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Southeast corridor holds strong
By Chris Michlewicz
There are new indications that the south metro area is riding out the economic downturn much better than most communities across the country.
While it’s true that new development is at a 20-year low throughout much of Douglas County, including Castle Rock, there are a few rays of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy forecast. Several companies have relocated their corporate headquarters to the southeast corridor, including a bio fuels company called GEVO that is regarded as a prime example of the type of business that will flourish when economic conditions improve.
Charles Schwab, the financial services giant, is in the process of bringing 500 jobs, including dozens of new positions, to the Inverness Business Park.
“We have the total package for people: a beautiful place to live, a quality, highly educated workforce and great school systems,” said Lynn Myers, director of economic development for the South East Business Partnership.
Business executives are also lured by a strong transportation system, and some experts believe that a smooth implementation of FastTracks could catapult Denver to a top-tier city status. Denver International Airport, Centennial Municipal Airport and the Regional Transportation District’s Light Rail system have already bolstered the city’s reputation as a great place to live.
Things are also looking up on the home front. Forbes Magazine recently rated metro Denver as the No. 1 area for long term promise for homebuyers, and The Meadows, a sprawling residential development west of Interstate 25 in Castle Rock, is reporting relatively strong numbers for new home sales. The community claims 89 net new contracts this year compared to 70 for Stapleton in north Denver and 77 contracts for the Dancing Willows development in Jefferson County.
Jason Jansky, a spokesman for The Meadows, said homebuyers are enticed by federal tax incentives and the community’s proximity to stable employment centers.
The South East Business Partnership awarded Castle Rock Town Council last month for its contributions to economic development. The town was recently named by Relocate America as one of the best places to live for mobile professionals.
A recent online survey of businesses in the Southeast Business Corridor revealed that the area, including the Denver Technological Center, has been affected by the downturn, but the number of jobs that still exist indicates a higher resistance to the “recession than other economic centers in the nation.”
“New development is lower in a lot of other places right now,” Myers said. “We’re hanging in there.”
The survey focused on the current condition of a wide range of industries, including real estate-property management, construction, health care, finance and insurance. The responding businesses employ a combined 6,790 employees of whom 5,820 are full time.
RidgeGate, a planned office development southeast of I-25 and Lincoln Avenue, will bring a significant number of jobs to an area that already is home to a successful medical center and a new highway interchange. Several large corporations are eyeing Denver as a place to rebuild, Myers said, and many are simply waiting until the economic ripples subside.
“We’re weathering the difficult times as well as any place in the country,” she said. “As soon as the financial markets stabilize and lending comes back, we’ll be in pretty good shape.”
While it’s true that new development is at a 20-year low throughout much of Douglas County, including Castle Rock, there are a few rays of sunshine in an otherwise gloomy forecast. Several companies have relocated their corporate headquarters to the southeast corridor, including a bio fuels company called GEVO that is regarded as a prime example of the type of business that will flourish when economic conditions improve.
Charles Schwab, the financial services giant, is in the process of bringing 500 jobs, including dozens of new positions, to the Inverness Business Park.
“We have the total package for people: a beautiful place to live, a quality, highly educated workforce and great school systems,” said Lynn Myers, director of economic development for the South East Business Partnership.
Business executives are also lured by a strong transportation system, and some experts believe that a smooth implementation of FastTracks could catapult Denver to a top-tier city status. Denver International Airport, Centennial Municipal Airport and the Regional Transportation District’s Light Rail system have already bolstered the city’s reputation as a great place to live.
Things are also looking up on the home front. Forbes Magazine recently rated metro Denver as the No. 1 area for long term promise for homebuyers, and The Meadows, a sprawling residential development west of Interstate 25 in Castle Rock, is reporting relatively strong numbers for new home sales. The community claims 89 net new contracts this year compared to 70 for Stapleton in north Denver and 77 contracts for the Dancing Willows development in Jefferson County.
Jason Jansky, a spokesman for The Meadows, said homebuyers are enticed by federal tax incentives and the community’s proximity to stable employment centers.
The South East Business Partnership awarded Castle Rock Town Council last month for its contributions to economic development. The town was recently named by Relocate America as one of the best places to live for mobile professionals.
A recent online survey of businesses in the Southeast Business Corridor revealed that the area, including the Denver Technological Center, has been affected by the downturn, but the number of jobs that still exist indicates a higher resistance to the “recession than other economic centers in the nation.”
“New development is lower in a lot of other places right now,” Myers said. “We’re hanging in there.”
The survey focused on the current condition of a wide range of industries, including real estate-property management, construction, health care, finance and insurance. The responding businesses employ a combined 6,790 employees of whom 5,820 are full time.
RidgeGate, a planned office development southeast of I-25 and Lincoln Avenue, will bring a significant number of jobs to an area that already is home to a successful medical center and a new highway interchange. Several large corporations are eyeing Denver as a place to rebuild, Myers said, and many are simply waiting until the economic ripples subside.
“We’re weathering the difficult times as well as any place in the country,” she said. “As soon as the financial markets stabilize and lending comes back, we’ll be in pretty good shape.”
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