Big changes in works for downtown Greeley in 2016

Starting a new year always is a great time to reflect on accomplishments of 2015 as well as look toward future growth and where your organization is headed in 2016.

The Greeley Downtown Development Authority recently finished its 2015 annual report. which documented some significant achievements during our last year. Fifteen new retail businesses were opened (including four new restaurants, three new breweries/taverns and a fresh-food pantry offering locally grown products). There were 23 property sales, indicating a growing interest in investing in downtown, and there are currently only four listed vacancies in the downtown core.

An estimated 60,000 people attended events sponsored throughout the year. The city of Greeley completed three blocks of renovations along Eighth Avenue, the major corridor that connects downtown and the University of Northern Colorado, and seven façade grants were funded for renovations that building owners made to improve their street presentation.

There is an ever-growing interest in downtown Greeley, and plans in 2016 will significantly change the landscape. Not since the Union Colony Civic Center in 1988 and the Ice Haus skating rink in 2005 has downtown Greeley experienced a major construction project. Starting in late March, the block east of the Civic Center and north of Lincoln Park will be cleared for construction of a 150-room hotel as well as a conference center. This project is a cooperative effort between the city of Greeley, the Downtown Development Authority and a group of local investors who are committed to downtown’s future.

To make room for this project, the city of Greeley is moving current functions that are housed in outdated buildings, will be constructing a new fire department and temporarily housing the municipal court in modular units. The Lincoln Park Library will also be moving to temporary space as it looks for its future home.  City offices currently are scattered among several blocks, and frequently customers are forced to search out several building in order to complete permits or talk to the right city department. The city has purchased several buildings near the current City Hall area and is clearing buildings to make room for future consolidation of city departments.

We frequently refer to this activity as the “domino” project, as there are so many pieces that have to be moved.  The cooperation between the city of Greeley, the DDA and the private investor/development group has been remarkable and weekly meetings have been held for months in order to complete a development agreement that is on target to be negotiated and signed within the next month.

Needless to say, there will be lots of construction hats and disruption throughout 2016 and early 2017, but the end result will forever change the scenery in Greeley. Visit Greeley already is fielding calls about convention activity, meeting space and events. Inquiries are coming in about building apartment complexes, new retail and renovation of current spaces. The city plans to complete the Eighth Avenue corridor all the way to the downtown core this year. Many new sculptures and murals were installed in 2015 and even more are planned for 2016.

It is a wonderful time to be involved in Greeley. Our city government is looking toward the future and our citizens recently approved a sales tax increase to improve the infrastructure of our streets. In addition to the DDA’s economic emphasis, the city also has expanded its Economic Development Department and Greeley has been selected by various organizations as “Best Performing City,” “Best Small City for Jobs” and “Fastest Growing Metro Area.” Greeley also is a designated Creative District by the state of Colorado.

The slow and steady growth in our downtown has just hit the accelerator pedal and we are thrilled to be a partner in the ride!

Pam Bricker is executive director of the Greeley Downtown Development Authority. 

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