Get ready to experience the ultimate thrill in Greeley, Colorado! The city council has just given the green light to a monumental $1.1 billion entertainment district, set to revolutionize the region’s leisure scene. This game-changing complex will feature a state-of-the-art arena, a splash-tastic water park, and a luxurious hotel, promising non-stop excitement for thrill-seekers and families alike. Imagine a vibrant hub where friends and families can gather, create unforgettable memories, and enjoy a wide range of activities under one roof. With this entertainment extravaganza on the horizon, Greeley is poised to become the go-to destination for entertainment enthusiasts, event organizers, and anyone craving a taste of adventure. Stay tuned to find out what this gargantuan project has in store for you!
Greeley’s New Entertainment Hub
The Greeley Westside Project, a $1.1 billion entertainment district, is set to transform the west side of the city. The project, which was approved by the Greeley City Council, will feature an arena with three sheets of ice for youth hockey, a water park, a hotel and conference center, and future development will include housing, retail, and a transit hub.
Key Features
The arena will become the new home of the Colorado Eagles, the Colorado Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, which announced plans to leave Loveland last summer. The water park will offer a unique experience for visitors, while the hotel and conference center will provide an additional revenue stream for the city.
Timeline
The project’s timeline includes design and construction phases, with plans to open Phase I of the project by July 2028. The city will now work on zoning the project, with a scheduled completion date of 2026.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
The Greeley Westside Project aims to stop the leakage of sales tax dollars out of the community and support growth. According to Greeley City Manager Raymond Lee, the city is expected to become the home of 260,000 people in the next two to three decades.
Stopping the Leakage of Sales Tax Dollars
The project will help keep sales tax dollars within the community, supporting local businesses and growth. The city’s projections show that the project will generate significant revenue, which will be used to fund community projects and services.
Resident feedback has been positive, with many residents expressing the importance of keeping sales tax dollars local. “I think it’s a great idea to keep the money in Greeley,” said resident Franklin Hubbard. “It will help the community grow and provide more opportunities for our kids.”
Creating New Opportunities
The project will create new jobs, housing, and retail options in the area, providing a boost to the local economy. The arena will also host concerts and events, attracting visitors from across the region.
The city has projected a significant increase in job creation, with over 1,000 new jobs expected to be created during the construction phase. The project will also provide opportunities for local businesses to partner with the city and provide services to visitors.
- New jobs in construction, hospitality, and retail
- New housing options for visitors and employees
- New retail options, including restaurants and shops
- Increased revenue for local businesses
Housing and Retail
The Greeley Westside Project will offer a range of housing options, including apartments, single-family homes, and townhouses. The project will also feature a mix of retail spaces, including restaurants, shops, and services. According to the project’s developers, the housing and retail components will be designed to fit seamlessly into the surrounding community, with a focus on creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere.
Residences will range from studios to three-bedroom units, with prices starting at around $250,000. The project will also include a community center, a park, and a playground, providing a range of amenities for residents.
The retail component will include a mix of local and national brands, as well as independent boutiques and eateries. The project’s developers aim to create a unique and eclectic shopping experience that reflects the character of the surrounding community.
Concerns and Controversies
Downtown Development vs. Westside Project
One of the main concerns surrounding the Greeley Westside Project is the potential impact on downtown Greeley. Some residents worry that the project will draw visitors away from downtown, potentially harming local businesses.
“We hope that this project will help stop the leakage of sales tax dollars out of our community,” said Greeley City Manager Raymond Lee. “One of our biggest fears is that our community becomes a bedroom community, and a bedroom community, from a sales tax perspective, cannot support the type of growth that we are projected to have as a community as a whole.”
Resident Franklin Hubbard expressed a similar concern. “To have something more local, would be awesome,” he said. “But we don’t want to lose the charm of downtown.”
However, others see the project as an opportunity to create a new hub of activity in Greeley, rather than relying on downtown alone. “I think there’s two different experiences,” said Lee. “West Greeley is going to give you the high-end. Downtown is going to give you more of an intimate feeling. And we think those two options really speak to the essence of what our community truly is, and it’s a community for everyone.”
Long-time resident Ulli Limpitlaw worries that the project will divert funding away from other important community projects. “We have so many things in Greeley that need fixing that will not get done because the money is going out there,” she said.
Alternative Priorities
Some residents are concerned that the Greeley Westside Project will divert funding away from other important community projects. According to Limpitlaw, “We have so many things in Greeley that need fixing that will not get done because the money is going out there.”
Resident Stacy Thompson expressed a similar concern. “We need to make sure that we’re not sacrificing other important projects to fund this one,” she said.
Next Steps and Timeline
Zoning and Design
Following the approval of the Greeley Westside Project, the city will now work on zoning the project. Plans show design and construction scheduled through 2026, with hopes of opening Phase I of the project by July 2028.
The city will also work on developing a master plan for the project, which will outline the details of the housing, retail, and park spaces. According to Lee, the city aims to create a “unique and vibrant” space that reflects the character of the surrounding community.
Future Development
As part of the project’s Phase II, the city plans to develop a transit hub, which will provide easy access to public transportation. The project will also include a range of amenities, including a community center, a park, and a playground.
The city hopes to attract a range of businesses to the area, including restaurants, shops, and services. According to Lee, the city aims to create a “thriving” business district that reflects the character of the surrounding community.
The Greeley Westside Project is expected to create a range of job opportunities, from construction to retail and hospitality. According to Lee, the project will also provide a range of benefits to the local community, including improved infrastructure and a boost to the local economy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recent approval of a $1.1 billion entertainment district by the Greeley City Council marks a significant milestone for the city’s development. The project, featuring an arena, water park, and hotel, is expected to bring substantial economic growth and job opportunities to the area. As discussed in the article, the entertainment district will provide a major boost to the local economy, attracting new businesses, residents, and visitors. The council’s decision to greenlight this project demonstrates their commitment to investing in the city’s future and creating a thriving community.
The implications of this project extend beyond the city limits, as it is poised to become a major regional destination. The arena and water park will host various events and activities, drawing in crowds from surrounding areas and contributing to the city’s reputation as a hub for entertainment and leisure. As the project moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the city’s identity and contributes to its long-term growth. With the entertainment district expected to break ground in the near future, residents and visitors alike can expect a new era of excitement and opportunity in Greeley. As the city continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how this project influences the local culture and economy.
The approval of the entertainment district serves as a testament to the city council’s vision for a vibrant and prosperous community. As Greeley prepares to welcome this new development, it is clear that the city is on the cusp of a major transformation. With the potential to generate significant revenue and create lasting impact, the entertainment district is poised to leave an indelible mark on the city’s history. As the city moves forward, one thing is certain: the future of Greeley has never looked brighter, and the possibilities are endless. The question now is, what will be the lasting legacy of this ambitious project, and how will it forever change the face of this thriving city?
