Blink too slowly and you might miss it. There’s a lot happening south of 76th Avenue between Federal and Sheridan boulevards that Westminster residents can look forward to. Historic Westminster is a crucial area of focus for improvements to resident safety, utilities, recreation, and overall quality of life. With more than a dozen projects taking place over the next four years, Historic Westminster will look a lot different in the near future.
This summer, the City recently completed a $6 million modernization of Swim & Fitness Center (3290 W. 76th Ave.), which staff endearingly refer to as the heart of Historic Westminster. With new fitness areas and equipment, community rooms, and recreation programming, these new amenities and an emphasis on ADA upgrades have increased the facility’s accessibility for residents.
Young people in Westminster can soon enjoy a brand new modern, ADA-accessible playground at Irving Street Park (7392 Irving St.). With inclusive play structures, an art and exploration theme, and an adjacent outdoor classroom, the project is expected to be completed in 2025.
The MAC (3295 W. 72nd Ave) is also home to a new playground for the growing preschool program held there, while adults can look forward to new indoor pickleball courts expected to open in 2025.
“As Historic Westminster continues to be a focus for the City of Westminster, we in recreation wanted to be part of that success and ensure we continue to focus on providing wellness opportunities for the residents in the area,” said Recreation Services Manager Tim Lachermeier.
Not all projects are so easily visible. To provide more reliable drinking water service, Westminster’s Public Works and Utilities Department has replaced aging water mains along Newton Street, south of 72nd Avenue. Lowell Boulevard and West 72nd Avenue will also receive similar water main replacements.
Meanwhile, City staff will be engaging the community about designing a safer 72nd Avenue Corridor for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians. Roadways will soon include bike lanes and traffic calming measures to reduce speeding as well as improved sidewalks for pedestrian travel.
The most significant investment will be the construction of a new, modern Municipal Courthouse that is safe, secure, and ADA-accessible.
"In the new courthouse, residents will immediately notice improved accessibility, including ADA-compliant entrances and features that ensure easy navigation of the building," said Facilities and Projects Coordinator Dana Kester. "Security will be enhanced with better separation between public areas and secure zones for court personnel, creating a safe environment for all."
Construction on the new facility, which will be located on the same campus as the current courthouse (3030 Turnpike Dr.), is slated to begin in 2025.
City Manager Jody Andrews has been a champion for investments in Historic Westminster during his decade of service with the city.
"Listening to the community and making investments that matter to the residents and businesses in Historic Westminster is a shared goal of mine, City staff, and City Council," said Andrews. "Investing in Historic Westminster aligns with our mission of providing high-quality service and amenities to all residents. Now is the time for action, and we are committed to working with the residents and businesses of Historic Westminster to do the things that matter to them."
One of Westminster's most historic buildings will also see new life. Ed and Kyle Knudson, father and son co-owners of Barquentine Brewing Company in Edgewater, will soon open a second location in Historic Westminster's Rodeo Market building. The Knudsons have leased the building located on 73rd Avenue between the Vicki Bunsen Sculpture Garden and Westminster Grange Hall. Their future site named "The Barque" is a place they hope will bring the community together.
"We don't want people to think of this as a restaurant or a bar," said Ed. "It's a community gathering place."
The Barque will serve as Barquentine's second taproom and first kitchen, where a unique family recipe known as bierock will be made on site and served at both locations.
Establishing a taproom in Historic Westminster holds special meaning for Ed, who grew up blocks away from Westminster City Hall and attended Westminster High School. "I'm a Westminster native and it felt right when we walked in the door here."
Beyond aesthetic details including facade design, roll-open bay doors, a patio, and open floor plans, Ed's vision for The Barque is growing. "Our goal is to revitalize this block. We want this block to be like the cool place to come, not only for the neighborhood, but, you know, expanding out to other areas."
Westminster's Economic Development team shares Knudson's goal of transforming the 73rd Avenue corridor. Back in 2022, the City surveyed residents to determine what they wanted to see in the future of the Rodeo Market. Residents overwhelmingly chose a restaurant as their top choice, and staff engaged more than 80 restauranters searching for a good fit before landing on Barquentine.
"We want to be a good neighbor, and I think that's why we are so willing to invest in this site," said Economic Development Manager Stephanie Troller. "We want this to be a catalyst to support the local economy on 73rd Avenue." But before that can happen, the Rodeo Market requires several crucial improvements.
"As part of the lease, the City is responsible for all landlord improvements to the building," said Troller. The renowned property was listed as a Historical Landmark in 2006 so basic working systems like electric, as well as heating and cooling will need substantial upgrades to be brought up to modern City building codes.
The Barque is projected to open for business in 2026, and it won't be long before residents can add a craft beer taproom to the growing list of attractions in Historic Westminster.