks and old store facades.

Brighton is the home of two Vestas manufacturing plants. Also based in Brighton is Leed Fabrication, a manufacturer of equipment for oil and gas development nationwide. The company is an employer of welders, assemblers, machine operators and others.

Health care has also gained recognition in the city’s economy. In 2011, Brighton’s $138 million Platte Valley Medical Center was named one of the nation’s top performers on key quality measures by The Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health care organizations in America.