Colorado-Real-Estate-Journal_508458

Page 30 - February 4-17, 2026 www.crej.com PROFILE Castle Pines Poised for Transformational Investment Infrastructure investment and master-planned development set stage for next phase of growth along I-25 After decades of measured growth, the City of Castle Pines is moving into its next chapter. With a major Inter- state 25 (I-25) interchange advancing and entitlements in place for a large-scale mixed- use district, the city is posi- tioning itself as one of the most compelling emerging development opportunities in the south Denver metro. Located approximately 20 miles south of downtown Den- ver, Castle Pines occupies a strategic midpoint between the established employment and retail centers of Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch to the north and the retail intensity of Castle Rock to the south. The com- munity’s elevated topography, preserved open space, and resi- dential character have long dis- tinguished it from surrounding submarkets. Now, those same attributes are forming the foun- dation for a long-awaited com- mercial core. “This is the moment when long-term planning turns into real, on-the-ground opportu- nity,” said Castle Pines City Manager Michael Penny. “The city has been deliberate about timing, infrastructure, and land use, and we’re now in a position to support development that enhances the communi- ty’s assets and strengthens our tax base while preserving the character residents value.” Infrastructure Unlocks the East Side The catalyst for Castle Pines’ transformation is a $42 million interchange project at Happy Canyon Road and I-25. Long identified as a key compo- nent for development on the east side of I-25, the project is now moving forward through a multi-jurisdictional funding partnership led by Douglas County, with participation from the city and private developers. The new interchange will significantly improve region- al access, relieve congestion on Castle Pines Parkway, and provide direct north- and southbound connectivity to I-25 for the southern portion of The Canyons development. Designed using modern traf- fic engineering principles, the interchange will enhance safety while supporting higher traffic volumes associated with future commercial and resi- dential growth. In addition to improved interstate access, North Can- yons Development Company is currently enhancing access to the future commercial core with the realignment of South Havana Street. The new road design will improve access by aligning the existing roadway network with the future mixed- use area. It will also reduce the number of intersections along Castle Pines Parkway, improv- ing mobility in the area. A Downtown Years in the Making At the center of the east side expansion is a master-planned mixed-use district envisioned as Castle Pines’ first true downtown. The plan allows for up to 2 million square feet of commercial development, anchored by retail, office, med- ical, and entertainment uses organized around a walkable street grid and central public spaces. Development concepts emphasize pedestrian orienta- tion, activated ground floors, and a strong public realm. Retail and dining uses are planned along internal main streets and plazas, while larg- er commercial footprints and structured parking are strate- gically positioned along the perimeter. Office development is planned along I-25 front- age, providing visibility while buffering residential neighbor- hoods from highway impacts. “From a development stand- point, The Canyons checks boxes that are becoming increasingly difficult to find in the Denver metro area: entitled land, committed infrastructure investment, and a munici- pality in the City of Castle Pines that understands l o n g - t e r m market fun- damentals,” said Skyler Hager, project manager with North Canyons Development Company. “That combination creates a clear path from vision to vertical development.” In addition to commercial uses, the ultimate build out plan includes approximately 5,000 residential units, with more than 1,500 already com- plete. Of the 5,000 planned units, 1,000 are planned for the mixed-use core, supporting a true live-work-play environ- ment. East of the mixed-use core, 3,500 residential units round out the approved resi- dential developments. The residential mix includes a vari- ety of single-family residential options at varying price points and dedicated multifamily units to support the commer- cial core, further expanding the city’s population base and long-term market support. South of the primary mixed- use district, more than 170 acres are designated for com- munity benefit uses, includ- ing options such as medical campuses, light industrial, or flex development. These sites represent rare greenfield opportunities in the Denver metro for larger users requir- ing contiguous land and cus- tomized facilities with imme- diate highway access. Residential Growth Supports Commercial Viability Castle Pines’ population has grown from approximately 10,500 in 2019 to more than 17,250 today, with long-term projections exceeding 30,000 residents at buildout. That growth, along with neighbor- ing residential expansion, has shifted the community from a bedroom suburb to a market capable of supporting expand- Michael Penny Skyler Hager