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Ralston Fields

On October 13, 2003, the Arvada City Council unanimously approved a 25-year urban renewal plan to enhance, redevelop, and/or revitalize the three major areas that make up the Ralston Fields District - the former Ridge Home site; the dated shopping centers in the vicinity of 58th Avenue and Independence, referred to as the Triangle Area; and the Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex.

Plans for these areas are preliminary and ideas are still being generated. There will be numerous opportunities for public input as plans proceed. As this is a 25-year plan, immediate changes should not be expected. Copies of the Ralston Fields Urban Renewal Plan are available to view or purchase at the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority office.

PDF - Fact Sheet

PDF - Ralston Fields Urban Renewal Plan

Arvada Ridge

In 1930 Ridge Home, a state institution for developmentally disabled children, opened on Kipling Parkway. Over the decades the institution grew to 68 acres with a campus that included over 50 buildings. In the early 1980's there was a change in philosophy on how to care for these children; group homes were found to be more effective, and Ridge Home began to close down. Portions of this huge campus sat abandoned and deteriorating for close to 20 years.

Before...

In 2003 a partnership that included Peregrine Group Development LLC, Shea Properties and the Arvada Urban Renewal Authority began the eagerly awaited process of redeveloping the former Ridge Home site - it is currently being transformed into a transit-oriented, mixed-use retail and residential community.

The 68-acre site is being developed in two phases. The first phase consists of the Arvada Ridge Market Place, a 260,000 square foot beautifully constructed retail development with the following tenants:

There are still leasing opportunities available, for information please contact Pat McHenry with CB Richard Ellis at (720) 528-5371.

After...

The second phase involves the Gold Line transit station due to arrive in 2015. The future transit station cuts right through the center of phase two, bringing with it exciting development opportunities. Future plans include a transit village with mixed-use retail and residential development.

Proposed Uses:

Parcel A - South Side of Ralston Road

Transit Station
Parking Structure
20,000 s.f. Retail
Plaza
Mid-Rise Condominiums - 140 Units
320 Multi Family Rental Units

Parcel B - North Side of Ralston Road

11.2 Acres
For Sales Multi-Family
Zoned for 190 - 330 units

The Triangle Area

The three shopping centers located in the vicinity of 58th Avenue and Independence Street were built in the 1960's and over time have become tired and in need of updating. AURA plans to revitalize the shopping district and bring in a fresh new look. There has been some activity in the area with the sale of a couple of the centers. AURA hopes to work with the new owners towards the goal of revitalizing the area.

The renewal of the centers will be a long-term process that could take up to twenty years to complete. At this time, there are no specific redevelopment plans and AURA doesn't expect to see any development activity in the area for several years.

Recent activity in the Triangle Area:

Van Bibber Masonry Wall - AURA has replaced the peeling and decaying wooden fence that separates the houses from the noise and commotion of Ralston Road with a beautiful masonry wall.

Before...                                                                   After...

K-Mart

The Arvada Kmart has undergone a significant remodel into what they call their "New Concept" store; it is the only store in Colorado chosen for such an upgrade. The renovation includes a completely reworked interior and the addition of some new product lines. The Arvada Kmart will carry a full line of Kenmore appliances, Craftsman Tools, and DieHard products. Kmart had its Grand Reopening celebration in November 2007.

Former McDonald's Site - AURA purchased the boarded up former McDonald's site and demolished it. The building had become a public safety issue as the ceiling was caving in and the structure was home to hundreds of pigeons. The building has been removed and the one acre site is available for office or residential development.

Van Bibber Drainage Improvement Project - A joint project between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Urban Drainage and Flood Control and the City of Arvada recently completed the 2½ year construction of the Van Bibber Drainage improvements. This project cut through the heart of the shopping centers and removed the flood plain status, which has opened the door to redevelopment opportunities.

Starbucks - With the assistance of urban renewal, Starbucks opened a new store in front of Kmart. The building's architecture is very clean and urban with beautiful wood paneling and an outdoor patio.

Lutz/Stenger Sports Complex

This 133 acre site is home to two regional sports facilities that attract over 1.3 million visitors a year. The area consists of:

Stenger Soccer Complex - 75 acres with 19 soccer fields, playground and 2 acre landscaped lake.

Lutz Sports Complex - 40 acres with 8 lighted ball fields, spectator bleachers, and batting cages.

Skyline Estates Park - planned for the future is an 18 acre neighborhood park.

Additional amenities consist of concession stands, restroom facilities, BMX track and the Van Bibber Trail.

Under urban renewal these regional sports complexes will remain the same, however, improvements may be made to enhance or add amenities. These could include better parking, sidewalks, concession stands, restrooms facilities, and landscaping.

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