This time next year, Downtown Westminster will look a lot different.

While we have seen a lot of progress in these last few months, the area will start to take on a “real neighborhood” feel with the completion of several large projects in the next 12-16 months. What was once 100+ acres of mostly dirt, is now transforming into a new urban center with a variety of retail, restaurant and residential options.

Last year, two major developments broke ground in the Downtown. Ascent at Downtown Westminster, a five-story residential and retail project, started construction in August 2017. Minneapolis-based developer Sherman Associates wanted to address the need for more attainable housing and is setting aside 10 percent of its 225 units for workforce housing.

The pet-friendly property will feature amenities such as large outdoor living and community areas, a fitness and yoga studio, a rooftop pool, outdoor kitchen and underground parking. Currently, leasing is going well, prompting Sherman Associates to break ground on a second project that will feature more residential units and ground floor retail, just a couple of blocks north.

In addition to Ascent, the Eaton Street Apartments, a five-story mixed-use project with ground floor retail and 118 affordable housing units, started construction in 2017 as well. These units will serve residents earning 60 percent or less of the area median income, or approximately $50,000 annually for a household of four. The building will wrap the north and east sides of the public parking garage, and is slated to be complete in the second quarter of 2019, along with Ascent at Downtown Westminster.

Also slated to open in late spring of 2019 is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema. The Austin-based company broke ground on its third Colorado location in Downtown Westminster in August of this year. The Westminster cinema will feature luxury recliners and nine screens, including a large-format and freakishly big “Alamo Big Show” screen, along with food and drink service.

Following on Alamo’s heels is the Origin Hotel. The Thrash Group, a Mississippi-based developer, broke ground on the 125-room boutique hotel that will offer corner suites overlooking Downtown Westminster, a fully-equipped fitness center, an independent restaurant concept and 3,000 square feet of meeting space. Origin Westminster will open its doors in late 2019.

With more than 300 new residential units, as well as a slew of dining, shopping and entertainment options opening next year, Downtown Westminster will soon be the next new hangout. Until that time, you can still explore the site and enjoy the great outdoors at the Central Square. This 1.2-acre plaza serves as the focal point for the Downtown and just recently completed its first phase of development, including a pavilion for outdoor programming and events.

In fact, expect to see huge crowds out at Downtown Westminster for our third annual Halloween Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20. Join us for this family-friendly event from noon to 8 p.m. and enjoy free carnival games, trick-or-treating, live music, food trucks and a beer garden. Hope to see you there!