Mile High Greyhound Park

MHGP MHGP concept birds eye view — *This conceptual rendering looks southeast toward a vision of the site plan at full build-out*

The former Mile High Greyhound Park site is envisioned to become a vibrant, mixed-use area in the coming years, combining residential, retail/commercial, civic and educational spaces to help revitalize this historic part of Commerce City.

The site has been officially designated an urban renewal area, which allows tax increment financing (TIF) to be used as a funding source for the redevelopment of the
65-acre site. The property is currently owned by the Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority (CCURA). REGen, LLC is the master developer for the project.

Next Steps

Approve Urban Renewal Plan, consistent with House Bill 15-1348 (completed June 18, 2018)
Begin site infrastructure construction (Q4 2018)
Start of construction on residential units (Q2 2019)

Urban Renewal Plan

The Mile High Greyhound Park Urban Renewal Plan is designed to help provide important services, attract private investment, utilize underdeveloped land and leverage public investment and funding options to provide necessary public infrastructure. State legislation passed in 2015 required the plan to include agreements with other agencies who collect taxes from the property (Adams 14 School District, Adams County and the South Adams County Fire District) in order to allow the use of TIF to help fund infrastructure construction on the site.

Mile High Greyhound Park Urban Renewal Plan - FINAL

The urban renewal plan was approved by the planning commission, CCURA board and city council in June 2018. Read more about the approval of the plan here.

Zoning Approval

Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning unique to the Mile High Greyhound Park site was approved on January 9, 2017 to guide development on the site. The proposed zoning plan was presented to residents at a public meeting in September 2016 at Central Elementary. Learn more about PUD zoning.

Final PUD Zone Document

Public Meeting Presentation - September 2016

Background

For more than 60 years, the former Mile High Greyhound Park was a vibrant entertainment destination, drawing thousands of people from across Colorado. An economic engine for the city, the park employed hundreds of residents and sales tax revenues were reinvested in community projects. When greyhound racing ended in 2008, visitors and activity in the historic heart of Commerce City slowed.

The Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority purchased the property in August 2011, intent on redeveloping the site as an economic engine for a new generation. Demolition of existing structures was completed in 2013 to prepare the property for development. The Suncor Boys & Girls Club opened in 2015 on 2.5 acres of land donated by the CCURA to anchor the southeast corner of the redevelopment.

Project Vision

The community-supported vision for the site is a diverse mixed-use development that at full build out could create 1,454 permanent employees, generating $65.4 million in income on an annual basis.

Development Goals

Create a flexible, master framework plan
Create a mixed-use and multi-use neighborhood
Provide a variety of retail and commercial development options
Create a community destination and sense of place
Provide space for the Boys & Girls Club and other service organizations
Hold a portion of the property for an institutional anchor while pursing development on the remainder of the property.

The CCURA has invested more than $6 million in the property to date, including the abatement and demolition of 157,947 square feet of structures. Located in a Colorado Enterprise Zone and Urban Renewal Area, with access to several interstates and highways, the 65-acre site is a blank canvas to turn the vision into a reality that benefits the city and region for years to come.

Master Developer

After entering into exclusive negotiations with Real Estate Generation, aka REGen LLC, in March 2014 following a six-month competitive procurement process, the Commerce City Urban Renewal Authority and City Council approved a master development agreement (MDA) April 2016. The MDA was negotiated after thoughtful consideration of resident feedback, a theme which continued to shape the Urban Renewal Plan that guides development for the site.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the project or interest in development opportunities, contact:
Rick Wells
Principal, REGen, LLC
720-331-2071
rwells@regenllc.com

Specific questions for the city can be directed to:
Chris Cramer
Community Development Director
303-289-3678
CCramer@c3gov.com

City of Commerce City, CO